Our Story
We started Nicoco back in 2012 with only an old fashioned hand cranked ice cream machine and a dream of delicious desserts made from the Aina, for the Aina. Working in small batches, we experimented with various plant based ingredients until we perfected the enchanting combination of fresh coconut milk, raw organic sugar and vegan fairie majick that is Nicoco today, where our goal is quality first, and it’s why Nicoco is so flavorful creamy and rich. We refuse to cut corners and use only the best ingredients to make our product.
After sharing scoops with friends, neighbors and our island Ohana, they encouraged us to bring Nicoco to the farmers markets (S.P.A.C.E. Market is where we got our start!) where we quickly sold out of everything. From there, we expanded to other markets and experienced such amazing support, that we decided to quit our day jobs and dedicate our lives full time to Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato production.
Eight years later, we now have two Nicoco shops and sell our pints and scoops at health food stores, specialty restaurants and resorts around the island. We choose our wholesale locations carefully to ensure that we are working with other like minded individuals who have the best interests and intentions for the island at the root of their businesses as well.
We’ve worked countless all nighters and experienced some pretty radical things along the way, from hurricanes to lava flows to pandemics, but Nicoco is not just a gelato company it is a lifestyle.
Nicoco is a testament to resilience, sustainability and positive social change. We believe that with each scoop of gelato, each fresh rolled waffle cone, each hand packed pint, sandwich and shake, we are working to make Hawaii and the world a better place. > Nicoco is dedicated to Hawaiian Sovereignty, animal rights, and equality for ALL. Sure, there are other non-dairy desserts out there, but let your choice count for something bigger than a sweet treat. Let your choice count for people over profits. Use your voice for something bigger than us all. With love, Ohana and a sprinkle of vegan fairie majick, we can make anything possible!
Our Gelato
Each batch of Nicoco is made with the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients available. We begin with fresh made coconut milk, raw organic cane sugar and a sprinkle of vegan fairie majick to create our signature gelato flavors. We believe that peace begins in a cone or cup, so everything we create is always plant based, vegan, gluten-free and organic. Some companies prefer to cut corners using yucky additive and stabilizers that hurt our bellies. Quality and consistency are uncompromisable to us and we guarantee only the best for our island Ohana to enjoy.
Hawaii is abundant with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that we love to feature seasonally. We find inspiration everywhere and now have over 400 original flavors of gelato! To create our beautiful rainbow of pastel colors, we use a variety of organic superfoods like Hawaiian grown spirulina, turmerics and beets to add an extra level of feel good deliciousness for your palate to enjoy.
We take pride in launching the path as Hawaii’s first all vegan gelato company. Our fresh made, gluten-free waffle cones are a first for Hawaii as well! Using our own custom mixture of gluten-free flours and locally sourced vanilla, we create custom cones fresh for each guest filled with our luscious, creamy gelato.
Hilo Shop
185 Kileaua Avenue, Hilo HI 96720
Tuesday - Saturday 12ish-7ish
Nicoco Hilo is located on one of our favorite streets in the city! Just one block up from the farmers market, grab a cone, cup or pint to go and enjoy a beautiful stroll along the Bayfront.
Pahoa Shop
15-2929 Pahoa Village Road, Pahoa HI 96778
Tuesday - Saturday 12ish-7ish
Our flagship store located in the heart of historic Pahoa town!
