16 Best Souvenirs From Hawaii (Authentic Hawaiian Gifts)
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We find leaving Hawaii to be the most difficult part of our visit.
That’s why we always bring home a little piece of the islands in the form of some of the best Hawaii souvenirs.
They help keep our happy memories of Pacific Ocean breezes, gorgeous beach sunsets, refreshing Mai Tais, and delicious Hawaiian fruit alive long after we’ve returned home and unpacked our suitcases.
There are so many authentic Hawaiian souvenirs to choose from that it’s simple to find unique gifts for family and friends.
From small and inexpensive to high-quality and valuable items, loved ones back home are always delighted to receive gifts from the Hawaiian islands.
Best souvenirs from Hawaii
We’ve discovered which items make the best Hawaiian souvenirs through our numerous trips to Hawaii over the years, from Kauai to Maui, the Big Island, and Lanai.
So, if you’re wondering what to buy in Hawaii to bring home with you when you go on vacation, we’ve put together a list of the top 16 mementos and gifts!
1. Kona coffee
One of the simplest and best souvenirs from Hawaii is Kona coffee.
It also makes an excellent Hawaii gift for friends and family. There isn’t a single coffee enthusiast on the planet who wouldn’t gladly accept a bag of Kona coffee straight from the islands.
Kona coffee is a specialty coffee, distinguished by its near-perfect coffee growing conditions and volcanic soil on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The best coffee can be found on the Big Island, where it originated; taking a coffee farm tour there is a must-do Hawaii experience.
However, Kona coffee can be found throughout the islands.
Take a few extra bags in case you realize you forgot someone when you get home!
2 Aloha shirt
What says “Hawaiian” more than a Hawaiian shirt? Nothing!
Aloha shirts are some of the best souvenirs from Hawaii if you want to bring the true spirit of aloha home with you.
And they’re a lot of fun! When you wear an aloha shirt, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad day!
Hawaiian shirts can be found all over the Hawaiian islands. They range in price from modest to luxurious, depending on the quality and brand you seek.
The most affordable Hawaiian gifts can be found at popular store chains like Crazy Shirts and Hilo Hattie, as well as a local flea market.
Are you okay with splurging? The most fashionable aloha shirts are available from upscale brands such as Tori Richard and Tommy Bahama.
If you don’t already have an aloha shirt, this is a must-have. And if you do, add another one to your collection.
3 Macadamia nuts
It’s difficult not to love macadamia nuts because they’re rich, buttery, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious.
They are in abundance in Hawaii. Here’s an interesting fact about Hawaii: the Big Island produces the majority of the world’s macadamias.
So visiting the Hawaiian islands and not bringing back macadamia nuts as Hawaiian souvenirs is almost unthinkable!
The most popular brand, Mauna Loa, can be found at any ABC Store or popular gift shop.
With so many delicious flavors to choose from – chocolate-covered, honey-roasted, Maui onion-and-garlic, Hawaiian sea salted or unsalted – you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone in your family.
If you’re visiting the Big Island and looking for the most exclusive Hawaiian gifts for macadamia nut lovers, stop by the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company.
All macadamia nuts are grown by local farmers. Furthermore, the company only employs green energy production practices (almost all electricity is generated by solar or biomass energy).
Try their signature wasabi or spam flavors for a truly unique flavor experience!
Take a few extra bags or cans for yourself as well.
Is there a better snack than macadamia nuts for long car rides exploring the islands or for snacking on the plane on the way home?
4 Hawaiian quilts
Hawaiian quilts are the epitome of truly one-of-a-kind made-in-Hawaii gifts.
Quilting became a local tradition in the 1820s, when missionaries taught the technique to island women.
These quilts are now prized possessions sought after by both locals and tourists for their vibrant tropical designs.
They can be used as crib bedding, blankets, tablecloths, and even wall hangings. And they make the best Hawaii souvenirs!
A local flea market is your best bet for finding unique handmade quilts at the most affordable prices.
5 Hawaiian music
Nothing will transport you back to the Hawaiian islands faster than listening to traditional Hawaiian music when you return home.
Just the sound of the ukulele and those sultry voices will transport you back to the beaches of Kauai (or watching the sunset in Maui with a Mai-Tai or Pina Colada in hand).
Pick up a Hawaiian music CD to ride that nostalgia wave at any time.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, known for his classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley, is one of Hawaii’s most well-known popular artists.
It’s one of the most well-known Hawaiian songs ever! 20+ Most Famous Hawaiian Songs You Need to Hear
However, there will be plenty of options at your local ABC Store or gift shop.
