If you’re planning a family vacation to Honolulu, don’t forget to make room in your itinerary (and suitcase) for one of the most fun and flavorful parts of visiting Hawaii: our local candy and snacks! From salty-sweet favorites to tropical takes on gummies and chocolate, Oahu is home to a variety of treats your whole family will love. Whether you're traveling with kids or just have a sweet tooth yourself, this is your guide to the best Hawaiian candy and snacks to try during your stay.
Read More: Ultimate Mom Resource for Planning Travel to Oahu
In This Article:
- Most popular Hawaiian candy
- Top things to try
- Where to find the best Hawaiian candy and snacks
- How to bring it home
- FAQs
- Planning your visit
The Candy Everyone Talks About - Li Hing Mui
One of Hawaii’s most iconic flavors is Li Hing Mui, a salty dried plum powder that’s sprinkled on everything from gummy candies to fresh pineapple (think the Hawaiian version of chamoy). Directly translating to “traveling plum,” this treat was brought to the islands by Chinese immigrants, where it has become a staple in Hawaiian snack culture. Some people are surprised by its tangy-sour-salty profile at first, but it’s easy to understand why locals love it once you give it a try.
A great snack for beach days or road trips around the island, you can find Li Hing Mui in full-fruit or powder form all across Hawaii.
Must-Try Hawaiian Snacks & Sweets
From traditional treats to local spins on familiar snacks, here are a few bites worth sampling while you're visiting Oahu:
- Choco Mochi – Chocolate-covered mochi crunch (rice crackers) that’s both crunchy and sweet - perfect for on-the-go snacking.
- Pineapple Gummies – Bursting with tropical fruit flavor, these chewy candies are shaped like pineapples and loved by everyone from kids to adults.
- Haw Flakes – Thin, disc-shaped candies made from hawthorn fruit. They're a nostalgic treat in many Hawaiian homes, reminiscent of a firmer textured Fruit Roll-Up.
- Kūlolo – A traditional Hawaiian dessert made with taro and coconut milk. It has a chewy, fudge-like texture and rich flavor.
- Macadamia Nut Chocolates – Local favorites like Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa make creamy milk or dark chocolate-covered macadamia nuts ideal for gifting (or keeping).
- Li Hing Mango Strips – Dried mango slices covered in Li Hing Mui powder — tangy, sweet, and full of flavor.
Most of these snacks are available at neighborhood shops, airport stores, or even local grocery stores. But if you’re looking for the best selection, it’s worth visiting a few spots dedicated to Hawaii-made goodies.
Best Candy Shops on Oahu
If you want to sample a variety of local snacks or bring some home, these local shops offer some of the island’s best selections. Plus, many are located just a short drive or walk from Marina Hawaii Vacation’s rentals!
Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
Located just a few miles from popular vacation rentals at Ilikai Tower and Discovery Bay, Lin’s is a longtime local favorite. Here, you’ll find everything from Li Hing gummy worms to arare (mochi rice crackers), choco mochi, and unique snack mixes. They even offer pre-packed gift bags if you’re stocking up for the flight home or want to send treats to friends.
Baldwin’s Sweet Shop
This longtime local favorite in the Waimalu Shopping Center is known for its shave ice and shelves full of nostalgic island snacks. You’ll find everything from traditional Li Hing Mui candies, mochi, dried fruits, and other Hawaiian classics to Japanese Kohakutou crystal gummies, ginger chunks, and lemon strips. While it’s about a 20-minute drive from Waikiki, the wide selection makes it a fun stop if you’re heading out for a day of exploring.
- Address: 98-040 Kamehameha Hwy, Aiea, HI 96701
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM | Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM | Closed Monday and Tuesday
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Kaimuki Crack Seed Store
In business for more than 70 years, this neighborhood shop in Kaimuki is one of the best places to try traditional Hawaiian crack seed snacks. Inside, you’ll find jars filled with iso peanuts, tamarind, sweet ume seed, lychee, and honey kumquat — all rich with that classic mix of sweet, salty, and tart flavors.
The shop has a no-frills, old-school vibe, and it’s a fun stop if you're looking to try something different than what you'll find in resort gift stores.
Bringing the Sweetness Home
Candy makes a great souvenir. It’s affordable, lightweight, and fun to share. If you’re flying home with kids, Hawaiian snacks are also a smart addition to your carry-on for mid-flight cravings. Consider grabbing an extra bag or two of your favorite Hawaiian gummies or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts to extend the flavor of your trip once you're back on the mainland.
Pro tip: if you’re buying anything chocolate-covered, keep it in your vacation rental’s fridge before packing it to go. You may also want to pack an insulated bag or cooler-style tote for easy transport back home.
FAQs About Hawaiian Candy and Snacks
What Hawaiian snacks do kids like the most?
Many local snacks have a bold mix of flavors, but kids often love sweet options like pineapple gummies, choco mochi, lychee candy, and fruit leather. You also can’t go wrong with shave ice.
Can I bring Hawaiian candy and snacks on the plane?
Yes! Most Hawaiian snacks, including packaged candies, dried fruits, and seed snacks, can be packed in your carry-on or checked luggage. Chocolate can melt, so it’s smart to keep those items cool or purchase them at the airport on your way out.
Are Hawaiian snacks safe for kids with food allergies?
It depends on the snack. Some treats, like choco mochi and macadamia nut candies, contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or soy. Others, like certain dried fruits or seed snacks, may be processed in facilities that handle allergens. Always check labels carefully or ask the shop staff. Most local stores are used to allergy questions and are happy to help.
Plan Your Sweet Oahu Stay with Marina Hawaii Vacations
Featured Property: Ilikai Tower 410
Trying local Hawaiian snacks is a fun (and tasty) way to experience the island. And when you stay in a centrally located vacation rental from Marina Hawaii Vacations, you’ll be just minutes away from top snack shops, walkable areas in Waikiki, and the perfect spots to relax after a day of sightseeing (or sugar highs).
As you’re making plans for your vacation, don’t forget to secure the best rate on your stay by booking directly with a property management company. Unlike Airbnb or Vrbo, which charge third-party fees, Marina Hawaii Vacations offers the lowest rates on our condos. Booking directly also connects you to our staff of island locals who are ready to assist you with whatever you need during your stay. Whether you’re looking for trip planning ideas or you need the hookup on baby gear rentals while you’re here, we’ve thought of it all!
A vacation this sweet deserves the right home base, and Marina Hawaii makes it easy to settle in, snack happy, and explore Oahu like a local. Browse our full catalog of Honolulu vacation rentals and find your dream island getaway today!