I initially connected with Bryson Hiro, owner of Hiro’s Cookies through social media, and in true Hilo fashion, we stayed connected and would see each other at events in town. We met up for coffee at Just Cruising one morning where I got to know him a little better. One of the first questions I asked him was the necessary, “Where you wen grad from?” Bryson is a Hilo High Viking! He was raised to bake! His mom is a baker who used to work at Lanky’s Bakery many years ago and he has always had a passion for baking. He brought me bags of cookies to try and I opened up the bag of Haupia Shortbread cookies right away to go with my cafe au lait from Just Cruising. Bryson told me that the coconut flavor would hit at the back end and he was right! YUM! I haven’t tried the other flavors he shared with me yet (Rainbow Shortbread, Mac Nut Shortbread, Cinnamon Roll Shortbread) but based on the Haupia Shortbread, I am a fan of Hiro’s Cookies.

The cookies are all hand-scooped and hand-packed with love and to keep up with the demand he was able to support our community by hiring six employees plus his volunteer mom. I love that he tried to use local ingredients when possible like locally-made guava jam, mac nuts from Big Island farmers, Moloka’i sea salt, and even mint grown by his friend’s grandma! According to Bryson, the best-sellers are the Haupia Shortbread and the Mac Nut Shortbread and he says these are often bought by people who give them as omiyage to family and friends.

The newest flavor, Rainbow Shortbread, just in time for Pride Month has fun sprinkles! The sprinkles are still all-natural and made from turmeric, beets, spirulina, and even paprika. I am going to say that these ingredients make this cookie super-healthy!

You can find Hiro’s Cookies in Hilo at the Farmer’s Market and Keaukaha General Store, in Volcano at the winery, and even in Kona at RC Kona Deli. Keep your eyes peeled because you’re going to see it soon in one of our beloved local stores that has locations in Waimea and Waikoloa! If you want to make a special/custom order, just reach out to Bryson at hiroscookies@gmail.com or DM him on Instagram or Facebook. He can even give special rates for fundraisers for non-profits. Living Hilo Style.