Crackseed Etc

Beware! Ew! This lady is so nasty…(as in her attitude). My family and friends were eating next door and waiting for a table so we decided to check out this little store. As my group looked around everything was fine we even agreed to come back to get some ice cream after we ate. But boy we were not ready for such an unpleasant experience. This is the place to visit if you want to be insulted while you are trying to a nice time on vacation in Hawaii. My friend simply asked if samples were offered for the candies that were sold in the jars and she could not have responded with a more rude and racist comment. It was like she did not care for the business of tourist, which was quite obvious. Worst customer service ever. So we all left the shop without spending a penny here because there are plenty of other places with friendly staff and better items that actually deserve our business. We will definitely never return to this store.

I read about crackseed on some Hawaii message boards and was looking forward to trying a real Hawaiian snack. However, when I tried to ask a question about one of the packages, the counter lady told me, «If you weren’t raised Hawaiian, it’s not for you.» Then, she walked away and started sweeping the walkway! Needless to say, I spent no money here. I guess if you’re not Hawaiian, this isn’t the store for you! Rude and terribly disappointing! If I could rate 0 stars, I would!

An awesome array of Hawaiian and Polynesian antiquities, books, gifts and of course old fashioned crackseed snacks. However be prepared to spend a pretty penny on some things.

This place is definitely a trip down memory lane for me, back to the ‘Hana battah’ days with grandma, the aunties and grandpa. Dare I say that it’s almost as good as the old school home made stuff (sorry grandma). The ‘Aunty’ behind the counter is extremely knowledgable about ‘seeds’ and the Hawaiian culture. For those that don’t know, come with an open mind and just ask.
From lemon peel, lemon on the roof, ginger, Li hing everything, this place is crackseed/​seed Mecca! I’m going to have to end it here and indulge my tastebuds with more LH cherry and lemon peel because my mouth is watering as I’m writing this! :p

Passively impolite interactions with the owner.
I enjoyed the impressive selection and quality of the crack seed for sale. Really a delightful thing for my family from this island.
The shop is rather filled-​to-​the-​gills with a great variety of things for sale. However, the one little book I found on a bookshelf full of books was unmarked and when I asked for a price was told it was «not for sale» and for «easy reading.» A shame, as it was the only item I wanted to purchase!
Talk about poor business practice. I’ll return in an emergency and will not recommend.

Stopped in here with my family of four after brunch at the Hawaiian Style Café next door, which was amazing. Almost didn’t buy anything because the woman behind the counter was really rude. I had to ask her three times if I could see something in one of the display cases. I started to wonder whether she was deaf! And my daughter was playing with something that was obviously a toy. She said, «It’s not a toy and if you’re not going to buy it, don’t play with it.» Ok! Seriously would have spent more money but for the attitude.

A small hole in the wall but considering their is no other real competition nearby, they will satisfy your needs. I drool when I see the containers of crack seed, but I wish we could taste before we buy. They also either need to focus in selling cracked seeds, or kitchenware not both. Space is very limited. Price is kind of expensive and if I am paying this high price, I would rather get my snacks directly from jars versus pre-​packed. All in all, it is ok and staff seemed friendly enough.

I love this little shop. The owner reminds me of an «Auntie». She has an excellent selection of crack seed in the back of the store and I was so excited to finally get my ginger! She was really surprised being from California that I would know what crack seed was all about. I explained I grew up with Hawaiians and they would often bring back crack seed as «omiyage» on their visits.
She has a little change bowl and she says she saves up the change for the kids at the school (next door) they will come in and ask if there is money in their bowl for a soda.: D I made sure I contributed to the change bowl — its so rare these days to find folks who do something for nothing. She says they are good kids.

As a lil’ tourist stop (for locals too) — it’s a charming place, next to our breakfast stop, the Hawaiian Style Café.
The owner lady has her own charm– seriously. (ahem, to the one star reviewer…) The various sundries were just what we needed for our drive from Waimea to Hilo. Candied ginger, arare of various kinds, and chocolate covered coffee beans. Prices are plenty cheep, per thomas’ review.
I only regret not having enough suitcase space to take home more of their goodies!
Be warned: this store is *not* very stroller friendly, so carry your little one close since there are a LOT of fun things to touch!

Pidgin:
Crackseed steh my place for Hawaiian afta skoo grinds, from my hanabada days as one keiki in Waimea. Da aunty hea get all kind crackseed and choke odda kine ono kanake. An it stay plenty cheep, too, li dat.
Translation:
Crackseed was my go-​to after-​school snack place from my days as a kid growing up in Waimea. The proprietor here is a nice lady who offers up various and sundry crackseed, as well as a myriad of other great candies. Its pretty cheap, as well!

Crackseed foods are good, but the owner lady was super rude to my wife for no good reason. Stay away.