Hawaiian music CDs also make excellent Hawaii-themed gifts for music-loving family and friends. Music is an excellent way to spread the spirit of aloha!
6 Lei Garlands
The flower lei is another iconic Hawaiian item.
Fresh flower leis are not only beautiful, but they also naturally exude the spirit of aloha and bring instant joy. As a result, they are one of the most authentic Hawaiian gifts that anyone would appreciate receiving.
If you want to bring fresh leis home with you, place them in a plastic container. Alternatively, buy them pre-packaged at the airport to avoid crushing during transport.
Silk lei necklaces, which can withstand more wear and tear, are also available.
7 Ukulele
As far as musical instruments go, the ukulele is the most Hawaiian.
Toy versions are available at all ABC Stores and gift shops. They make great Hawaiian gifts for kids or any music lover you know.
Then there are the genuine versions, which are designed for serious ukulele enthusiasts who want to put their musical abilities to the test.
If you want to learn how to play this Hawaiian musical piece correctly, you should buy a high-quality instrument from a reputable store.
8 Coconut oil
Coconut oil is fantastic. It has grown in popularity in recent years, and its beneficial properties are recognized in everything from cooking to skincare.
Coconuts have been used by Hawaiians for centuries, and they are infused into almost everything made in Hawaii.
Coconut oil can be found in locally made body lotion, sunscreen, lip balm, hair conditioning masks, and skin cream. Because it is that good! (It is said to reduce skin inflammation, reduce redness, and act as an antioxidant.)
Hawaii’s coconut oil is some of the purest in the world, making anything containing coconut oil one of the top souvenirs from Hawaii.
Just one whiff of the coconut scent transports you to the islands! Ladies, your skin will look and feel supple as well.
9 Hawaiian books
One of the most captivating aspects of Hawaii is its rich history and culture.
The islands are the source of some of the best stories, including those about the islands’ creation, Hawaiian chiefs like Kamehameha the Great, Hawaiian gods and goddesses, Captain Cook’s last voyage, and much more.
Consider checking out Hawaiiana books to bring home for the curious on your gift list.
There is no shortage of wonderful books about Hawaii, ranging from stunning coffee table books full of Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes to literature about the Hawaiian monarchy’s history.
On the islands, there are numerous charming bookstores.
Kona Stories on the Big Island and Na Mea Hawaii in Honolulu are two of the best for Hawaiiana books.
10 Hawaiian Jewelry
There are many jewelers and artisans in Hawaii who try to capture the essence of the islands in their work.
As a result, you’ll find a wide range of beach-inspired jewelry, including fine gold and silver items and pearl strings, as well as coral, mother-of-pearl pendants, and seashell necklaces. Prices may be very reasonable depending on what you buy.
The jewelry stores that allow you to choose an oyster that they will open for you are a fun place to visit. Then, after the traditional Aloha blessing of the oyster, the moment has arrived. They open the oyster in front of you, revealing a gleaming pearl.
One enjoyable place to visit is a jewelry store where you can choose an oyster to be opened for you. The anticipated moment arrives after the ritual Aloha blessing of the oyster. They open the oyster in front of you, revealing a glistening pearl.
11 Natural Hawaiian Bath & Body Products
I enjoy purchasing plant-based, natural products from Hawaii, such as soaps, creams, and body lotions. Their sensual aromas of vanilla, toasted sugarcane, coconut, and jasmine blossoms are incredible!
Look for organic spa-quality aloe lotions that provide natural sunburn relief and moisture. You can also find excellent bath salts and scrubs made from Eucalyptus mint and infused with essential oils.
12 Hawaiian Honey
Did you know that one of the world’s rarest honeys comes from Hawaii’s Big Island? The honeybees collect nectar from Kiawe, a desert mesquite tree, from whose yellow flowers the honeybees collect nectar to produce the honey.
One of the best things to bring back from Hawaii for your family and friends is this rare, pure honey. They will undoubtedly appreciate it because it is unique.
13 Old Lahaina Rum
If you didn’t already know, Maui is home to a rum distillery. And their rum is fantastic! This rum is used in a variety of drink recipes, most notably the classic Mai Tai – a cocktail associated with Polynesian culture and Hawaii.
And, in case you didn’t notice, Mai Tais in Hawaii taste better than anywhere else in the world, which is yet another reason to bring some Old Lahaina rum home with you.
14 Hawaiian Spices
Hawaiians are passionate about cooking, as evidenced by the abundance of excellent restaurants on the islands. It’s partly due to the mysterious condiments made of roasted, mashed Kukui nuts, seaweeds, and pure sea salt that Hawaiian food tastes so good.
