From Trinkets to Installment Plan: The Changing Face of Hawaii Souvenirs

Once upon a time, bringing home souvenirs was a simple way to remember a Hawaii vacation. Now, you might need an installment plan to afford it. Consider this:

There are standout options for those seeking premium Hawaiian chocolates—but be prepared for sticker shock. At least one company, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, now offers an installment plan for souvenir purchases. That’s right—if you crave handcrafted Hawaiian cacao, you can spread your payments over time, like a plane ticket or resort stay.

Hawaii’s rising travel costs have been well documented—higher airfare, hotel rates, and dining expenses all add up. Now, souvenirs may be joining the list of hidden costs. What was once an affordable treat is quickly becoming a luxury.

Thom A. shared his experience, saying, “After our visit in June… there was minimal purchasing. Ten dollars for a box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts??? Nobody got one this time.”

As visitors adjust to the rising costs, some are still willing to splurge, while others are reconsidering whether traditional souvenirs are worth it.

Where are visitors shopping instead?

With traditional souvenir stores feeling the pinch, visitors are changing their shopping habits. Many are now turning to big-box retailers and grocery stores for better deals.

Richard C. noted, “Living on the West Coast, we can buy many Hawaiian products at the local Costco—even Honolulu Cookies.”

Others stock up at places like Walmart, Longs, and ABC Stores, which often have lower prices than dedicated gift shops. The convenience of ordering online from Amazon or direct-from-Hawaii brands also means some travelers are skipping in-person souvenir shopping altogether.

Did you find a volcano t-shirt you loved but found unaffordable? A quick image search on Amazon yields ten alternatives, all with free shipping. BOH editor Rob said, “I’ve been guilty of this myself in other places.”

Authenticity vs. affordability: the dilemma of Hawaii-made products.

One of the most significant shifts in the souvenir market is the growing demand for authentic, locally made Hawaii goods. Many travelers now pay close attention to where an item is made before buying.

Perry M. explained, “Before buying any souvenirs, I always turn it over and look for the place of manufacture. If it doesn’t say Hawaii, then I don’t buy it.”

The emphasis on buying authentic Hawaii-made products supports local businesses but also comes at a price. Locally made items are often more expensive than mass-produced souvenirs imported from overseas. Some visitors are willing to pay the difference, while others simply opt-out.

Chris shared his frustration when trying to replace an old souvenir. “I thought it would be easy to find a new monkey pod salad bowl. All I found were ones made in Thailand.”

For those who prioritize authenticity, stores like Na Mea Hawaii in Ward Center cater to shoppers looking for genuine Hawaii-made goods. Another favorite is Roberta Oaks in Honolulu Chinatown with their island wear made in Hawaii. Farmer’s markets and craft fairs also remain popular spots for finding unique, locally produced souvenirs.

From trinkets to experiences: a changing souvenir culture.

Some visitors are moving away from traditional souvenirs altogether, instead favoring experiences over physical keepsakes.

Thom A. explained, “My souvenir is my photos and memories of being at a beautiful beach. And if I have to dust it, I don’t need it anyway.”

Practical gifts have also become more popular. Instead of keychains and magnets, visitors are bringing home scented soaps, island-made lotions, and high-quality locally made food products. Others seek out functional keepsakes like insulated wine bags, aloha-print tote bags, and handcrafted jewelry, some from Hawaii and much of it, not.

Mary K. shared, “We tend to buy something for the house or jewelry for me when we visit. I am looking at our three-panel pic on metal of Hanalei Bay as I write this.”

Handmade artwork remains a favorite among those looking for something unique. Diana explained, “Our most valued souvenir is a hand-carved whale tail from a local Maui artist. But I always buy Kona and Kauai coffee!” Which leads us to the next question.

Is your Hawaii coffee really local?

Many visitors assume that when they buy Hawaii-branded coffee, they are supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture. The reality is more complicated. Some of the most widely available “Hawaiian” coffee is actually produced by a global coffee conglomerate, Massimo Zanetti, which owns large-scale operations in Hawaii.

Their practices have raised concerns, as they are reportedly the largest consumer of pesticides on Kauai and rely on temporary imported labor for harvesting. Unlike the romanticized image of coffee being carefully hand-picked, much of their production is done by massive harvesting machines.

On the other hand, fine, small-batch coffee from the Big Island—especially from the Kona and Ka‘u regions—is a completely different product. These beans are hand-picked and grown on small farms, where quality and sustainability are often prioritized over mass production.

While these coffees are significantly more expensive, and might even be financed, they represent the true essence of Hawaii-grown coffee. For those seeking authenticity, it’s worth looking beyond the branding and choosing coffee directly from local farms or reputable sources.

Final thought: A small shift or a bigger trend?

For visitors, the question remains: is this just another expense of traveling to Hawaii, or a sign that the traditional souvenir market is slowly fading away?

Lead Photo Credit – Beat of Hawaiia at Hilton Hawaiian Village.