If you’re like me and you want to get a headstart on your holiday shopping (because the malls are going to be crazy this year, my friends), you’ve probably done a lot of browsing on the Internet. Shopping online is incredibly convenient, especially if you’re sending gifts to friends and family who live far away. Quite a few of my friends have recently relocated to the mainland—and some of them are quite homesick—and I’ve found the perfect company to satisfy their local palates. Forget the imitators, Big Island Candies (founded in 1977) is the oldest and best place to get Hawaii-made chocolate dipped shortbread cookies. The company’s recipe is, of course, a secret, but the friendly folks who work at the Hilo headquarters are more than willing to provide guests with guided tours of their facilities (which come complete with free Kona coffee and samples of their delectable treats). High-quality ingredients, beautiful packaging, and excellent customer service make Big Island Candies the ideal place to take care of all the people on your Christmas list (they even offer sugar free treats, for those with special dietary needs). Check them out in person or online and don’t forget to buy a box for youself!

Big Island Candies Headquarters, Chocolate Factory & Gift Shop, 585 Hinano Street, 
Hilo, HI 96720, Map

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Phone: 1-800-935-5510 (toll-free, US and Canada), 1-808-935-8890 (all other countries)

E-mail: contactus@bigislandcandies.com

—, 11/11/06