Just because you have to fly home doesn’t mean you can’t bring a bit of that Hawaiian aloha magic back with you!
Whether you’re looking for a memento from your tropical vacation or letting someone know you were thinking of them, I’ve got you covered!
In this guide, I will provide you with a list, photos, and descriptions of the top Hawaiian souvenirs and gift ideas to bring home from the islands. These ideas cover everything from local Hawaiian treats to cultural products and attire.
Sophie and I visit Hawaii at least once each year and know first-hand how nice it is to have something unique to remember each visit by. Discover our favorites below!
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๐ Hawaiian Souvenirs and Gifts Overview
The top 29 best gifts and souvenirs from Hawaii are:
- Macadamia Nuts
- Kona Coffee
- Mamaki Tea
- Hawaiian Shortbread Cookies
- Maui Gold Pineapple
- Malasada Mix
- Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
- Hawaiian Spices and Seasonings
- Alaea Hawaiian Sea Salt
- Local Honey
- Tropical Fruit Jams, Jellies & Butters
- Hawaiian Rum
- Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine
- Ocean Organic Vodka
- Hawaiian Lei
- Aloha Shirt
- Pareo
- Island-Inspired T-Shirts, Hats, and Socks
- Hawaiian Jewelry
- Hibiscus and Plumeria
- Ukulele
- Koa Wood Products
- Christmas Decorations and Ornaments
- Hawaiiana Books
- Lauhala Weaved Items
- Hawaiian Quilt (Kapa Kuiki)
- Hawaiian Artwork
- Hawaii-Made Bath and Body Products
- Keychains and Magnets
In the next section, we will discuss what makes each of these items a great gift or souvenir to take home from Hawaii.
In addition to descriptions, we will also provide links for purchasing them for those of you already on the mainland.
If you’re looking to restock your souvenirs or pick up some items that you forgot from your trip, then check out my Hawaiian Souvenirs Idea List on our Amazon Storefront.
๐ Hawaiian Souvenirs: Food and Drink
Food is an important aspect of Hawaiian culture, and the flavors of Hawaii are incr-edible (pun intended).
It should come as no surprise that my favorite Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts are those that you can eat or drink.
Whether you want to take a slice of paradise home with you or share it with a loved one, these tropical fruits and aromatic spices will take you on a culinary journey to Hawaii.
1. Macadamia Nuts
Hawaii was once responsible for almost half of the world’s macadamia nut production. While that number is now down to only around 5%, they are still some of the tastiest!
Macadamia farms in Hawaii cover almost 17,000 acres, with almost all of Hawaii’s macadamia nuts grown on the Big Island. If you’re visiting the Big Island, many of the farms have visitor centers with gift shops and some offer tours.
My personal favorites are Mauna Loa’s chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
2. Kona Coffee
Kona coffee is grown on the Big Island on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes at around 4,000 to 5,000 feet.
Due to the altitude, rich volcanic soil, and ideal climate of Kona, this region produces coffee beans with a unique earthy flavor that is considered one of the best in the world.
I highly recommend buying 100% Kona coffee rather than a blend. The flavor is much better, and you will get to truly taste the unique profile of the Kona coffee bean.
You can learn more about the production of coffee and chocolate on a Big Island coffee and chocolate guided tour.
3. Mamaki Tea
Mamaki is a native Hawaiian plant that is traditionally used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. As it only grows in Hawaii, it is one of the rarest teas in the world!
The leaves of the Mamaki plant are dried and used to make tea, which is believed to have health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants.
It is naturally caffeine-free and has an earthy, nutty, slightly sweet flavor that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
While we both love coffee, Sophie (being British) is a huge fan of tea and has to bring a bag home with her from every trip to Hawaii. Her favorite is the Shaka Sunrise tea infusion, which is blended with lemon and hibiscus for a crisp, botanical flavor.
4. Hawaiian Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a Hawaiian specialty that infuses island flavors, such as pineapple and macadamia, into a delicious baked treat.
