A sweet collaboration

Neal Arakaki and Susan Morita of Menehune Mac along with Jimmy Chan of Hawaiian Chip Company

Local customers and visitors to the islands can look forward to enjoying their favorite snacks and sweet treats from Hawaiian Chip Company in 2022, including new selections that are sure to draw a crowd.

Hawaiian Chip Company first started serving up its iconic purple Okinawan sweet potato chips 21 years ago in Ziploc bags for sale at local swap meets. These chips were, and remain, distinguishable from other similar products on the market because they are seasoned with signature flavors like Zesty Garlic, Kiawe BBQ and Kilauea Fire. These distinct flavor combinations eventually inspired a line of hot sauces, including the headlining Kilauea Fire.

A 1-pound box of Taro Chips ($20)

By mixing and matching different flavors in an array of combinations, Hawaiian Chip Company has created seemingly endless possibilities over the past two decades. The local business is also collaborating with Menehune Mac at its snack and gift center in Kalihi on Republican Street that showcases specialty chips, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, as well as a variety of popular locally made products like okoshi, party mix, cookies, and “Pidginmoji” fortune cookies.

The business recently expanded its parking lot, so customers have access to more stalls that are well spaced and clearly marked in the area adjacent to the store.

Sweet Potato and Taro Chips, Hawaiian Mac Nut Chocolate Chipy-Chunk Cookies, Taro Chips, Menehune Mac Milk and Dark Chocolates with Pidginmoji Fortune Cookies, and Chocolate Dip, Dunk and Drizzle Sauce (various prices)

“We were inspired by the products’ popularity to serve the chips right off the production line at the factory in Kalihi, which allows customers the opportunity to select their own seasoning for those freshly made chips,” says Hawaiian Chip Company owner Jimmy Chan. “The goal is to create an experience that tourists and locals alike will appreciate.”

Menehune Mac Macadamia Nut Chocolate and Handmade Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nuts ($10.50 each box)

Guests can get their fix with a made-to-order, 1-pound box of Taro Chips ($20) — the perfect way to stock up on Hawaiian Chip Company’s signature item that is a hit at any party or gathering.

Hawaiian Chip Company is all about the cookies, too, and offers an incredible selection of the sweet morsels headlined by Pidginmoji Fortune Cookies ($8 per bag) that are made by Hawaii Candy and filled with fun phrases and fortunes in pidgin crafted by pidginmoji. com. Menehune Mac’s Hawaiian Mac Nut Chocolate Chipy-Chunk Cookies ($10 per bag) are crispy chocolate cookies with a big chunk of chocolate in the middle.

Uncle’s Hawaiian Ice Cream dipped in Chocolate Dip, Dunk and Drizzle Sauce ($8)

Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches ($6 each) are perfect when dipped in a 6-ounce tub of Chocolate Dip, Dunk and Drizzle Sauce ($8), which happens to be a perfect dipping accompanying to taro and potato chips as well. The ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed when dipped in chocolate and then put back in the freezer for a few minutes to elevate the flavor profile.

While Chan is working hard to meet staffing and production shortages caused by the pandemic, he is appreciative of the loyal customers and visitors who flock to Hawaiian Chip Company to enjoy their favorite treats.

“We are busier than ever, and have lots of opportunities for employment!” Chan says.

Chan encourages customers to keep an eye out for more gift items and partnerships to come in 2022, including a reusable logo bag collaboration with Eden in Love.