Buying souvenirs is one of the most fun parts of going on vacation to another country, and Hawaii has some unique options. If you’re wondering what the best souvenirs to buy in the islands keep reading!
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or are already there, you surely want to buy some of the best souvenirs. These can vary greatly in quality and in the time they’re meant to stay with you. Some are edible and so delicious that you know they won’t last, but some can spend years or even decades. Those could even become a family heirloom! In general, souvenirs are an easy way to bring some of the Hawaiian charm home with you, and a nice way of sharing the trip with friends and family who couldn’t accompany you.
And speaking of sharing your trip, you also want to send them dozens of pictures and videos of your adventures in Hawaii, or save them in the cloud as another souvenir. For all your internet related needs you have Yoho Mobile’s eSIMs! You can buy and install one with a few clicks, and just for reading this article, you’ll get a 12% discount with our promo code YOHO12!
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Hawaii
Delicious Hawaiian treats
Being a little Archipelago almost lost in the Pacific you know you can expect some truly unique treats that you can bring home to share with everyone, and you’ll be completely right! Snacks as souvenirs might not last as much as other gifts, but they offer a more sensorial experience, and as a plus, they barely occupy any space in your suitcase!
Must-buy snacks in Hawaii:
- Macadamia Nuts: You know them, you love them, and you probably want to keep some of these rich and buttery delicious nuts for yourself as well. You can buy them roasted with sea salt, or try something more unique, like honey-roasted or wasabi-flavored.
Photo by Phillip Larking on Unsplash
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Chocolate-Covered Shortbread Cookies: Very iconic and loved by the locals, and you can find them in tropical flavors like coconut, mango, or macadamia nut!
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Kona Coffee: Either you’re really into coffee, or you have a friend who’s a total nerd for the coffee beans. If that’s the case, you have to buy some of these premium coffee beans. It’s on the pricier side, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll see how worth it it is.
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Hawaiian Tropical Fruit Jams: A nice way to support the local businesses and share the tropical flavor of Hawaii! If you’re feeling fancy, you can also pick up some passion fruit (lilikoi) butter to try on toast later on.
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Haupia: It’s a creamy coconut pudding, a very popular dessert that you can find in luaus. You don’t have to buy it pre-made, just get the powdered haupia and prepare it at home.
Handcrafted and Cultural Treasures
If you want something that will last a bit more, you can choose a handcrafted item, and Hawaii has a lot to offer in that category.
Best handmade souvenirs to buy:
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Koa Wood Products: Koa is a very rare hardwood that’s native to the islands. It has a very rich color and nice grain, so it’s quite popular for carving. You can buy bowls, picture frames, jewelry boxes, and even surfboards!
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Flower Lei: You might not know what it’s called, but you’ve seen them in every Hawaiian-related media. But despite how simple it looks, it’s not only a pretty flower necklace, but a symbol of the Hawaiian culture, and being gift one means you’re welcome.
Photo by Ken Mages on Unsplash
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Ni’ihau Shell Lei: If you want to buy something truly valuable, you have to see these unique lei. These are rare, so rare that if you buy an authentic one, it comes with a certification. Looking at them, it is easy to understand why making all those tiny shells into such a lovely piece is quite labor-intensive.
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Hawaiian Quilts (Kapa Kuiki): Another really interesting souvenir you can bring home. It might need more space in your suitcase, since quilts tend to be bulkier, but it’s worth it. Now you can have a bold and symmetrical handmade quilt with nature motifs!
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Ukulele: Maybe all the motivation you need to finally learn an instrument is having your very own Hawaiian ukulele to play! If you only plan to use it as a decoration, you can buy smaller ones with intricate designs.
Photo by Mineragua Sparkling Water on Unsplash
Stylish and Practical Souvenirs
What better souvenir than one that you won’t have lying around, but one that you can actually use! And you probably have some people in your life who don’t like colorful things on their walls or knick-knacks that only gather dust. So surprise them with a practical Hawaiian souvenir instead!
Best practical souvenirs to buy in Hawaii:
- Aloha shirt: The certified classic when you think of a wearable souvenir. They’re excellent and so comfortable, lightweight and breathable, with so many designs, from vintage prints to sleeker modern cuts.
Photo by Johannes Andersson on Unsplash
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Sarong or Beach towels: If you want a really good beach complement that will follow you on your adventures for years to come, buy a sarong. You can use them as a scarf, beach wrap, picnic blanket, or even hang them on your walls if you fancy.
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Natural Hawaiian Skincare: Skincare routines are incredibly popular now, and there’s a push for more natural and handmade products. You can try products like kukui nut oil, volcanic clay masks, passion fruit lip balm, or pineapple enzyme scrubs.
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Local jewelry: You can find really unique designs made with local materials, like koa wood, shells, pearls, sea glass, and even lava rocks. They might not be for everyone, and maybe not the most elegant, but they will add some charm to your everyday look.
Where to Find the Best Hawaiian Souvenirs
Now that you have seen a bit of what Hawaii has to offer in souvenirs, you’re probably wondering where you can get them.
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Local Crafts Fairs and Farmers Markets: If you’re hunting for unique, handmade items, the fairs and markets are the places to start looking. You can walk around, see a little, and even talk with the original artisans! It’s also great if you want to buy some fresh produce like macadamia nuts and other fruits.
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Native Hawaiian-owned stores: One of the best things you can do to support the Hawaiian people is to support the local businesses and shops consciously. If you want nice souvenirs, you can visit stores like Na Mea Hawai’i in Honolulu, or Kealopiko in O’ahu.
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Museum Gift Shops: If you visit a museum that you like a lot and want thematic gifts, you can find them in their gift shops. You can find some incredible, high-quality, and cultural pieces, all made by local artisans.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hawaiian Souvenirs
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Look for authenticity: That’s why you’re buying them directly from local artisans! That and because you can get souvenirs filled with cultural significance, made with love and care.
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Look for sustainable options: This goes hand in hand with the authenticity. Mass-produced items are terrible for the ecosystem and the local economy. Try to choose souvenirs made with natural or recycled materials, and if they’re reusable and will last for a long time, is a lot better.
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Match the souvenirs to the islands: No, not all of the islands in Hawaii are the same. There are differences, and you can find some interesting and unique souvenirs in each one.