Honolulu Cookie Company: Another consistently popular souvenir is the Honolulu Cookie Company. The difference between it and Big Island Candies (BIC) is actually already evident in the name. In English, “candy” refers not just to hard candies but to sweet treats in general. That’s why BIC offers a wide range of products, including cookies (shortbread), brownies (a hugely popular specialty), mint chocolate, and even biscotti. Honolulu Cookie Company, on the other hand, is known for its single-minded focus on cookies. The symbol of this dedication is the pineapple shape. The company is committed to the pineapple shape—which signifies “hospitality”—and reportedly spent two years of trial and error perfecting a form that combines visual beauty with strength and balance. The selection features shortbread cookies baked with the flavors of Hawaii, such as guava, mango, coffee, and coconut. Seasonal limited-edition flavors are also a highlight; past offerings have included “Matcha-Dipped Strawberry,” “Lilikoi (Passion Fruit),” and “POG (a blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava).” My personal favorite was the “Mai Tai Macadamia,” created in collaboration with Ko Hana Rum, a Hawaiian rum distillery. Another reason these cookies are so popular is that each seasonal limited-edition flavor comes in packaging designed specifically for that flavor.
Sees Candies: Another sweet treat I’d like to mention is Sees Candies, a long-established American candy shop founded in 1921. Although it isn’t a Hawaii-based brand, it has many fans among both locals and tourists, and operates over 250 stores worldwide, including in Japan. Although its products aren’t exclusive to Hawaii, you’ll want to try their limited-time flavors if you get the chance. The current recommendation is a product called “Summertime.” It features a nutty-flavored, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate hazelnut cream encased in white chocolate and topped with walnut pieces (12 pieces for $14.50). Just like BIC, as the name “Candies” suggests, this quintessentially American shop features showcases lined with sweet treats like chocolate, lollipops, and toffee—just browsing is sure to be a delight.
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