I particularly like the Hawaiian Rub, an all-purpose seasoning I use on chicken, steak, fish, or I sprinkle on steamed vegetables, and salads. So if you travel to Hawaii, don’t miss the opportunity to bring back some exotic spices as souvenirs. They will remind you of the islands’ wholesome flavors.
15 Hawaiian sea salt
Hawaii’s pristine waters produce some of the world’s best salt. The salt contains more minerals and has a stronger flavor than regular iodized salt.
Hawaiian sea salt is thus one of the most popular gourmet condiments.
The flavors are incredible – Hawaiian chili pepper, garlic, fresh herb, Maui onion, spicy Hawaiian seaweed – and any chef, cook, or grill master you know will appreciate this gift.
We have pink salt from Hawaii in our kitchen and enjoy the flavor explosion that comes from the salt grinder.
Sea Salts of Hawaii, a local sea salt business brand, is sold at many retailers on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Some ABC Stores even sell their beautifully packaged flavored sea salt.
Who knew salt would be one of the best souvenirs from Hawaii? It’s cheap, versatile, and easy to pack.
16 Koa Wood Carvings
Koa wood products are among the best things to buy in Hawaii for authentic souvenirs. Because koa wood is only found naturally in Hawaii, it is a highly valued local natural resource.
One of the characteristics that distinguishes koa wood is its grain, which exhibits interesting wavy patterns.
Because the wood is multicolored, the same product could have light golden brown hues as well as auburn or deep chocolate brushes.
If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful Hawaiian souvenirs or one-of-a-kind gifts, look no further than Hawaii’s koa wood items, which range from masterfully carved wood carvings to authentic koa wood bowls crafted by local artisans.
Other beautiful koa wood products, such as kitchen accessories, phone cases, and jewelry, can be found at well-known retailers such as Koa Wood Ranch on the Big Island and Martin & MacArthur on Maui.
More…Pineapple
Although pineapple originated in South America, the flavorful fruit has long been associated with Hawaii. This is due to the large pineapple plantations that spread throughout the Hawaiian Islands in the 1900s.
For a time, Hawaii’s Dole Company supplied more than 80% of the world’s canned pineapple, so it’s no surprise that every visitor to the islands wants to bring home some fresh pineapples. So, how do you get fresh fruit to the continent? Dole offers fresh pineapples to take home as Hawaiian gifts. They can be pre-packed and delivered to the airport, or they can be shipped directly to your state.
Best Places to Buy Hawaiian Gifts and Souvenirs
Hawaiian-made goods can be found in malls, independent shops, craft stores, and artist galleries throughout the islands. But if you’re looking for a good deal, nothing beats the prices at outdoor markets, craft fairs, flea markets, and swap meets. Here you’ll find artisans and jewelry makers who can sell at lower prices because they don’t have the overhead costs of running a shop.
Some of the best shops on the islands, where you can also buy nice gifts and souvenirs, are as follows:
• ABC Stores
• Aloha Wear
• Walmart
• The Shops at Wailea
• Hilo Hattie
• Ala Moana Center
• Kings’ Shops
• Princeville Center
• Kahala Mall
However, no matter where you shop, look for authentic souvenirs and Made in Hawaii products, which are frequently found only on the Hawaiian Islands.
Common Souvenirs from Hawaii Allowed in the U.S. Mainland
- Sand from the beach
- Coconut
- Coffee (either roasted or green)
- Flowers, leis, and foliage (except citrus flowers) should be fresh.
- Pineapple, fresh
- Fruit that has been treated, such as papaya, banana, dragon fruit, Logan, lychee, and starfruit (These fruits must be treated in a USDA-approved facility and packed in boxes that are sealed and stamped.)
- Stones and rocks
- Seashells
- Seed jewelry and leis
- Driftwood and sticks are examples of wood.
Don’t bring home lava rocks!
Do not, under any circumstances, bring lava rocks from Hawaii home. Pele’s curse has deep roots in Hawaii, and she’s not someone you want to mess with!
Taking lava rocks or sand from the islands is said to enrage Pele, the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
Tourists who ignore this warning and take these items home are cursed with bad luck until the lava rocks or sand are returned.
And if there’s anyone you don’t want to enrage, it’s a fire goddess!
Now you know the best souvenirs from Hawaii
The islands of the 50th state are truly a unique piece of paradise, where Hawaiian culture is still very much alive.
When looking for things to buy in Hawaii, you’ll come across a plethora of authentic Hawaiian products that you won’t find anywhere else.
These local cultural staples make the best Hawaiian gifts and treasured keepsakes.
Join the “I Left My Heart in Hawaii” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Hawaii together.
By: Travel Pixy
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