Bryson Hiro:
Baking a Dream into Reality with Hiro’s Cookies
“It took me a long time to start this business due to my previous careers,” says Bryson Hiro, founder of Hiro’s Cookies. But in February 2022, with flour-dusted hands and a heart full of purpose, he stepped boldly into a new chapter — and never looked back.
THE SEEDS OF PASSION: A LEGACY FROM THE KITCHEN
Raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Bryson’s early memories are steeped in the warmth of local kitchens. His mother, Suzy, once worked at the iconic Lanky’s Bakery, and it was her love of baking that planted the first seeds of his passion. Years later, after time spent in other careers, Bryson found himself returning to that foundation — this time, to build something all his own.
THE LEAP OF FAITH: LAUNCHING HIRO’S COOKIES
In early 2022, Bryson officially launched Hiro’s Cookies LLC in Hilo. It was more than just a business—it was an embodiment of his values: authenticity, community, and clean, quality ingredients.
He committed to baking every cookie from scratch using only all-natural ingredients — no preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors. Even the coloring for his cookies is extracted from real fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
“All of the cookies are made from scratch with all natural ingredients, which can be difficult when making shortbread cookies,” Bryson shared. But that challenge became his craft — and his pride.
TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS: SCALING THE DREAM
Every great journey includes its trials — and for Bryson, it was the limitations of space and time. Renting kitchen space, juggling handmade batches, and scaling demand pushed him to his limits.
That’s when ChangeMakers Hawaiʻi stepped in.
Through their ʻĀinapreneur Rural Small Business Development Program, Bryson joined a 12-week cohort filled with coaching, business training, and support. Upon completing the program, he was awarded a $10,000 microloan — becoming the first-ever recipient from ChangeMakers emerging Native CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution).
With the funding, Bryson purchased new equipment to improve production efficiency and reduce the physical strain on himself and his small team.
“This is going to help us purchase things I never would have been able to without the help,” Bryson said. “I’m shocked, thankful, and surprised with all the support I’ve gotten from the community and now from the program.”
THE SWEET RISE: BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH COOKIES
Armed with a growing brand and improved production, Bryson was able to expand his reach. His cookies are now sold at various locations across Hawaiʻi Island.
Each cookie is still hand-scooped and hand-packed with love, often with help from his dedicated mom, Suzy, and a small team he now employs thanks to the growth.
From flavors like Guava Jam and Macadamia Nut to his Pride-themed Rainbow Shortbread colored with turmeric, beet, spirulina, and paprika, Hiro’s Cookies aren’t just tasty — they tell stories. They’re gifts of aloha, handmade with purpose.
THE RETURN: GIVING BACK AND GROWING ROOTS
As Bryson reflects on his two-year journey, the pride in his voice is matched only by his gratitude.
“I’m so proud of actually doing this and seeing the success I have.”
And he’s not just baking for success. He offers nonprofit pricing, takes custom orders, and supports other local entrepreneurs through shared market spaces. With plans to open his own certified kitchen, Bryson’s dream continues to grow — rooted in his community and rising toward something even bigger.
ALOHA IN EVERY BITE
ʻaʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.
No task is too big when done together.
This ʻōlelo noʻeau reminds us that behind every cookie is a village: the mentors, coaches, aunties, uncles, customers, and helpers who helped shape the dream. Bryson’s success isn’t just his own — it’s shared, celebrated, and uplifted by many.
Bryson Hiro’s journey from quiet dreamer to ʻĀinapreneur changemaker is a story of perseverance, humility, and aloha. With each shortbread bite, he shares more than flavor — he shares legacy, love, and a vision of what’s possible when we rise together.
Bryson didn’t just build a business — he grew something from the ground up, with ʻāina and aloha at the center.
If you’re dreaming of creating something rooted in place, guided by ʻike kūpuna, and aligned with what your community truly needs, ʻĀinapreneurs is for you.
We need more builders like you.