A Quick Guide to Hawaiian Souvenirs

If you’re lucky enough to get to Hawaii for a vacation, no doubt you will want to share a bit of your Hawaiian adventure with your friends and family back home. Buying gifts is a great way to show loved ones that you were thinking about them while you were off enjoying the great weather, the exciting activities, and the spectacular landscapes of Hawaii. As with any popular holiday destination, there are a huge range of gifts and souvenirs offered in Hawaii. Here’s a guide to some of the more authentic gifts to get the most out of your souvenir dollars. Aloha wear Aloha wear began as the Hawaiian shirt, an alternative and more casual way for businessmen to dress on “Aloha Friday.” Aloha clothing is made from a light fabric decorated with a bright tropical print. For men, short-sleeve button shirts are the norm, and for women, a simple shift dress is typical. It’s quite common to buy matching prints for the entire family. Aloha wear is easy to pack, which is an extra bonus. Macadamia nuts Macadamia nuts, grown on the Big Island of Hawaii, can be purchased in a huge range of styles and flavors, including salted, covered in caramel or chocolate, or flavored with garlic. Delicious in any variety! Koa wood You won’t find Koa trees anywhere else in the world. The wood from the trees is beautiful and iconic to Hawaii. Hand-carved small bowls make an ideal gift for anyone on your souvenir list. Lauhala weaving Preparing and weaving the leaves of the hala tree is a skill passed down through the generations in Hawaii. The leaves are woven into hats, wallets, and other items that make perfect gifts. Coffee There are over 700 coffee plantations in Hawaii, which is the only US state that grows coffee. The most famous and arguably the most delicious is Kona Coffee, which hails from the Kona district of Hawaii. Bring home a bag of 100-percent Kona coffee as a treat for any java lover. Ni’ihau shell jewelry Ni’ihau shells are tiny white shells that are only found on the small, privately-owned island of Ni’ihau. It takes thousands of shells to make a necklace, so the jewelry can be quite expensive. Jewelry is also made from the Tahitian Pearl and the Opihi Shell. These unique pieces make a thoughtful and impressive presentation for someone special. Sea salt Salt is harvested from the oceans surrounding Hawaii and a range of flavors are produced. A perfect gift for anyone who likes to season their food—and who doesn’t? Ukuleles The small, guitar-like instrument has become synonymous with Hawaiian music. Not so easy to pack, but easy to carry. Pick up a “toy” ukulele for a child or bring home a more expensive, but more sturdy version for the music-loving adult who didn’t make the trip. The most important advice we can give you is not to leave your gift buying until the last minute when you’re at the airport. Hawaii has plenty of family-run stores and market stalls offering the unique Hawaiian gifts that will surprise and delight your family and friends. Make sure that you take a little piece of Hawaii home with you.