Hawai'i (The Big Island) Shopping

  1. Big Island Candies

    Big Island Candies makes stylishly packaged confections and shortbread - watch them hand-dip chocolate from behind picture windows. One visit makes short work of your gift list.

    Read more about Big Island Candies

  2. Hilo Seeds & Snacks

    A closet-sized shopfront, Hilo Seeds & Snacks contains an overwhelming variety of 'crack seed', that bizarre Chinese dried-fruit snack that some find addictive and others find - well, try some yourself. The friendly owner will explain the types: plums dried with salt, vinegar, sugar and more, some medicinal and others mild. Mango with li hing powder is a sweet choice.

    Read more about Hilo Seeds & Snacks

  3. Itsu's Fishing Supplies

    No visit to Hilo is complete without a stop at Itsu's Fishing Supplies - yes, a fishing-supply store! - which sells Hilo's best ice shave (note: Hilo folks call it 'ice shave', not 'shave ice'). The ice shave is hand-cranked off an ice block, scooped into a cone and topped with your choice of sweet syrups - double your pleasure and add ice cream in the middle. The hardworking owners offer a popular, fresh lunch buffet as well.

    Read more about Itsu's Fishing Supplies

  4. Oshima

    Locals joke that there is nothing you can't find at Oshima, making it a good family-run alternative to the big box stores in Kailua-Kona. It stocks everything from groceries and pharmaceuticals to snorkel gear and surf wear.

    Read more about Oshima

  5. Two Ladies Kitchen

    For a delicious island take on traditional Japanese mochi (sweet rice dessert) and manju (baked adzuki bean-filled cake), stop at Two Ladies Kitchen. Tempting, beautifully packaged mixed boxes allow for sampling (with flavors like peach and passion fruit), but whatever you do don't pass on the specialty, strawberry mochi . This handmade delight is a prize possession.

    Read more about Two Ladies Kitchen