Sponsored by Made in Hawaii Festival presented by First Hawaiian Bank

If you’re looking for a way to share a taste of Hawaii’s unique flavor, or are just looking for a snack yourself, check out Ohana Nui at the Made in Hawaii Festival from August 16 – 18 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena! HI Now host Jobeth Devera is getting a peek at the samples that will be available at its booth.

Ohana Nui’s Paniolo cookie is inspired by the classic “cowboy cookie,” using macadamia butter and nuts, coconut palm sugar, toasted coconut, along with other natural ingredients to create three very distinct cookies: Ginger Macadamia filled with chunks of spicy candied ginger, Li Hing Pineapple Macadamia made with a sweet candied pineapple and sprinkled with salty li hing mui powder, and Chocolate Mocha Macadamia made with chocolate chips and Kona coffee. All of these will be available to sample at its booth at the Made in Hawaii Festival!

You’ll also find Ohana Nui’s Hot Lava Chocolate cookie made with chocolate and hot cayenne pepper exclusively at Neiman Marcus.

Tom Walker, founder and owner of Ohana Nui, explains that while ginger is very popular, the pineapple with li hing mui is such a unique combination. “Locals especially love that one,” he says, “it’s a flavor that takes them back to their childhood.”

When choosing the flavors, Walker explains that he wanted them to be evocative of Hawaii. “It is hard with a cookie, as the first thing that comes to mind for me in Hawaii is fruit,” he explains. That’s why he worked dried fruit into some of the recipes. “Also, I love macadamia nuts, a product very much associated with Hawaii.”

A portion of all sales goes to Hawaii Marine Animal Response, an organization dedicated to the preservation, recovery and stewardship of Hawaii’s protected marine species and ecosystem.

For more information: ohananuilife.com

See more vendors at the Made in Hawaii Festival: