Omiyage Snacks from Hilo

“What should I try and bring back from Hilo? “

That’s what I was asking everyone this year since it was the first time I was going to the Big Island not for work or to volunteer, but to stroll around Hilo town with the hubby, see the volcano with the kids, and eat!

I’ve heard of Two Ladies Kitchen mochi and of course, Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread cookies so had to check out those and was recommended to a few others I loved and wanted to share here. And if you’re from Hilo or the Big Island or have other suggestions, please write to me! I’d love to return to the Big Island again one day and try more!

Hilo Farmers Market - Fruits & Veggies
I was told to make sure I made my first stop the Hilo Farmers Market and I’m so glad I did! There’s nothing like fresh fruits and vegetables and this market had a plentiful variety from the famous Big Island lychee and usual staples, but also less common stuff like cacao (woot woot!), warabi, mountain apple, wax jambu, and rollinia. There were also some fruit juices, jams, coffee, and tents across the street with craft vendors. FYI their biggest market day is Saturday!

KTA - All Kine Stuff

It was my first time to visit the famous KTA Super Stores and that is a super great option for a one-stop shop for all of the things. It’s where I spotted by Big Island Delights Macadamia Snowball cookies that I loved eating when they were at Ward Warehouse on Oahu back in the day! (Forgot to snap a picture of the cookies because I was too busy eating them and getting powdered sugar all over my hands!) We also picked up a recommendation of the Peanut Butter mochi and it was good! I loved it because it was stuffed with the crunchy peanut butter!

Two Ladies Kitchen - Mochi & Manju

I love manju and also enjoy mochi when it’s stuffed with something so appreciated the variety of options offered at Two Ladies Kitchen. The different colors of mochi made beautiful little bento sets that you could grab and go or you could custom create one to your liking. The line can get long, but I’ve always heard others talk about this place so had to try it out. Thankfully, there were way more than two ladies in their kitchen! ;)

Atebara’s - Chips

This was the must have recommendation from my friend, Michele, of freshly made taro, sweet potato, and potato chips. I tried the furikake and their new Korean BBQ flavor and it was rich with flavor and tasted fresh and crunchy for sure! This was the omiyage we brought back for the coworkers and the family to share! But what I loved most was its homey feeling shop in an old house, with the kitchen in the back, and the nicest local telling me they are coming to Oahu for the Made in Hawai`i Festival for the first time in August! We won’t be there this year, but we tried dipping their chips in our chocolate and it broke da mouth!

erin’s tip

Big Island is big and there’s more driving and exploring to do, but I’m grateful I got to try the places on my bucket list as well as the usuals recommended by other local friends. :)

Don’t forget, when you travel to pick up omiyage, others appreciate when you bring them omiyage too! When we gave our chocolates to our driver, she was over the moon excited because she doesn’t come to Oahu often and never had our chocolates before. We also don’t ship so when you bring them something that you had to drive to Mānoa for, it makes them feel super special. Spread the aloha through good snacks from island to island!

Mahalo Hilo!

If you enjoyed this content and want to know my omiyage suggestions for Maui, an island I am more familiar with, check out that older blog HERE!