Sonia Tastes Hawaii: ...and visions of Sugarplums dance in their heads...!

We recently visited the Big Island Candies showroom and factory for the first time in several years, with the idea of doing some gift shopping for several mainland members of our family and friends...and were blown away with the place, so we decided to go back the next week after making an appointment to learn more about the history and background of the place!

On the year of their 30th anniversary, and after three locations, the legendary institution found the perfect place for their permanent quarters in 1998, after building a modern showroom and baking kitchens. This is the sole location for a business that ships to all of the islands and world-wide. Anywhere UPS goes, said Malcolm Murasaki, our knowledgeable host during our recent visit.

Originally founded in 1977 by Allan Ikaiwa, Big Island Candies manufactures all their cookies and candies in house using island products from macnuts to island grown coffee and chocolate.

The original shortbread cookies that made them famous are still available, as well as new products added every year. The newest to their line is the shortbread cookies dipped in lemon icing.

With about a 100 employees year round and more added during special times of the year, this is even better than a Willie Wonka chocolate factory... Their in-house designer changes decorations according to the season about every three weeks or so... It is worth visiting on a regular basis just to see how the showroom store is 'dressed up'.

All their cookies and candies are made in-house, many handmade. The ice cream sold in the retail section is also made with their products, such as the Chocolate Brownie and the Coffee Chocolate Ice Creams.

Specialty packaging is made just for them, many designed by local artists, such a Sig Zane who this year introduced his third design and much of the packaging designs change with the seasons such as Valentines, Spring, Fall, Holiday and Winter.

Visitors are greeted at the door with a sample of "cookie of the day" and "chocolate of the day" and an offer of 100% Kona coffee to enjoy as you stroll through the showroom and shop.

As you walk through the showroom and store you can see employees in the factory section behind huge glass windows, dipping cookies or adding chocolate squiggles with a decorator's icing sleeve.

Boxes and tins are tastefully arranged in bins and shelves, tables and counters... We had a hard time deciding what to choose...but actually, it should not be a problem...everything and anything you select is delicious and fresh.

If you can't visit it in person...no problem! Call them or visit their website to get your name on their mailing list and receive periodic catalogs.... Some items in the store are not available through the catalog, but the catalog offers a huge variety, including Da Kine (a favorite Hawaiian expression meaning 'anywhere, anything, everything') products and even sign up for a Gift of the Month Club.

Do I sound like a commercial??? We were just sold on the place and did not receive payment... unless you can say that a couple of sample treats were payment ;-)

Big Island Candies, Hilo, HI - 800/935-5510 - www.bigislandcandies.com

.....and specially for my friends at Gather.....lookit what I found!!!