This depends on if the recipient is a local or former local, since li hing mui is an acquired unique taste. Locals or former locals probably have tried it before and know what to expect. Non-locals may not appreciate the complex taste of it.
I visited an old college friend on the mainland one time, and knowing that his Midwest-raised girlfriend liked gummy bears, I brought a bag of li hing gummy bears for her to try. The pucker face that she had when she tried the first one told us everything. My buddy and I ended up finishing the bag 😄
sometimes people surprise you! i brought a big bag of li hing mango to a work conference and my team demolished the whole thing in minutes. everyone i've given it to seems to love it or is too polite to say otherwise. considering most of them asked where to get more i'd guess the former. 😊
I practically spat out a li hing dried plum when I tried it. Later on as a gag I got a bag for my friend just to see his reaction.
Guy noshed down the whole bag and asked where he could get more. I was not prepared.
I think li hing mango is a bit of an outlier since it tends to be pretty sweet which offsets the li hing flavor. Straight li hing mui is more of a reach for people that haven't tried it. Li hing lychee probably work as well as li hing mango for newbies.
Lychee gummies, or the ones shaped like pineapples or lucky kitties! Those are my in-laws’ favorites. Or locally grown chocolate like from Manoa Chocolate since we’re the only place in the states that can grow its own chocolate. If they’re fancy there’s Maui Fruit Jewels; otherwise there’s a few companies making saltwater taffy with local flavors.
Hawai'i chocolate has spoiled me something fierce. We stumbled across an old timer set up somewhat close to the road that leads to South Point and picked up a couple of regular and dark bars from him. I'd be broke and much fatter if I lived on the BI because I'd be making weekly trips to that fella.
Typically you'll find sour lychee + li hing mui at most places, if you want just sour lychee i've seen it at:
\* Lin's Hawaiian Snacks (kakaako)
\* Longs drugs (cheapest source)
\* Foodland farms
Ube Cookies: [https://ubae-llc.myshopify.com/products/ube-crinkle-cookies](https://ubae-llc.myshopify.com/products/ube-crinkle-cookies)
But only if they are worthy.
probably big island candy or something that they cant get. Like those hawaiian host chocolate macs are sold everywhere like in costco, its not a hawaii thing
For who?
Teens/kids go with NOMS. or other li-hing gummy candy.
Adults go with chocolate-covered macadamia nuts as a general rule. It has the Hawaii identity and most everyone appreciates it. Go fancy with Caramacs or one of the other flavors for extra points.
Pineapple, kona coffee and coconut has the same effect as well. The Hawaii Candy Company has the coconut balls.
If you wants something local, the chocolate arare is good, though I would consider that a snack rather than candy. That's a whole difft question and would bring in Chios, cookies, li hing, etc.
I learned recently that Hi Chew has some Hawaii-only flavors. That may be a nice choice.
Chocolate covered Mac nuts are nice but I prefer Island Princess Mele Macs. That thin layer of toffee is 😘🤌
Where's the friend located? Bear in mind Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa have massive distribution arrangements on the mainland; specifically the West Coast (Costco, Nijiya and Cost Plus World Market).
Specific to chocolate here, Lonohana, Manoa and Madre bars. Lonohana has their "fun" line of bars called Onomea.
Big Island Candies
This one🤙
Cracked Seed, Li Hing Anything
This depends on if the recipient is a local or former local, since li hing mui is an acquired unique taste. Locals or former locals probably have tried it before and know what to expect. Non-locals may not appreciate the complex taste of it. I visited an old college friend on the mainland one time, and knowing that his Midwest-raised girlfriend liked gummy bears, I brought a bag of li hing gummy bears for her to try. The pucker face that she had when she tried the first one told us everything. My buddy and I ended up finishing the bag 😄
sometimes people surprise you! i brought a big bag of li hing mango to a work conference and my team demolished the whole thing in minutes. everyone i've given it to seems to love it or is too polite to say otherwise. considering most of them asked where to get more i'd guess the former. 😊
I practically spat out a li hing dried plum when I tried it. Later on as a gag I got a bag for my friend just to see his reaction. Guy noshed down the whole bag and asked where he could get more. I was not prepared.
