WanderFood Wednesday: Chocolate Opihi Heaven
An opihi is a snail found along the coastline of Hawaii. They are quite the delicacy and are difficult to harvest because they are generally located along rough areas of the coast.
While the real deals are rare, chocolate opihis are a little easier to find on the island of Kauai. Above is a tray of these. You got it, these aren’t actually snails at all. Rather, they are a chocolate covered shortbread cookie that includes a layer of caramel and a whole macadamia nut on top. You have to bite into it to fully appreciate one. And I, uh, bit into more than a few during my week on the Garden Isle.
The best place to buy these is direct from the source, Kauai Chocolate located in Port Allen near the West Shore. Well worth the trip alone but also a great place to stop if you’re on your way to Waimea Canyon or for a boating trip to the Napali Coast.
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I was so relieved to hear these aren’t real snails! I’m a big fan of the chocolate covered macadamia from way back – throw in the caramel and shortbread and I’m swooning. I’d never heard of opihis. So many reasons to go back to Kauai!
I agree with Margo! I thought, oh no! Chocolate covered snails?! But, chocolate covered shortbread with caramel and macadamia nuts sounds absolutely delicious. Hmm… maybe they’re enough of an excuse for me to make a trip to Hawaii in the future.
Those look awesome! Way more dessert-like now that I know they don’t have the snails inside. Hope everyone feels comfortable signing up for the gourmet Russian tea give away. They go for about twenty bucks per tin, and there are two of them in the gift pack. I just checked out that lamb stew . . . awesome!
Ohhh, phew! No chocolate covered snails.
These look lovely! 
Phew, I was in the same boat about the snails. I understand that snails are delicacies around the world, but I’m afraid I don’t think I would ever be able to eat one. Now chocolate. I can definitely do that. They look delicious!
i always imagined myself eating nothing but mochi in hawaii, but i think i’d make room for these.
Beth, those look so delectable! Even without knowing about the macadamia-caramel-shortbread goodness inside.
I want a box! Caramel is something I absolutely love. Along with the nut and the chocolate…...........YUM!
Those are tiny bites of all my favorite ingredients. Yum and yum! I actually like real snails with enough butter (and champagne) but thats another story! Thanks for sharing the “eye” candy~
Ok, now I REALLY understand why you’re on a fruit and veggie fast!