Pick your sweet spot
Every shelf is a little different. Here's where to start.
Order online, pick up in store
Place your order ahead and grab it at 432 Alvarado St during open hours.
Customer favorites
What people keep coming back for. Stock changes fast, so call ahead for a specific item.
A candy shop that feels like a trip to Tokyo
Kawaii Kandies is a small Monterey shop packed with imported sweets, collectible toys and plush you'd usually only find overseas. We restock often, so there's always something new to unwrap.
Our storyWhat visitors say
Snap it, share it
Our candy wall is made for photos. Tag us so we can share yours.
Shop the shelves
Browse what we carry, then order online for store pickup or come see it in person.
About us
Unique, fun and imported sweets in the heart of downtown Monterey.
Why we opened
We wanted a place where a kid with five dollars and a collector hunting a rare Labubu both leave smiling. So we filled a room on Alvarado Street with the treats and toys we love most: Japanese Kit Kat flavors, Pocky, Hello Panda, sour candy, Sanrio and Pokémon plush, Pop Mart figures and trading cards.
Kawaii (かわいい) means "cute" in Japanese. We take it seriously.
What makes us different
Imported, not ordinary. Many of our snacks come straight from Japan and other parts of Asia, including flavors that are seasonal or hard to find in the U.S.
Collectibles you can see in person. Blind boxes, sealed Pokémon products and authentic plush, displayed so you can check the details before you buy.
A shop built for photos. Our candy wall, neon sign and bubble-gum portraits are free to snap.
Visit us
Downtown Monterey, a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf.
Before you come
Downtown has metered street parking and public garages within a block or two of Alvarado Street.
Our shelves are full of fragile boxes and plush, so we ask grown-ups to keep an eye on little ones and to check with us before opening any package.
Read store policiesContact us
Looking for a specific item, planning a party order, or want us to hold something? Send a note.
Questions? We've got answers
Can't find yours? Send us a message.
Can I order online?
Yes. Place an order on our online store and pick it up at 432 Alvarado St during open hours. We don't ship at this time.
Can you hold an item for me?
Yes. Call or message us and we can hold most items for 24 hours.
Are your Pop Mart and Pokémon products authentic?
We carry genuine, sealed products. Ask us at the counter if you'd like to see packaging details before buying.
Can I open a blind box in the store?
Blind boxes must be paid for before opening. Once opened, they can't be returned or exchanged.
Do you have allergy information?
Ingredient and allergen details are printed on each package. Many imported items are made in facilities that handle nuts, wheat, milk and soy, so please read labels carefully or ask us for help.
Do you take party or bulk orders?
We do. Tell us the date, headcount and budget through the contact form and we'll put something sweet together.
When are you open?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 8 pm. We're closed Mondays and Thursdays.
Store policies
The short version: be kind, pay before you open, and have fun.
Returns and exchanges
Unopened, undamaged items can be exchanged within 7 days with a receipt. Food, candy, blind boxes, trading cards and opened items are final sale.
Opened packages
Any package opened in the store is considered purchased. Our store is monitored by cameras.
Children
We love young visitors. Please keep children with you and help them handle displays gently. Displays and decorations, including Jack and Sally, are not for sale and not for touching.
Online orders
Orders placed on our online store are for pickup at 432 Alvarado St during open hours. Please bring your order confirmation.
Holds
Items can be held for 24 hours. After that they go back on the shelf.
Payment
We accept major credit and debit cards and cash.
Pricing
Prices are marked in store and may change as imported stock is restocked.
Privacy
Information you send through our contact form is used only to reply to you. We don't sell or share it.