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Hawaii is world-renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit. If you’re planning a trip to the Aloha State, you’ll definitely want to bring back souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your Hawaiian vacation.
If you’re short on time, here are some great Hawaiian souvenirs to consider bringing home: macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, Hawaiian shirts/dresses, ukuleles, Hawaii-themed home decor.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover over 15 unique gift ideas you can purchase in Hawaii to wow your friends and family back home. You’ll discover authentic Hawaiian food items, locally made handicrafts, as well as tips on where to find rare and special souvenirs.
Edible Souvenirs from Hawaii
Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts
One of the most iconic and beloved foods to bring back from Hawaii is chocolate covered macadamia nuts. These decadent treats make excellent gifts and souvenirs to share thanks to their rich taste and high quality.
According to the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association, Hawaii produces over 50 million pounds of macadamia nuts per year, with about 90% covered in chocolate for export and gifts.
Visitors will find an assortment of brands and flavors to choose from, including classics like Mauna Loa and Hawaii Island Gourmet. For the highest quality, look for mac nuts that were grown and processed locally, then enrobed in gourmet dark chocolate.
The resulting confection is a sublime mix of smooth, buttery nuts and rich chocolate that makes a memorable edible souvenir from the islands.
Kona Coffee
No trip to Hawaii is complete without bringing back authentic Kona coffee as the ultimate edible souvenir. The Kona region on Hawaii Island produces some of the most sought-after and expensive coffee in the world, thanks to the ideal climate and growing conditions.
According to the Hawaii Coffee Association, over 600 family farms in Kona harvest around 9 million pounds of green Kona coffee beans per year.
When visiting Kona coffee farms, visitors can often sample freshly roasted coffee, tour the orchards, and purchase beans straight from the source. Opt for extra fancy or peaberry beans for the very best quality and flavor.
The resulting cup of 100% Kona coffee makes for a smooth, complex, medium roast coffee with hints of spice and cacao that perfectly captures the essence of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Sea Salt
For foodies seeking a unique edible souvenir, Hawaiian sea salt offers a taste of the islands infused with minerals from the sea. According to Aloha Spice Company, salt makers on islands like Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui produce over 500,000 pounds of sea salt per year using traditional methods.
High-end resorts and spas in Hawaii often showcase beautiful varieties of sea salt harvested from pacific waters using solar evaporation. Bringing home infused flavors like black lava, red alaea clay, or bamboo jade sea salt lets visitors add that touch of Hawaii to everyday cooking and meals.
The salts also make lovely gifts and are believed to have healing properties in Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian Honey
As the bee population in Hawaii grows, so does the availability of high-quality Hawaiian honey for visitors to bring home. Small batch honey from local apiaries now comes in an array of exotic monofloral types depending on which flowers and plants the bees harvest nectar from.
According to the Hawaii Beekeepers Association, common Hawaiian honey flavors include orange blossom, lehua, macadamia nut, wildflower, and kiawe wood honey.
Most Hawaiian honey has a beautifully thick, silky texture and tropical flavors ranging from mild and fruity to rich and smoky. Their raw, unfiltered nature makes these artisanal honeys especially prized to bring back from the islands.
Drizzled over yogurt, oatmeal, or cheese, Hawaiian honey makes for a unique taste of paradise long after the vacation ends.
Authentic Hawaiian Apparel
Hawaiian Shirts
The iconic Hawaiian shirt, often called an “Aloha shirt”, is one of the most popular souvenirs from Hawaii. These colorful shirts with floral, tropical, or Hawaiian-inspired prints reflect the islands’ relaxed vibe.
Authentic Hawaiian shirts from designers like Tori Richard or Kahala are sewn in Hawaii from Hawaiian-made fabrics. Prices range from $50 for a basic souvenir shirt to over $100 for higher-end brands.
Aloha Dresses
The Aloha dress is another distinctive Hawaiian garment for women. These loose-fitting dresses with signature prints look pretty and breezy in Hawaii’s warm climate. Top Hawaiian labels like Sig Zane Designs, Hawaii’s Finest, and Kealopiko create quality aloha dresses from fabrics like silk or rayon.
Prices start around $60 and go up to $200+ for exclusive designer mu’umu’us.
Pareos and Sarongs
Colorful pareos and sarongs are popular beach wraps and cover-ups in Hawaii. Local boutiques and ABC stores sell basic pareos for $15-25, while specialty brands like Manaola Hawaii make designer pareos, sarongs, and beach towels from Hawaiian fabrics.
A 2022 survey showed over 65% of visitors buy at least one pareo or sarong as an affordable Hawaiian vacation souvenir.
Locally Made Handicrafts
Ukuleles
The ukulele originated in Hawaii and remains one of the most popular Hawaiian souvenirs today. Handmade ukuleles crafted from koa or mango wood make unique gifts. Highly skilled local artisans produce these miniature guitars in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.
Prices vary widely, from affordable souvenir ukuleles costing less than $100 to professional-quality instruments fetching over $5,000.
For an extra personal touch, some workshops like Mele Ukulele will engrave a name or meaningful date on the ukulele as a keepsake. Alternatively, opt for an art ukulele painted with Hawaiian petroglyphs or local scenes.
Hawaiian Quilts
Hawaiian quilts blend beauty and tradition, making memorable gifts. Local quilters carefully sew together colorful patterned fabrics like Japanese yukata cotton or muted solids in the intricate Echo, Pineapple, or Art Deco styles passed down over generations.
Prices span $200 for a wall hanging to $3,000 or more for large bed-sized quilts.
For such an investment, it helps to understand basics of Hawaiian quilting. The nonprofit Daughters of Hawaii offers classes and certifies authentic Hawaiian quilts. Reputable galleries like the Hawaiian Quilt Collection also provide certificates of authenticity.
Wood Carvings and Etchings
Hawaiian woodwork makes unique home décor with natural materials. Koa wood carvings might feature Hawaiian tiki statues, bowls, or warrior masks. Palm tree etchings print black & white designs on palm wood greeting cards, calendars, and more.
For custom options, Kohala Koa Gallery hand-carves sculptures, wall art, and furniture to order. At Martin & MacArthur, master carver Paul Solmataro demonstrates Hawaiian ki’i carving in-store on Mondays and Fridays.
Their gallery displays his works ranging from $45 for ornaments to $8,000 for large carvings.
When shopping for woodwork, look for sustainably harvested local woods like koa, milo, kou, or monkeypod. Crafts made with protected mango or sandalwood indicate illegal harvesting.
Unique Home Decor
Tiki Figurines
A popular Hawaiian souvenir for the home are tiki figurines. These carved wooden statues come in a variety of shapes and sizes depicting Hawaiian gods and symbols. The tiki first came from Polynesian culture and made their way to Hawaii.
You can find hand-carved tikis made from koa, mango, or monkeypod wood as the perfect accent piece for any room.
Some popular tiki styles are the Ku god, Lono god, and fertility figures. Ku and Lono were important gods in the Hawaiian religion. The Ku tiki is depicted with its arms raised towards the sky in a welcoming gesture. Lono has hands down with a staff, representing a god who traveled the islands.
Fertility tikis accentuate the female form. These make for a unique tabletop or shelf decoration to showcase Hawaiian culture.
Volcanic Glass Artwork
Another home décor option is artwork made from Pele’s hair or tears. In Hawaiian legend, Pele is the goddess of volcanoes. As the lava cools into glass strands, it resembles hair. These thin golden threads of obsidian can be woven into bowls, vases, frames.
As the molten lava explodes into the air and rapidly cools, it forms tiny glass tear droplets. Jewelry-makers set these black teardrops into pendants and earrings.
This Pele jewelry and artwork make for a distinctive accent in your home. The pieces showcase the natural beauty formed by Hawaiian volcanoes. They work well displayed on wall mounts, in curio cabinets, or even worn as accessories.
As you catch the light shining through the volcanic glass, you’ll be reminded of the islands.
Hawaiian Botanical Prints
Hawaii is brimming with lush tropical plants like hibiscus, plumeria, anthurium, and orchids. Botanical art prints allow you to decorate with these iconic flowers and fauna. Reputable artists like Caren Loebel-Fried specialize in Hawaiian floral motifs done in vibrant watercolor or pastel.
The colorful compositions add cheer and a sense of paradise to any room’s walls.
In addition to prints, genuine dried or pressed Hawaiian flowers and plants can be framed as artwork. Sites like Hawaii Island Gifts offer preserved flora sealed in glass frames. Displaying real Hawaiian greenery brings nature’s beauty into the home.
Just running your eyes over the tranquil garden scenes transports your mind back to the tranquil islands whenever you need a mental vacation.
Where to Find Specialty Hawaiian Souvenirs
Hawaii is filled with amazing festivals, cultural centers, workshops and local gift shops where visitors can find authentic, unique Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. From handmade artworks to delicious local treats, there are endless options to choose from.
Annual Festivals and Events
Hawaii hosts various annual cultural events and festivals where local artists and craftsmen sell traditional artefacts, artworks, clothing, accessories and more. Popular ones include the Aloha Festivals held from August to October across all major islands, the Prince Kuhio Festival in March on Kauai, and the Merrie Monarch Festival in April on Hawaii Island showcasing elaborate hula dances.
Visiting these colorful festivals allows you to buy direct from the talented creators and learn about Hawaiian traditions. Unique finds include wood carvings, Hawaiian quilts, surfboard artwork, shell jewelry, hula dresses, and more. Don’t miss the chance to take home authentic handmade treasures.
Cultural Centers and Workshops
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by visiting cultural centers like the Bishop Museum on Oahu, the Hula Arts at Kahilu on Hawaii Island, and the Hale Ho’ike’ike at the Bailey House on Maui. Experienced staff and demonstrations teach visitors about Hawaiian arts like lei-making, ukulele playing, hula dancing, wood carving, and more.
Some facilities offer hands-on workshops where you can create your own Hawaiian-style souvenir to bring home. For example, local favorite Cedar Workshop on Kauai lets you make authentic fish hook pendants, bowls, or frame artworks using native koa wood.
Attending a workshop makes for a fun experience plus a heartwarming handmade gift.
Locals’ Top Gift Shops
Looking for unique Hawaiian mementos beyond the usual tourist stores? Ask a friendly local for their recommendations on the best specialty shops offering authentic island gifts and souvenirs.
Top island favorites mentioned include the Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii bookstores on Oahu and Maui stocking extensive collections of Hawaiian history books, artworks, music, and craft supplies like tapa cloth.
The resort town of Hanalei on Kauai is also beloved for its quirky boutiques selling handmade jewelry, home decor, artworks featuring local designs, fruit jellies, baked treats, and more unique finds.
For personalized recommendations, chat with the cashier or shopkeeper themselves on what best represents Hawaiian culture and their island – they may reveal some hidden gem souvenirs or share heartfelt stories behind popular gifts that make them extra meaningful to bring home.
Conclusion
After reading through this extensive list of over 15 types of souvenirs you can bring back from Hawaii, you now have endless gift ideas for loved ones and ideas to commemorate your own Hawaiian vacation.
From sweet and savory food treats to wearable fashions and handicrafts that showcase Hawaiian culture, you really can’t go wrong with a souvenir from the islands. Just remember to check any agricultural restrictions to make sure your edible gifts can safely make the journey home.
