HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In the heart of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Candy Company is a beacon of local craftsmanship and tradition.
Founded in 1933, the company has been serving up unique treats for over nine decades. Cheryl Ota, owner and operator, represents the third generation of this family business, which her husband Keith Ota, the current head, inherited from his grandfather.
Hawaiʻi Candy Company began as a maker of confectionery sweets but shifted its focus due to rising costs and labor demands.
Today, it is renowned for its handmade fortune cookies and coconut balls. Despite the shift, the company has maintained its commitment to sources as many local locally produced ingredients as possible and has adapted to the evolving market with an innovative spirit.
Cheryl Ota shared that the company has faced numerous challenges over the years but has managed to keep its legacy alive through resilience and adaptation.
“It’s been a journey,” she said. “The business has changed a lot, especially with the rise of online shopping and the impact of COVID-19. We had to pivot quickly, and that meant ramping up our online presence.”
The shift to online sales was significant. Before the pandemic, Hawaiʻi Candy Company processed around 10 orders a week.
During the peak of COVID-19, this number soared to 250 orders per week. This surge highlighted the increasing importance of e-commerce for small businesses, even as physical stores faced restrictions.
One of the most distinctive products from Hawaiʻi Candy Company is its handmade fortune cookies. Contrary to popular belief, fortune cookies have their roots in Japan, not China.
Cheryl explained, “Fortune cookies, or ‘tsujiura senbei’ in Japanese, were originally sold at shrines in Japan with fortunes inside. Keith’s grandfather went to Japan to learn how to make them and brought the recipe back to Hawaiʻi.”
What sets Hawaiʻi Candy Company's fortune cookies apart is not just their size but also their handmade quality. Each cookie is crafted with care, using a traditional method where the batter is poured onto a griddle and then hand-folded while still warm.
Cheryl noted, “Because our fortune cookies are handmade, no two cookies are exactly alike. The process is labor-intensive but ensures each cookie is unique and delicious.”
For those interested in trying these special cookies, Hawaiʻi Candy Company offers several options.
While the company itself does not dip its cookies in chocolate, they partner with other local businesses that do. Diamond Head Chocolates, Manoa Chocolate and Hawaiian Paradise Candies all use Hawaiʻi Candy Company’s cookies to create their chocolate-dipped versions.
Aside from fortune cookies, Hawaiʻi Candy Company is also famous for its coconut balls, which are made from a cherished recipe passed down from Keith’s grandfather.
Cheryl explained that their coconut balls, often marked with a distinctive red color, are a staple of local markets and stores.
“If you see a red coconut ball in Hawaiʻi, it’s ours. We’re very proud of this recipe, and it’s a significant part of our heritage," she said.
Despite their success, Cheryl and Keith remain committed to local sourcing.
“We source as much as possible from local suppliers. For example, even though we need flour, we get it from a local distributor, Cisco, which is based here,” Cheryl said.
This dedication to local sourcing is part of their broader commitment to supporting the local economy and preserving their island’s unique culinary traditions.
Hawaiʻi Candy Company also participates in broader efforts to support local food manufacturers through organizations like the Hawaiʻi Food Manufacturers Association (HFMA).
Cheryl explained, “We work with other small manufacturers to advocate for our needs and challenges. By coming together, we can make a more significant impact and ensure our voices are heard.”
Looking to the future, Cheryl is hopeful but realistic about the challenges that lie ahead.
“We’re in our fourth generation now, and while we’re optimistic about continuing our legacy, the business environment is tough. We’re doing our best to keep the tradition alive and adapt as needed,” she said.
The Ota family’s commitment to quality, tradition, and local sourcing shines through in every product they make.
Whether it’s their classic fortune cookies, red coconut balls, or other treats, Hawaiʻi Candy Company stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Hawaiʻi and the enduring power of family-run businesses.
You can find Hawaiʻi Candy Company products at these locations:
- Longs.
- Safeway.
- Foodland.
- Times.
- Don Quijote.
- Marukai.
- Walmart.
- Target.
- Tamura's Wahiawa.
- Tamura's Kaimuki.
- Waianae Store.
- Military Commisaries.
- Military Exchanges.
- Cookies are also distributed throughout the neighbor islands.
- And, of course, you can always order online.
Locals and tourists alike can enjoy their handmade treats and support a business that remains deeply connected to its roots and community.
In addition to their handmade cookie selections, HCC acquired Chip & Cookie, Wally Amos's famous Hawaii inspired cookie recipe. With each cookie containing 30% chocolate chips, Ota admits these are special cookies.
You can click here to find out more about the yummy products hand crafted by Hawaiʻi Candy Company.
Supporting local businesses, such as Hawaiʻi Candy Company, is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, local businesses contribute significantly to the community’s economy. When you shop at a local business, more of your money stays within the community, helping to create jobs and support local families.
For example, Hawaiʻi Candy Company sources its ingredients from local suppliers, which helps to boost other local businesses and strengthen the regional economy. They hire a local workforce which puts money directly back into Hawaiʻi's economy.
Additionally, local businesses often offer unique products and services that you can’t find anywhere else.
Hawaiʻi Candy Company’s handmade fortune cookies and traditional coconut balls are perfect examples. These distinctive products reflect the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the area. By supporting local businesses, you are preserving these unique traditions and encouraging the continuation of specialized skills and knowledge.
Finally, local businesses tend to provide personalized customer service and foster community connections.
Owners like Cheryl Ota often have deep roots in the community and are personally invested in their customers' satisfaction. This level of dedication creates a more personalized and engaging shopping experience, which is often lost in large chain stores.
Supporting local businesses also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient local economy.
Local companies are more likely to adapt to community needs and invest in local projects. They also tend to have a smaller carbon footprint compared to larger corporations that ship products from far-off locations.
In essence, when you support local businesses, you are not only enjoying unique and high-quality products but also investing in the health and vitality of your community. It’s a way to foster economic growth, preserve local culture, and build stronger community bonds.