Sweet Tooth, USA

Hilo, HI is a quaint, somewhat forgotten about town.  Before I ventured to the Big Island, I asked people around O'ahu what to be sure and check out while visiting, mentioning that I was going to have time to explore both sides of the island.  I am surprised, even more now having been there, that the impression of Hilo is so lukewarm.  First off, it was much larger than I anticipated, since everyone talks about and recommends the Kona side.  I figured the Kona area would be more bustling. It's not.  Also, the county seat of Hawaii County is on a calm, quiet bay (one of those rock walls protrudes a ways out to calm the waters for cruise ships and such) and is easily unnoticed when walking the streets checking out shops.

Besides some great restaurants (we loved Cafe Pesto), charming art shops, and interesting goods, there is the best candy shop I've ever been in.  I've probably loaded up small paper bags and the like in a half dozen or so candy shops.  OK, probably closer to a dozen.  Nonetheless, I do have some previous experiences to draw upon and put the Sugar Coast Candy shop at the top of the podium.

What colors!  Oh my, to be greeted by lollipops when opening the fire engine red door and then seeing the Oompa Loompa-size barrels of taffy lined up in the center of the store!  Though there were no actual kids in this candy store at the time, I am sure that all who pass under the door frame must lose at least a few decades when presented with nearly every kind of penny candy, individual chocolates, rock candy, taffy, and dried fruit along with cute cellophane bags and shiny twisty-ties to tote them in.  Strolling down the aisles on a black and white checkered floor was the icing on the cake...er, comic strip inside the Bazooka gum?

For those who will visit a candy store such as this in the future, a few tips:

         1. Walk slowly and look carefully.
         2. Scout out the offerings prior to touching anything.
         3. Look both ways when rounding corners, as the selection will look different from multiple
             vantage points.
         4. Avoid anything you can get at a local grocery store, as some of the magic is in the rarity of
             the pieces.
         5. Never mix chocolate and fruity pieces.  The same rule applies when mint is involved.  Keep
             like flavors together and separated from others.
         6. Shop with other people who find joy in such simple pleasures, so as not to be rushed.

I took my time scouting out the scene and taking pictures.  Jeff tried not to rush me, but it's somewhat in his nature.  He'd already picked a few favorites and a couple new things to try, such as chocolate dipped peanuts, white chocolate covered pretzels, and a couple of Tootsie Pops by the time I'd finished taking photos.  I grabbed a few pieces of dried papaya and pineapple, some licorice wheels, and dark chocolate cranberry clusters.  Amazing.

On our way back to the Kona side of the island, we sampled some of the picks and were not disappointed.  The only let down is that a return trip is incredibly difficult.  I will be sure to share my high opinion of Hilo when the opportunity arises, since it is definitely worth a few hours' visit and a stop in at the Sugar Coast Candy shop at the very least.