Big Island Candies!!
January 2nd, 2009 by Alan OkamiAlright, tell me what trip is complete to Hilo without stopping by Big Island Candies? Not mine. It's a staple of any trip we take to Hilo. I remember going there before its current location. They are the ORIGINAL purveyors of the chocolate dipped shortbread cookies. Important to keep that in mind when you support local business. Made in Hawaii, baby. The way to go.
House, house, house, house....big Candy factory! Ha ha, only in Hilo. Find the sign, found the place. Actually, can't miss it. House built by a lot of Aloha and community involvement. 
Home grown Allan Ikawa is the man behind all of this. We have many mutual friends and I have been drawn to his business due to his strong support of community. He's semi retired now, but took time out to give me a private tour and talk story. Great guy.
Here's where the magic happens. Note how clean everything is. Allan prides the shop on its cleanliness. After all, he says, it's a food place. Gotta be clean. Even the restrooms. Try and take a look.
Mich, are you reading this? Look at all the Roselani Ice Cream!!! All hand made from scratch, like Allan's goodies. Labors of love. Roselani has a special deal going with Big Island Candies. Ono partnership.
Wait, it gets better. Hand made mud pies and ice cream pies. Ingredients: Roselani Ice Cream and off course, Big Island Candies crust. I must try this next time. How ono is that?
Probably my favorite section, the cafe. They serve Kona coffee there as well as the coffee standards and iced cream drink treats. Almost set up camp at this place.
 The rain has been pretty non-stop here, but the skies permitted me this shot. I'm glad I got to visit and meet Allan Ikawa. We have a few mutual friends and they all have been telling me that he's a "must meet" for me. I have to say that I agree. More than candies going on at this place. Lots of Aloha.Â
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 am
I've been to the Big island but only have stayed in Kona.
Your pictures made me want to go fly to Hilo:)!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 am
Alan . . . kind of disappointing.
No samples for your loyal bloggers? Geez. At least another host offered me a nice holiday dinner -- if I showed up during my school break.
Dang, those munchies sure look good. One of these days, straight to Hilo. Mmmmmmmm. My glucose levels will be through the roof. More scoldings from the doc.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Yum! My neighbor is supposed to be delivering some of those white chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies. I don't care for milk chocolate. And no, I'm not a cookie racist.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Aya,
Only Kona? Gotta try Hilo. Still has a lot of small town flavor and appeal. About 20 minutes out of town, there's a park with natural hot springs, right at the beachfront.
wafan,
Electronic samples only, heh heh. I got a nice box of goodies from Allan. Think I can manage that with the help of the guys at work. Had a "duh" moment after I left. Should have bought the ice cream pie!!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Kelli,
I guess we were commenting at the same time. I got some of the traditional cookies, some mika mints, coconut shortbread and something else that i forget. Going to give some to friends. sharing is caring,...about my waistline. As for me, generally speaking, white chocolate.
January 4th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Yum. I try to stop by and eat the samples.
Nah, I buy smoothies or ice cream when we stop by. Great place. You're right need to support the locals. Hope you enjoyed your stay despite the rain.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Alan, bringing back cookies from Big Island Cookies is a standard whenever visiting the Big Island.
January 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I met Mr. Ikawa before, he's so nice!! Very passionate about his product.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Ynaku,
Luckily for Allan, I don't really like sweets. The samples would be history if not, ha ha. Was a nice stay. I was bored out of my mind during the Thanksgiving trip, but this one was good.
M,
Definitely. They have become a staple, like the Fishcake was when I was a little boy.
Melissa,
Hey home girl! Yup, very passionate and genuine.
January 7th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Hey Alan, I read you lost 10 lbs?
With all the goodies? Wow, I like know what you're doing. All the work I do no help. Guess I do the same thing everyday. Gotta change routine.
But congrats on the weight loss.
January 10th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Ynaku,
Thanks, it's a lot of NOT eating going on here. Took a little to get used to, but I have a goal. On top of that, I have started an exercise regimen. Struggling, but coming down a pants size and shrinking the pompom is worth it. Thanks.