While many different brands sell shortbread cookies in Hawaii, Honolulu Cookie Co. is by far the most famous. Their signature pineapple-shaped cookie has become almost as iconic as actual Dole pineapples!
Personally, I love how Honolulu Cookie Co. packages its products. With such beautiful boxes, they are an ideal gift from Hawaii that comes ready to give!
5. Maui Gold Pineapple
Not your average pineapple, Maui Gold pineapples are grown on the slopes of Haleakala and are renowned for their low acidity and sweeter flavor.
You can even take a tour of the Maui Gold pineapple plantation, where you’ll receive a complimentary ‘airport-ready’ pineapple to take home!
If you’re traveling from Hawaii back to the mainland USA, most airlines allow you to check a pineapple or take it as a carry-on item for free! There’s also no limit (besides your regular luggage restrictions) for how many pineapples you can take.
If you are traveling to other countries, you will need to check local regulations.
6. Malasada Mix
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without enjoying some malasadas. Originating from Portugal, these mouth-watering pastries are most comparable to a donut (but better)!
Unlike traditional American donuts, malasadas do not have a hole. This means you can find them with a variety of delightful fillings such as coconut, custard, or tropical fruit jams.
Personally, I prefer them unfilled with just a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
To make your own at home, just pick up a bag of dry malasada mix. One of the best places to find it is the Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island.
7. Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
In recent years, Hawaii has become renowned for its specialty “bean-to-bar” chocolate.
With its humid, tropical climate, Hawaii is the only place in the USA that grows cacao (the raw bean from which chocolate is made).
There are several small, independent cacao growers throughout the islands, each producing craft chocolates that incorporate local flavors.
My favorite is Manoa’s Lilikoi dark milk chocolate. The tartness of the passionfruit combines perfectly with the rich flavor of the dark chocolate, and the milk adds a smooth creaminess to balance it.
8. Hawaiian Spices and Seasonings
Nothing captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine like the local spices and seasonings.
We’ve tried a few different brands over the years and there’s plenty of great options. However, our go-to now is Aloha Spice seasonings. Their locally sourced, small-batch spices and seasonings help transport us back to the islands, particularly their chicken & pork rub!
9. Alaea Hawaiian Sea Salt
Alaea Hawaiian sea salt is harvested from the ocean water that surrounds the Hawaiian islands and then blended with the native red volcanic clay.
Not only does this process give the sea salt a beautiful, vibrant color, but it also becomes more mineral-rich with a high iron content.
In Hawaii, sea salt was traditionally used as medicine in ceremonial blessings. It was also used to preserve food.
Alaea salt is culturally considered to be a blessing and a symbol of good luck, making it the perfect gift from Hawaii.
10. Local Honey
There are several small businesses in Hawaii that produce artisanal, organic honey. You’ll find an array of different types of honey from a wide range of blossoms.
These include many rare types, such as kiawe, ohia lehua, and wilelaiki, as well as many mixed blossom varieties.
Get something sweet for that special someone that they won’t find anywhere else in the world!
11. Tropical Fruit Jams, Jellies & Butters
Swap out your standard raspberry and strawberry jams and jellies for delectable tropical flavors such as lilikoi (passionfruit), guava, and pineapple.
For an even richer flavor, consider picking up some fruit butters. Lilikoi butter is a staple in many Hawaiian homes, and it is used for spreading on toast or pancakes.
If you’re looking for a real treat, pick up some coconut peanut butter; I promise you won’t regret it!
12. Hawaiian Rum
Envision your toes curled in the warm sand and the sound of the waves gently crashing against the shore as you sip on a mai tai. It conjures up feelings of paradise, right?
Well, it might not be possible to bring those first two home from Hawaii. However, you can bring home some Hawaiian rum to make your own mai tais! With a good imagination, you’ll be right back on the beach.