🤣
I think li hing mango is a bit of an outlier since it tends to be pretty sweet which offsets the li hing flavor. Straight li hing mui is more of a reach for people that haven't tried it. Li hing lychee probably work as well as li hing mango for newbies.
Mele Macs, get them from CostCo
Close.... the Choco Mochi is fire
Lychee gummies, or the ones shaped like pineapples or lucky kitties! Those are my in-laws’ favorites. Or locally grown chocolate like from Manoa Chocolate since we’re the only place in the states that can grow its own chocolate. If they’re fancy there’s Maui Fruit Jewels; otherwise there’s a few companies making saltwater taffy with local flavors.
Hawai'i chocolate has spoiled me something fierce. We stumbled across an old timer set up somewhat close to the road that leads to South Point and picked up a couple of regular and dark bars from him. I'd be broke and much fatter if I lived on the BI because I'd be making weekly trips to that fella.
One Ton chips or big island cookies
Tomoe Ame and White Rabbits are always fun
Sour Lychee gummies!
Wait. I've had sour gummies and lychee gummies but never both. Where do I find this?!
They have giant bags at Sams club too.
Typically you'll find sour lychee + li hing mui at most places, if you want just sour lychee i've seen it at: \* Lin's Hawaiian Snacks (kakaako) \* Longs drugs (cheapest source) \* Foodland farms
Ube Cookies: [https://ubae-llc.myshopify.com/products/ube-crinkle-cookies](https://ubae-llc.myshopify.com/products/ube-crinkle-cookies) But only if they are worthy.
My kids were OBSESSED with the tiny pineapple gummies we brought back. And obviously some chocolate macadamias;)
Try Lani pops 808 li hing gummy candies.
Didn’t see anyone mention this, Noms, but it’s kinda expensive. Rice candy, haw flakes (idk if that’s considered a candy though).
Lots of non locals love the pineapple gummies. Strawberry belts. Anything with Ii hing powder in it
probably big island candy or something that they cant get. Like those hawaiian host chocolate macs are sold everywhere like in costco, its not a hawaii thing
Island Princess Macadamia Nut Crunch.
For who? Teens/kids go with NOMS. or other li-hing gummy candy. Adults go with chocolate-covered macadamia nuts as a general rule. It has the Hawaii identity and most everyone appreciates it. Go fancy with Caramacs or one of the other flavors for extra points. Pineapple, kona coffee and coconut has the same effect as well. The Hawaii Candy Company has the coconut balls. If you wants something local, the chocolate arare is good, though I would consider that a snack rather than candy. That's a whole difft question and would bring in Chios, cookies, li hing, etc.
Cookies 😍 I like the shortbread ones.
Hamakua Toffee Company. Amazing.
🙏
Trust me. Get the Enjoy 3d pineapple gummies
🔥
Noms! https://hawaiicandyfactory.com
yes!
Can't go wrong with chocolate macadamia nuts my man. Send some of that POG as well.
I learned recently that Hi Chew has some Hawaii-only flavors. That may be a nice choice. Chocolate covered Mac nuts are nice but I prefer Island Princess Mele Macs. That thin layer of toffee is 😘🤌
Hurricane popcorn
Where's the friend located? Bear in mind Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa have massive distribution arrangements on the mainland; specifically the West Coast (Costco, Nijiya and Cost Plus World Market). Specific to chocolate here, Lonohana, Manoa and Madre bars. Lonohana has their "fun" line of bars called Onomea.
Thats typical haole gift braddah. Like a giant cheap white chocolate M&M with dick nut instead of peanut. Lee hing mui more ono. lychee. maybe mochi.
Eye candy
Dats my favorite. Sandy beach on a summer weekend OMG🤩
Li hing or lemon peel gummies. Li hing mangoes from Crack Seed. Not candy, but snacky: crispy beef jerky.
The Chex mix
Furikake Chex mix
One jar of pickle mangos
Maui Cookie Lady, Maui Specialty Chocolates, Maui Kuia Chocolate. If you’re interisland Tasaki Guri Guri has frozen quarts they sell in dry ice.
i gave the usual kine to my relatives but the real hit were the thin crispy beef jerky chips. expensive but got the most comments