
With less luggage being the way to go, finding those perfect and right-sized Hawaii souvenirs for you and your loved ones is a must. There are many products made in Hawaii that you still cannot get on the mainland as well as things made elsewhere that have the look and feel of Hawaii. Twenty-five idea to get you started.
If you have found interesting Hawaii souvenirs to bring home that can pack easily and not add much weight to luggage, be sure to post them below.
Enjoy while we’re awaiting the next round of fall and winter airfare sales to get you here on the cheap, from Hawaii’s trifecta, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
The Best Hawaii Souvenirs in 2020
1. Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes from USPS are economical and come in handy should you run out of space. You can send from any local post offices. Another suggestion is to pack a collapsible nylon duffle for the trip home.
2. Longs, Costco, Wal-Mart, ABC Store and Macys usually offer a large selection of local products and gifts at reasonable prices.
3. Craft Fairs and Farmers Markets make great stops on all the islands and help support local Hawaii artisans. We’re blessed with a plethora of artists who create everything from honey to jewelry, jams and baked goods to sculpture. One of our favorite farmers markets is the large Saturday market at Oahu’s Kapiolani Community College.
4. T-Shirts make great gifts. We’ve also purchased Crazy Shirts for years and they last virtually forever. Tip: You’ll often find deeply discounted seconds at the Ward Center Crazy Shirt store.
5. Hawaiian Music CD’s and MP3’s are light and can help you dream of Hawaii during a cold winter. Great gifts too even if you forget to purchase then when you’re in Hawaii.
6. Buy Hawaii clothes that you can enjoy both here on your trip as well as when you get home. Examples include slippers (flip-flops), shirts, pareos, bathing attire and more. They’ll be all the more meaningful at home and can help bring your Hawaii vacation back to life. Check the label, as some are made here in Hawaii.
7. Post cards still exist, and can turn into nice stationery cards. Wal-Mart usually sells these for a quarter or less.
8. Coffee. Locally grown coffee is available on Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu. Hint – check out Big Island Kau coffee.
9. Crack seed. This local favorite is also a Beat of Hawaii top pick. An endless supply of choices and places to acquire them. We wrote about crack seed recently.
10. Hawaii calendars. Keep the islands in your heart or a friend’s all year long. Available for under a dollar at Long’s and Wal Mart.
11. Place mats and coasters. Grill local island fish and serve it on colorful Hawaii style designs.
12. Hawaii salt and seasonings. Add to your favorite foods at home, these include salt rubs with guava and other delights.
13. Soaps from Hawaii. Found at local markets and specialty stores, the fragrances of coconut, plumeria and hibiscus will take you back to paradise.
14. Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry with beautiful and enduring designs.
15. Hawaii luggage tags. If you’re a return visitor, this will get you thinking about your next Hawaii vacation.
16. Reusable shopping bags. Show up at your local grocery market at home with a colorful bag from the islands.
17. Hawaiian fabric. Great for making seat cushions or other uses at home.
18. Hawaii themed beach towels.
19. Hawaiian grown macadamia nuts. By the bag from Costco, plain or dipped in chocolate.
20. Hawaii beverages of all varieties. Koloa Rum for example.
21. Honey from Hawaii.
22. Consider turning a Hawaii key chain into a holiday ornament.
23. Hawaii furnishings and dining accessories.
24. Hawaii art.
25. Hawaii wood products.
Please comment below with your ideas and tips. What’s your favorite or unusual Hawaii souvenir suggestion?
Updated 2/19/20.
Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii. These links cost you nothing and provide income necessary to offer our website to you. Mahalo! Privacy Policy and Disclosures.
Celia says
I got some shopping bags at Safeway for .79 cents each. Fun and inexpensive souvenir. I also was surprised at what a good selection the small gift shop near the gates at the airport (not the big one in the main area) had – and good prices (kukui beads, sarongs, small turtle figurines, etc). Wish I’d thought to buy macadamia nuts at Costco! That’s a great idea.
Beverly says
I collect Bells from each state i travel too!
Debi says
Aloha! We brought home cookies from Maui. Honolulu Cookie Company are our favorites. Also brought home sun dresses, shirts, mugs, and of course – hats! Can’t wait to go again in May.
Kim says
I started collecting Christmas ornaments from my travels. Have several from the islands as well as other places. Have also done preserves, Hawaiian sea salt and clothing.
Regan Y. says
A couple of years ago, my family and I went to Maui for my niece’s wedding at my brother’s house in Makawao. I was an assistant volleyball coach and decided to get some Hawaii themed hair clips for the girls. Bought 14 from a local artisan then bought some different ones at the ABC store in Lahaina. The girls loved them and wore them during some of their tournaments here on the mainland.