Those of you visiting Oahu can take a tour of Ko Hana rum distillery and sample some of their specialty flavors. On Kauai, you can stop by Koloa Rum Tasting Room for samples.
13. Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine
Maui Blanc pineapple wine makes for a unique gift or Hawaiian souvenir.
Made with Maui Gold pineapples grown in Upcountry Maui, it has a distinctive tropical, fruity flavor.
The pineapples are handpicked, crushed, and pressed to create a crisp, semi-dry wine.
Maui Wine also offers two other pineapple wine varieties; Maui Splash, a sweeter wine with a hint of passionfruit, and Hula O Maui, a sparkling pineapple wine.
If you have the space, I recommend you try all three as they’re all delightful! Better yet, try them all while you are in Hawaii, then bring a bottle of your favorite one(s) home.
14. Ocean Organic Vodka
Award-winning Ocean Organic Vodka is distilled in Maui using organic sugar cane and ocean mineral water from depths of 3,000ft below the Kona Coast. This combines for a unique taste and smooth finish.
If you’re visiting Maui, you can even take a tour of the Ocean Organic Vodka farm and distillery in Kula and enjoy tasters.
Personally, after trying it on Maui, it has become my go-to vodka! Fortunately for us, it’s also available now in many liquor stores on the mainland.
๐ Souvenirs from Hawaii: Apparel
For a more practical Hawaiian souvenir or gift, made-in-Hawaii apparel is perfect for any age.
These are our favorite wearables to bring home from the islands.
15. Hawaiian Lei
A lei is perhaps the most traditional Hawaiian gift and the most iconic Hawaiian souvenir. They can be constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, nuts, and feathers and are considered a symbol of the Aloha spirit.
Leis are worn, given, and received for almost any occasion as a gesture of love, friendship, honor, or greeting.
Ensure that any leis you buy to take home as a souvenir meet customs regulations for your home country. If you’re traveling to the mainland USA, a few flowers are prohibited, such as citrus-related flowers.
I recommend buying any flower leis as close to your departure as possible to ensure they remain fresh. Orchid leis can last for up to a week when properly cared for.
We got our flower leis on our last day at Toa Luau. We kept them in the fridge overnight before wrapping them in a damp paper towel and zip-loc bag, and they were still beautiful when we arrived home!
If you want something that will last longer, consider a kukui nut lei or one made with silk flowers.
16. Aloha Shirt
An Aloha shirt (aka “Hawaiian” shirt) is perhaps the quintessential Hawaiian souvenir or gift. Nothing quite screams Hawaii in the same way!
Contrary to what you may think, it is not just tourists that enjoy Aloha shirts. In fact, you will often find local Hawaiians wearing them for many occasions.
17. Pareo
A pareo is similar to a sarong, although is typically larger. They are made from lightweight fabrics, usually in bright, floral designs.
It is an extremely versatile item of clothing and can be worn as a skirt, dress, top, head covering, or shawl.
Additionally, a pareo folds up small, making it easy to pack!
18. Island-Inspired T-Shirts, Hats, and Socks
T-shirts, hats, and socks make for great practical gifts or souvenirs from Hawaii. You can pick these up from plenty of different stores or attractions throughout the islands.
One of our favorite boutique stores is Solely Aloha on Maui. Everyone we know who has visited Maui has come home with one of their hats, including Sophie (see image above).
19. Hawaiian Jewelry
Hawaiian jewelry makes for the perfect gift or souvenir, whether you’re looking for something to celebrate or commemorate a special occasion, a present for a loved one, or just a beautiful memento from your vacation.
With plenty of island-inspired designs, you can take home a piece that captures the essence of Hawaii. Popular designs include sea turtles, plumeria, hibiscus, waves, and monstera.
You can find jewelry for every budget, from budget-friendly puka shell necklaces to one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces.
One of Sophie’s favorite pieces of jewelry is a turtle pendant with a hibiscus design on its shell that she got as a souvenir from her first trip to Hawaii in 2010!
