Aloha and Happy Thanksgiving weekend from Hawaii. Whether you’re on the islands now or planning a trip over the upcoming holidays, here’s how to send some aloha afar. We’ve curated a list of the most original and best gifts from Hawaii. Check out our top six Hawaii-themed gifts for the holidays and discover 20 more souvenir ideas for year-round tropical vibes.
We receive no commission on featured links and are happy to share some of our favorites with you. If you’re shopping online this holiday, many stores offer Black Friday Deals.
Our Top Christmas and Hanukkah Gifts from Hawaii:
- Honolulu Cookie Company: Indulge in premium cookies with seasonal collections, perfect for the upcoming holiday season and beyond. These individually wrapped delights stay fresh longer, making them a delightful treat for friends on the mainland. We still haven’t sickened ofthese after many years.
- Sunset Boat Cruises: Create romantic memories with a Hawaii sunset cruise for that special someone. Most islands offer these sailings, including whale watching during the Christmas and New Year holiday season. Consider gifting certificates for future island adventures or even a week-long Hawaii cruise as other great boat ideas.
- Tropical Flowers from Hawaii: Bring the islands to your home with vibrant lei and tropical flowers. Explore online options to have these exotic blooms delivered, choosing flowers from your favorite island for an extra touch of paradise.
- Hawaiian Jewelry: From rare Niihau shells to heritage-style wedding bands, bracelets, and necklaces, Hawaiian jewelry adds a touch of elegance. Shop online at places like Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, Na Hoku, and Maui Divers.
- ETSY Finds: Explore ETSY for a plethora of Hawaii-themed cards, downloads, and other unique gifts perfect for the holidays. It’s a fantastic way to support local island businesses.
- Clothes Made/Designed in Hawaii: Discover stylish options from brands like Tori Richard and Reyn Spooner. Tori Richard even offers tall sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.
Hawaii souvenirs with year-round: A-L-O-H-A vibes:
For those looking to capture the spirit of Hawaii during the holidays or any time of the year, consider these fantastic souvenir ideas:
- T-Shirts: Invest in Crazy Shirts for quality, long-lasting t-shirts that serve as enduring souvenirs. Check out discounted seconds at their Ward Village Crazy Shirts store for budget-friendly options.
- Hawaii Music: Transport yourself back to the islands with Hawaii’s enchanting music. Whether in digital or physical form, immerse yourself in the melodies that evoke warm memories.
- Aloha Wear and Hawaii Hats: Embrace the aloha spirit with comfortable wear that you can enjoy both during your trip and back home. Look for items made in Hawaii for an authentic touch.
- Footwear: Snag a pair of slippahs (flip-flops), especially those made in Hawaii by Island Slipper and others. In fact, Island Slipper has been making Slippahs on Oahu since 1946. While Hawaii-themed versions are available, authentic Hawaiian-made slippahs stand out from the crowd.
- Postcards: Transform still-available but old-fashioned postcards into stationery or inexpensively frame standard-sized pieces as keepsakes or gifts. Capture the essence of your trip in these small but meaningful pictures.
- Key Chains: Convert key chains into practical holiday ornaments or daily reminders of your Hawaiian adventures.
- Hawaii-Made Food Gifts: Indulge in a variety of Hawaiian delicacies, from mushrooms and honey to sea salt and spices. Consider gifting treats like chocolates, shortbread cookies, or local snacks, all showcasing the flavors of the islands. Bought online and in person.
- Island Calendars: Grab seasonal calendars for less than a dollar or two at stores like Walmart and Long’s, showcasing beautiful Hawaiian scenes year-round.
- Housewares: Explore Hawaiian-themed housewares like placemats, napkins, and wood products, including those from renowned brands like Martin & MacArthur.
- Christmas Ornaments and Decor: Spruce up your holiday festivities with Hawaiian-themed ornaments and decor, often available year-round at museum stores.
- Hawaii Coffee: Treat yourself to the rich flavors of Kau coffee or indulge in the legendary Kona Coffee from Hula Daddy, a personal favorite. Starbucks also offers Hawaii-themed gift cards to take home.
- Insulated Bags with Hawaii Motif: Stay practical with insulated bags featuring Hawaii motifs. Handy for travel and an excellent souvenir or gift idea. Available at many stores, including Long’s, Wal-Mart, and Costco.
- Hawaiian Jewelry: From rare Niihau shells to heritage-style wedding bands, bracelets, and necklaces. The choices are endless, and the styles are enduring.
- Musical Instruments: Kick-start your musical journey with a ukulele. While budget options are available, investing in a quality ukulele ensures a delightful playing experience for years. You can also take lessons on your Hawaii vacation.
- Artwork from the Hawaiian Islands: Explore local artwork, prints, or handmade crafts from museums and galleries throughout the state. A Hawaiian wood bowl makes for a perfect and distinctive gift. Check out museum gift shops on all islands, including the Honolulu Museum of Art and Iolani Palace.
- Hawaii Books: Dive into the literature of Hawaii with cookbooks, bookmarks, and more both digitally and the old-fashioned way. Visit Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii for an extensive selection. Their locations include Ward Center and Chinatown in Honolulu.
- Lei: Fresh or shell leis make for timeless gifts that can also be shipped.
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Most of my Aloha wear is either Kahala or Tori Richards, there’s another island made brand that I like as well –
paradisefoundshirts.com/
Hopefully posting this link is OK.
Magnum PI anyone 😀
We miss the International Marketplace in Waikiki. Now, it’s just a carbon copy of every other overpriced mall anywhere. The flavor, the culture, the fun of the International Marketplace is gone. Duke’s Marketplace tries, but it’s not big enough to have the variety the International Marketplace once had.
Change is inevitable, sometimes painful.
Hi Rod.
We concur completely about the International Marketplace. Kona Coffee Purveyors with B Patisserie is great, but otherwise, it’s such a loss for Honolulu.
Aloha.
To date myself, my husband & I have Crazy Shirts that date back to 1985, forward. Still going strong. I have a Tori Richard mu’umu’u from 1996. I wear it all the time. Honolulu Cookie Company is a definite. Put Big Island Candies on the list (Go to the store in Hilo, it’s amazing). I have a Christmas tree decorated with key chains from all over the South Pacific.
Aloha from TN. Please add Kela’s in Kapaa, for local glass art and jewelry. I just purchased some beautiful color-changing glass jewelry for my daughter in law (and me!) As a memento our our vacation their, last summer. 🌺
I bought a Hawaiian Christmas ornament in Honolulu with my Hawaiian name on it. Mele Kalikimaka and Aloha everyone!