Hau'oli Makahi Hou (Happy New Year in Hawaiian) from The Hopeful Traveler

Aloha Tower and fireworks.
(photo: alohatower.com)

A Return to Big Island Candies

Big Island Candies, the high-end cookie and candy shop in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, is always a definite stop when I'm there on business. This time I picked up a box of dark and white dipped coconut shortbread ($12, 9.5 oz). On a previous trip last month a couple boxes of milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts in favor boxes ($33 for 24 boxes). With the touch of a gold ribbon and a little note, they were perfect to give away during the holidays.

Visit their online store or call for catalog. A shop to keep in mind for holiday shopping next year.

See my previous post about their store in downtown Hilo by clicking HERE.

Visit bigislandcandies.com for more information. The gift shop at their factory located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo, Hawaii (conveniently near Hilo International Airport) is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm. Toll-Free 1-800-935-5510 (US & Canada); 1-808-935-8890 (Outside the U.S.).

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies: A Delicious Way to Say Aloha

When visiting Kona and looking for some yummy gifts for family and friends (or something for yourself), be sure to stop by Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies. Situated at Kaloko Industrial Park between the Kona International Airport and downtown Kona on the Big Island, the small shop will entice you with their sweet and tasty array of freshly baked cookies.

I picked up a dozen and a-half gift box that contained a mix of cookies last week during a business trip to Kona. If you can't get to the store, visit their online store. All orders are shipped 2-day express to the U.S. mainland.

Choose among these delectable favorites starting from bags at $13.80 to two-dozen gift boxes at $37:
Macadamia Nut Shortbread
Chocolate Chip Mac Nut
White Chocolate Mac Nut
Coconut Shortbread
Chocolate Dipped Mac Nut

They also sell 100% Kona Coffee ($17-$150) and Macadamia Nut Brittle ($7-$25).

By the way box I bought didn't last the weekend.

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies is open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm. Visit konacookies.com for more information.

London During the Holidays

I found these photos early this week on Flickr and it appropriate to share them on Christmas Day. As faithful readers of this blog know, London is one of my favorite cities and I have long thought of the idea of one day spending the holidays there. One day. Happy Christmas Everyone!

The London Eye
(photo: PhilHammond/flickr)

An unusual sight on the escalator on the London Underground.
(photo: tijo/flickr)