๐ Hawaiian Souvenirs: For the Home
Add some Aloha spirit and relive the magic of Hawaii in the comfort of your home!
These Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts are perfect for decorating, or just to proudly display at your house.
20. Hibiscus and Plumeria
The hibiscus is known for being Hawaii’s state flower and several species are native to the islands. They are considered a symbol of beauty and joy and can be spotted throughout the islands.
Despite being native to Central America, plumerias have also become synonymous with Hawaii. The flower has become a symbol of birth and love, representing new beginnings.
You’ll find women wearing fresh flowers in their hair, traditionally used to display a woman’s romantic status! If you are in a relationship, the flower is worn behind the left ear; if you are single and looking for love, the flower is placed behind the right ear.
If traveling to the mainland USA, you can bring back hibiscus and plumerias seeds, cuttings, or flowers. However, I recommend always checking the USDA website for up-to-date information.
There are also many other ways to bring back a tropical flower souvenir, from silk flower hair clips to plumeria-scented candles and room misters.
21. Ukulele
In the 19th century, Portuguese immigrants brought a small guitar-like instrument to Hawaii. It was modified to suit local Hawaiian culture and tastes, and thus the ukulele (pronounced โoo-koo-le-leโ) was created.
King Kalฤkaua’s love of the ukulele quickly made the instrument popular and established it as an important part of Hawaii’s rich culture.
You will find many places selling ukuleles varying in quality. Inexpensive ukuleles make for a great Hawaiian gift for children!
For serious musicians, Kamaka Ukeleles are considered the best you can buy. Since 1916, this native Hawaiian family business has prided itself on its instruments made with high-quality koa wood. They can be found in high-end music shops all over the islands.
22. Koa Wood Products
Endemic to Hawaii, koa wood is found nowhere else, making koa wood products the perfect, uniquely Hawaiian souvenir.
The word “koa” in Hawaiian means warrior and koa wood is considered a symbol of strength and courage. The durable wood has a beautiful grain and has long been used to build canoes, swords, and homeware.
You can find a variety of koa wood products including bowls, spoons, pens, decorative art pieces, and even jewelry.
23. Christmas Decorations and Ornaments
Christmas decorations with an island twist make for a fun keepsake from Hawaii that can add a little tropical magic to the holidays. You’ll find many have “mele kalikimaka” written on them, which translates from Hawaiian to mean “Merry Christmas”.
Several stores and the airport stock decorations year-round and you will even find two stores in Waikiki entirely dedicated to Christmas!
I always love stopping by the Waikiki Christmas Store at the Moana Surfrider as it feels like stepping into a tropical grotto.
Of course, if you visit during the festive period you will find them available all over the islands.
24. Hawaiiana Books
Hawaii has a rich and fascinating history and culture, with much of it focused on story-telling. Therefore, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a wealth of incredible Hawaiian books.
From books on Hawaii’s history and culture to colorfully illustrated children’s books, beautiful coffee table books, and everything in between, you’ll find plenty of wonderful books about Hawaii.
I recommend picking up a book early on in your vacation so you can become immersed in it while in Hawaii, adding another depth to it. Then take it home as the ideal souvenir to relive the experience all over again!
25. Lauhala Weaved Items
Lauhala weaving is the traditional practice of using leaves (lau) of the hala tree to make functional items. Historically, almost all everyday items were made from lauhala including baskets, hats, floor mats, boat sails, and house thatching.
The 1900s saw a rapid decline and almost a complete loss of this skill as modern, western goods were imported, replacing lauhala woven items.
Today, however, there are many weavers on the islands perpetuating this treasured heritage. You’ll find many different lauhala items including bracelets, purses, placemats, eyeglasses cases, water bottle covers, and baskets that make for a beautiful reminder of your time in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a special gift, I recommend picking up a small lauhala woven basket and using it as a gift basket filled with other Hawaiian goodies.
