Mark Berwick of Hawaii Kai thinks that the “finest fruitcake in the nation” can be found right here in the islands. It’s far better than the mass-produced cakes from the mainland that sit on shelves for months, he claims.

Berwick wrote to Crave that the Happy Cake, a sell-out favorite at Kemoo Farms restaurant in Wahiawa some 50 years ago, is tops for its local macadamia nuts, pineapple and coconut.

“My family used to always do the 27-mile drive from town up by Schofield to Kemoo Farms in the hopes of getting one. Sadly, on more than one occasion we were disappointed,” he recalled.

“My Mom loved sending them to friends and family on the mainland. And of course we always kept a few for ourselves. I associate the holidays and family get-togethers with the Happy Cake.

“Recently I lost my mother so I decided to carry on her tradition of sharing the Happy Cake.”

He sends the 16-ounce loaf cakes as gifts every Christmas. “It still gets plenty of raves and we love continuing the tradition.”

Dick Rodby was the founder and creator of the Happy Cake back in 1967. Owen O’Callaghan took over the business in 2004 and moved the operation to Honolulu. The cakes and related products are available in Honolulu every Saturday at the Kapi­olani Community College farmers market, and by arranged pickup at the Hawaiian Happy Cakes office in Waikiki.

“It’s a handmade cake in every way,” O’Callaghan said. “We’re a well-kept secret,” except to regular mainland customers from all 50 states who keep his mail-order business “very profitable.”

Berwick recommends that to best enjoy the treat: “Try slicing the cake and toasting it before serving with vanilla ice cream — delicious!”

The cost of two cakes if $44.95, and there’s an 8-ounce size in a 6-pack for $59.95, great for omiyage (souvenirs). To order call 922-1957 or go online at happycake.com.