PHOTO: HAWAI‘I TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / HEATHER GOODMAN | LOCATION: KAILUA-KONA
The Hawaiian Islands, where CACAO (the bean harvested to make CHOCOLATE) is grown, are a decadent destination for chocoholics and sweets lovers of all ages and tastes.
There are many BIG ISLAND-BASED CHOCOLATIERS AND CANDY MAKERS to provide you with a delicious souvenir—if you don’t eat these goodies before your flight home!
KAILUA CANDY COMPANY, for example, has been handcrafting fine Hawaiian chocolates for over 30 years. Their famed Macadamia Nut Honus (Honu is Hawaiian for “turtle”), Kona Coffee Swirls, cookies and Tropical Truffles are just a few tempting treats you’ll find here. Penned in Bon Appetit magazine in ’93 as one of the “Top Ten Candy Shops in the U.S.,” watch (and sample) candy making at their kitchen. Find the Kailua Candy Co. Kitchen and Gift Shop within walking distance of the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona. Visit kailua-candy.com for details.
Another chocolatier, with 30-plus years experience in satisfying sweets lovers, is BIG ISLAND CANDIES. Visit its factory, a true Hilo institution, to watch candyand cookie-makers work in plain view behind a glass window at the rear of the store. Daily tours and free samples are available; just don’t leave without award-winning macadamia nut shortbread cookies or truffles in tote. Visit bigislandcandies.com for info.
Yet another Hilo gem, BIG ISLAND DELIGHTS, has been satisfying residents and visitors alike with its cookies and confections since 1996. The family-owned, kama‘aina (local) company bakes top-notch raw ingredients, including pure Tahitian vanilla extract, premium chocolate and Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts into its heavenly treats. Stop by their Hilo gift shop to nibble on their biscotti, cookies and uncommon favors: chocolate-dipped pretzels, sprinkle-topped fortune cookies and chocolaty marshmallow lollipops among them. Visit bigislanddelights.com for specifics.
• Big Island Candies (808) 935-8890 or (800)-935-5510