by Hawaii State Senate

Big Island Candies President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Ikawa received a Certificate of Recognition from the Hawaii State Senate Thursday for recently being awarded the Entrepreneurial Success Award for the State of Hawaii. The award was part of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Awards 2013. The Entrepreneurial Success Award is given to a business that started small by SBA standards, then developed into a large business.

“Allan Ikawa and Big Island Candies has enabled the world to taste the flavor of Hawaii with delicious cookies, coffee and confections,” said Sen. Gilbert Kahele (D-1, Hilo), who presented Ikawa with the Certificate. “I congratulate everyone at Big Island Candies for their hard work in growing the company into one that is highly recognized and respected. I wish Allan and Big Island Candies continued success.”

Big Island Candies started in 1977 with just one employee and a small SBA loan. Today, the company has more than 90 employees, operates from a state-of-the-art, 40-thousand square-foot facility and testing lab in Hilo with retail outlets on Oahu. The company has also expanded its reach by being available for on-line sales.