26. Hawaiian Quilt (Kapa Kuiki)
For 200 years, Hawaiian quilts, or kapa kuiki, have been an iconic feature on the islands. Each quilt is meant to be one-of-a-kind and passed down from one generation to the next.
Traditionally, quilts were gifted at important events such as births and weddings. With their bold colors and nature-inspired motifs, it is common to find them proudly displayed on the wall of a Hawaiian home or draped over a couch.
A handmade Hawaiian quilt takes several months to make and, therefore, is one of the more expensive souvenirs. The highest quality can cost more than $2000!
If, like us, you’re more budget-conscious, head to a local flea market to find the reasonably-priced Hawaiian quilts.
Alternatively, you’ll find many smaller, more affordable products using Hawaiian quilt designs such as wall hangings, pillowcases, and even purses.
27. Hawaiian Artwork
Brighten your home with a piece of artwork from one of the many talented artists in Hawaii!
On each of the islands, you will find a variety of galleries selling all types of artwork including photography and paintings.
As a photographer, I think one of the best Hawaiian souvenirs you can bring home is an image that captures the feeling of this tropical paradise.
28. Hawaii-Made Home, Bath and Body Products
The smell is the sense most closely connected to our memories. In other words, nothing will remind you of your time in Hawaii as much as a familiar scent!
Extend your self-care beyond your vacation or pamper your loved ones by taking home some Hawaiian home, bath, and body products.
You’ll find an array of products like handmade soaps, lotions, balms, and scented candles that incorporate locally grown ingredients such as kukui nut oil, coconut oil, plumeria fragrance, and honey.
29. Keychains and Magnets
A list of Hawaiian souvenirs would feel incomplete without mention of keychains and magnets.
While perhaps one of the most obvious souvenirs you can buy, they are still some of my favorites.
Growing up, my family would collect a fridge magnet from every vacation. Seeing the fridge adorned with a visual representation of our family adventures continues to bring all of us joy. They also make for a great conversation starter when you have guests!
Keychains are also always a great option. Even if you already have a keychain, you can attach it to a backpack or purse for a little extra aloha spirit every day.
๐ Where to Buy Hawaiian Gifts & Souvenirs
We recommend shopping locally and supporting small businesses wherever possible. Farmers markets, local boutique stores, and roadside stalls are great places to look for unique Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts.
However, for the budget-conscious, you will find the best deals on many of these items at Costco! Items like pineapples, cookies, macadamia nuts, and even Aloha shirts and jewelry can be found at Costco.
With that said, keep in mind that they’ll often come in Costco bulk quantities!
For a unique shopping experience, the Aloha Swap Meet on Oahu is a great spot to find some great gifts and souvenirs at a reasonable price. Here you’ll find over 400 stalls selling a huge variety of products including handcrafted goods and exclusive art pieces.
You will also find an abundance of Hawaiian souvenirs in the following places:
- ABC Stores
- Walmart and other local supermarkets such as Foodland
- Longโs Drugs
- Target
- Shopping malls such as Ala Moana and International Market Place
- Duke’s Marketplace
- Gift shops at hotels and local attractions
- Airport
๐ More Hawaii Travel Tips & Planning Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below ๐
Now that you know all of the best Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts to bring home, you may want some help planning the rest of your trip!
Sophie and I visit Hawaii every chance we get, including visits to all inhabited islands. We have created a plethora of travel guides covering all topics on trip planning.
Use the links below to find travel tips and popular guides for each of the islands.
- Printable Hawaii Packing List
- Planning a Trip to Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide
- Hawaii Beach Hopping Guide
- Best Beaches of Hawaii: Top 5 on Each Island
- 7-Day Hawaii Itinerary
- 10-Day Hawaii Itinerary
- 14-Day Hawaii Itinerary
- Hawaii Photography Guide
๐ฌ Final Thoughts on Our Top Hawaiian Souvenirs & Gift Ideas
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