Sugar Coast Candy
About
A Slice of Nostalgia in Downtown Hilo
Stepping into Sugar Coast Candy feels like wandering into a brightly colored time capsule. Located in the heart of Hilo’s historic bayfront district, this shop specializes in the kind of confections that turn adults back into children the moment they hit the floorboards. The scent of caramelized sugar and fresh-popped popcorn greets you before you even clear the doorway, instantly cutting through the salty, humid air of the Big Island.
Island-Inspired Confections
This isn’t your average candy store. While they stock the classics that defined your childhood, the real draw lies in their locally-sourced influence. You will find shelves stocked with Hawaiian-made snacks, including artisanal gummies and local fruit-infused chocolates that capture the essence of the tropics. It is the ideal stop after an afternoon wandering the nearby farmers market or strolling along the Wailuku River.
The Experience
The space is cozy and packed to the rafters, meaning you might find yourself doing a bit of a shuffle to navigate the narrow aisles when the Hilo rain drives the crowds indoors. It is a loud, energetic space, buzzing with the sound of plastic jars clattering and the bell chiming as new customers squeeze inside. Whether you are looking for a unique souvenir that doesn't involve a macadamia nut or just need a sugar hit to power through the rest of your Hilo exploration, this spot delivers with high-energy charm. Be prepared to leave with more than you intended; the variety of imported sweets and locally crafted treats is admittedly difficult to resist when everything looks this vibrant under the shop lights.
Location
270 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720-2836
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 13 community reviewsSurfing BearGoogle Maps
Recently
A lot of candy stores have a good selection of candy from now to those that are considered nostalgic. But this store adds an amazing selection of local candies that really sets it apart.
Jerome CooperGoogle Maps
Recently
Solid choice of old school candies and soda. Worth checking out if you have a sweet tooth!
K RVGoogle Maps
Recently
Great place for a @sugar high 😎. Took grandchildren to the store while on a cruise. Great selection of candy, taffy and chocolates. A little pricey but we thought it was worth it.
Kitty NeilGoogle Maps
Recently
Like stepping into a time warp!! This tiny shop gives the most welcoming willy wonka vibe Ive ever seen! Down to the last detail this place is meticulously cared for! Cleanest candy store Ive ever been in and the organizational skills are top notch 👌 Depending on what you pick its about the same price as any major chain store, so contribute to a locally owned business instead 🙌 Will be back many many times in the future!!
S WalkerGoogle Maps
Recently
Don't be fooled by this tiny shop. It has a large and varied selection of candies and chocolates. My family of candy/chocoholics enjoyed browsing & buying.
Laura PearsonGoogle Maps
Recently
I seek out can’t stores every city I travel to and this one was a dream! Not only did it have an enormous selection of candy, it also was displayed in such a cute way. They grouped all like candy together — all licorice in one section, all mint favored candy in another, all sours group together etc. we had so much fun going through and picking our favorites and some new ones we had never seen before. It’s worth a drive to Hilo just for a stop at this candy store. It’s almost all bulk candy, but it’s not cheap (the chocolate candies are $5.25 for 1/4 pound). But still worth a trip!
JETSGoogle Maps
Recently
A candy lover’s dream! Barrels and jars of candies, taffy, chocolate, and everything in between! The staff was friendly and sweet, just like this wonderful place!
Michele VillegasGoogle Maps
Recently
Super cute shop. Pricey, but you are in a tourist area and you sometimes suspend your sticker price shock when on vacation.... Especially when the products are so well displayed. A little girl entered the store while we were there and she literally was the embodiment of "like a kid in a candy store". Heck, even I was starry eyed and I'm 50 years old. If you have any type of a sweet tooth you'll be enchanted with this place. Saw some candy from my childhood (e.g. Astro pops). They also have a selection of bottled "old time" drinks for sale. We bought just a small amount of candy and our bill was a little under $8. So, yes, it is not cheap, but you're also paying for the experience.
Hawaiian Hotty Princess GirlGoogle Maps
Recently
I go there just about every week and I always have a great time and they have great candy! It helps when I paint beautiful murals such as the one herein. Aloha to all at Sugar Coast and ORDER MORE NONPAREILS.
Robin LauwaertGoogle Maps
Recently
Very nice candy shop, worth stopping by on your trip. Good service and a large assortiment of candy. Prices are on the high side, but then again the candy was delicious :)
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Common questions from diners about Sugar Coast Candy in Hilo.
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