Our Story

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Pride & Perseverance

From Humble Beginnings
 
born in 1977
Both born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Allan Ikawa and his wife Irma decided to go “all in,” in 1977, investing everything they had to start Big Island Candies.
Hilo Flagship store factory viewing
Handmade Chocolate Macadamia Nuts

Armed with just a chocolate melter and a shrink wrap machine, Allan put in 16-hour days at a small warehouse in Hilo’s industrial district. He never quit. Together, Allan and Irma overcame several devastating setbacks in their steadfast pursuit of the American Dream.

Omiyage

Celebrating The Heart of Gift-Giving

Although gift-giving is practiced all over the world, nowhere is it as deeply ingrained in the culture as it is in Hawaii. Specifically, the Japanese concept of “omiyage” is widely practiced, which imbues gift-giving with a sense of place.

Chocolate Macadamia Nuts
Hilo Flagship store factory viewing

As an expression of gratitude toward the recipient, omiyage lies at the very heart of everything we do at Big Island Candies. Whatever we produce must look good, taste good, and bring happiness to others.

Quality In,
Quality Out

Only The Finest Ingredients Will Do

Here at Big Island Candies, we only use the highest grade of ingredients. We proudly feature only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and 100 percent pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms here on Hawaii Island. There is no substitute for quality and no shortcuts are ever taken here.

Ohana

Our greatest Asset is Our People

“Ohana” is Hawaiian for family, which is how we feel about each other here at Big Island Candies. If you ever had the opportunity to visit us at our factory and store in Hilo, you would feel the Aloha of our employees from the moment you are greeted at the door, offered free samples, and a complimentary cup of coffee.

Big Island Candies Hilo Flagship location
Confectionery Treats

We limit production to our factory in Hilo in order to ensure the quality and exclusivity of our products, which are still handmade with pride by our family of dedicated employees.

Creativity

A Feast for the Eyes and the Tastebuds

In addition to our selection of perennial favorites, we are constantly creating new and scrumptious treats for people to discover. We take pride in doing our best to provide you with an array of eye-catching and elegantly packaged assortments that are meaningful and memorable as the contents within.

Today, we remain humbled and energized by the warm reception that our retail store at the Ala Moana Center has received. Along with upgrades to our facilities here in Hilo, exciting new products and packaging, and the bright and elegant new look of our catalog and website, we are working hard to continue to earn your patronage and trust. Embracing the new while retaining what's best of the old — it can't get better than that!

OUR STORY

Handmade Chocolate Macadamia Nuts

Pride & Perseverance

From Humble Beginnigs

Both born on the Big Island of Hawaii, Allan Ikawa and his wife Irma decided to go “all in,” in 1977, investing everything they had to start Big Island Candies.

Armed with just a chocolate melter and a shrink wrap machine, Allan put in 16-hour days at a small warehouse in Hilo’s industrial district. He never quit. Together, Allan and Irma overcame several devastating setbacks in their steadfast pursuit of the American Dream.

Gift Box

Omiyage

Celebrating the Heart of Gift-Giving

Although gift-giving is practiced all over the world, nowhere is it as deeply ingrained in the culture as it is in Hawaii. Specifically, the Japanese concept of “omiyage” is widely practiced, which imbues gift-giving with a sense of place.

As an expression of gratitude toward the recipient, omiyage lies at the very heart of everything we do at Big Island Candies. Whatever we produce must look good, taste good, and bring happiness to others.

Hand Dipped Macadamia Nut Shortbreads

Quality In,
Quality Out

Only the Finest Ingredients Will Do

Here at Big Island Candies, we only use the highest grade of ingredients. We proudly feature only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and 100 percent pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms here on Hawaii Island. There is no subsititute for quality, and no shortcuts are even taken here.

Confectionery Treats

Ohana

Our Greatest Asset is Our People

“Ohana” is Hawaiian for family, which is how we feel about each other here at Big Island Candies. If you ever had the opportunity to visit us at our factory and store in Hilo, you would feel the Aloha of our employees from the moment you are greeted at the door, offered free samples, and a complimentary cup of coffee.

We limit production to our factory in Hilo in order to ensure the quality and exclusivity of our products, which are still handmade with pride by our family of dedicated employees.

Brownie Enrobed

Creativity

A Feast for the Eyes and the Tastebuds

In addition to our selection of perennial favorites, we are constantly creating new and scrumptious treats for people to discover. We take pride in doing our best to provide you with an array of eye-catching and elegantly packaged assortments that are meaningful and memorable as the contents within.

Big Island Candies Ala Moana Center location

Today, we remain humbled and energized by the warm reception that our retail store at the Ala Moana Center has received. Along with upgrades to our facilities here in Hilo, exciting new products and packaging, and the bright and elegant new look of our catalog and website, we are working hard to continue to earn your patronage and trust. Embracing the new while retaining what's best of the old — it can't get better than that!