‘Egg-cellent’ Popcorn

Customers who spend $30 or more will receive a mystery Easter egg with a special prize.

Island Popper Gourmet Popcorn is committed to crafting “gourmet popcorn, all the way,” and what better time to try some of its sweet and savory varieties than on National Caramel Popcorn Day? On April 6, Island Popper is celebrating in part by recreating its iconic popcorn volcano logo for the special occasion.

Owner Andrea Tournis-Vagenas explains, “Our caramel is handcrafted in small batches using high-quality butter and brown sugar. Our commitment to quality is what really sets us apart. We start every batch with non-GMO kernels popped in 100% coconut oil, keep the buttered popcorn organic and use only local Hawaiian sea salt. We don’t take any shortcuts or skimp on the good stuff!”

Bunny Bait (four for $14)

Island Popper is offering its made-from-scratch Classic Caramel starting at just $4 in honor of National Caramel Popcorn Day. Also, be sure to try its gourmet version of Cracker Jack, which has developed a loyal following.

“You’ll never go back to the box one again!” Tournis-Vagenas says.

Now through April 8, Island Popper is offering its seasonal Bunny Bait Cups (four for $14) and Bunny Bait Basket ($22) to celebrate Easter. The flavorful mix features made-from-scratch caramel coupled with pastel M&Ms and pastel marshmallows. The popular cup size is perfect for Easter baskets, and the cups will stay fresh for two weeks.

Caramel Popcorn (starting at $4)

Also, be sure to check out Island Popper’s Easter giveaway promotion. Customers who spend $30 or more get to choose an egg from the basket. Every egg is a winner with prizes such as $2 off the next purchase, a free popcorn cup and even a free extra-large popcorn bag.

The business is located at 1549 Colburn St. in Kalihi, right behind the Dillingham O’Reilly Auto Parts, and has ample free parking in front of the shop. Just look for the big red popcorn flag!

When Tournis-Vagenas and her husband moved to Hawaii from Chicago a decade ago, something was missing.Tournis-Vagenas was craving Garrett’s Popcorn, a hand-crafted Chicago-style popcorn that’s famous for its caramel and cheese mix. The blend of tangy cheese and rich caramel popcorn and its familiar sweet aroma helped inspire Island Popper, which opened its brick-and-mortar location in July 2019.

Customers can look forward to Island Popper’s Cashew Caramel, slated for release in time for Mother’s Day. Also, stay tuned for Father’s Day as the popular Mac Nut Caramel will make a comeback.

View the menu and order online for in-store or curbside pickup via islandpopper.net, an easy way to get one’s popcorn fix simply, as orders can be placed months in advance. At islandpopper.com, orders can be placed for shipping directly to customers.

Follow Island Popper on Instagram (@islandpopper) and join the mailing list to find out about the latest featured flavors that rotate weekly. Also, text “POPCORN8” to 578-277 to stay informed about what’s popping.

“Our customers truly are the best and make my day every day,” Tournis-Vagenas says. “We look forward to serving more aloha and popcorn. Without you coming in again and again and sharing our popcorn with your friends and family — and, of course, enjoying it yourself — we wouldn’t be here!”