Crack your fortune with a cookie from Hawaiʻi Candy Co.

HONOLULU (KHON2) — For the upcoming National Fortune Cookie Day KHON2.com is spotlighting a remarkable local business, the Hawaiʻi Candy Company.

This is the only place in Hawaiʻi that makes fortune cookies. So, we sat down with the owner to talk about what it’s like to continue this legacy. Let’s dive into their fascinating story and learn more about their delicious treats.

Cheryl Ohta, who runs the business with her husband Keith, shared some wonderful insights into their company.

“We’ve been in business since 1933,” says Ohta. “Keith’s grandfather started the business, initially making senbei, which are traditional Japanese wafer cookies. We celebrated our 90th year last year, and now our daughter is involved, making it four generations strong.”

Hawaiʻi Candy Company is not just any business; it’s a unique part of Hawaiʻi’s culinary landscape. Their fortune cookies, for instance, are deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

Ohta explained, “Fortune cookies are actually a Japanese product. They were called ‘tsujiura senbei’ and were sold at shrines with fortunes inside. My husband’s grandfather went back to Japan to learn how to make them and brought that knowledge back to Hawaiʻi.”

So, if you see “Made in Hawaiʻi” on a fortune cookie, it’s definitely from Hawaiʻi Candy Company. They take pride in this authenticity and their commitment to local production.

“We source everything as much as possible through local businesses,” said Ohta. “Made in Hawaiʻi is something we take very seriously.”

Their business has evolved significantly over the years, especially with the rise of online shopping.

“The online business has changed immensely for us,” explained Ohta. “We went from having maybe 10 orders a week to 50 in a week. During COVID, this was a lifeline as we could stay open and support local grocery stores and military commissaries.”

One of the standout products from Hawaiʻi Candy Company is a part of are the chocolate-dipped fortune cookies that places like Diamond Head Chocolates, Manoa Chocolate, and Hawaiian Paradise Candies sell.

While Hawaiʻi Candy Company don’t dip the cookies themselves, they supply their cookies to these three local businesses that do. These companies take the already delicious fortune cookies and add their special chocolate touch.

Ohta proudly stated, “Our cookies are larger than those you get at restaurants and are handmade. Each cookie is unique because they are hand-folded by our dedicated team. If it says ‘Made in Hawaiʻi,’ it’s our cookie.”

Ohta’s enthusiasm for the business is palpable.

“We do special fortunes, so you can put personalized messages inside,” Ohta shared. “We do a lot of weddings and birthday parties, and recently, many people have used them as thank-you messages at funerals.”

This family-run business has a rich history and a bright future, thanks to their dedication to quality and tradition. Their commitment to being a local business that supports other local businesses is truly inspiring.

If you’re looking to order these delightful treats, you can do so online here, or call them at 808-836-8955. They offer a variety of products, including custom fortune cookies for special occasions like weddings, birthdays and even funerals.

So, if you want to celebrate National Fortune Cookie Day with some truly special fortune cookies, look no further than Hawaiʻi Candy Company. Their cookies are a taste of Hawaiʻi’s heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of family businesses.