17 Best Souvenirs From Hawaii and Authentic Hawaiian Gifts
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you).
There’s something we find difficult about visiting Hawaii. Leaving!
That’s why we always bring a little piece of the islands home – something to keep those golden sunsets, swaying palms and delicious Hawaiian fruit flavors alive, long after the trip ends.
After countless visits – to the Garden Isle of Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, Lanai and Molokai – we’ve discovered the best Hawaiian souvenirs. From budget-friendly keepsakes to exquisite island treasures, they’re easy to find, whether for yourself or family and friends.
Here’s our list of the top 17 mementos and authentic gifts to keep the Aloha spirit going!
1) Macadamia nuts
Rich, buttery, crunchy and ever-so-delicious – it’s hard not to go nuts over macadamia nuts.
Hawaii is bursting with them. Here’s a cool Hawaii fact: Most of the world’s macadamias are grown on the Big Island.
You can find the most popular brand, Mauna Loa, at ABC Stores and gift shops throughout the islands.
Flavors range from chocolate-covered and honey roasted to Maui onion-and garlic and Hawaiian sea salt – even quirky options like spam and their unique signature wasabi variety!
For something special, macadamia nut lovers should visit the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company on the Big Island. They use locally grown nuts and run on 100% green energy (their electricity is solar or biomass energy).
2) Hawaiian quilts
For truly unique made-in-Hawaii gifts, nothing beats Hawaiian quilts.
Quilting became a local tradition back in the 1820s when missionaries introduced the technique to the women of the islands.
Now these quilts are treasured items that locals and tourists alike buy for their colorful tropical designs. They’re perfect as crib bedding, blankets, tablecloths and wall hangings.
To shop for original handmade quilts at the most reasonable prices, head to a local flea market.
There’s also Moana Quilts, a well-known retailer of traditional quilted products in Waikiki.
Another trusted seller is Hawaiian Quilt Wholesale near Honolulu, where you’ll find everything under the sun in the world of Hawaiian quilt products.
3) Aloha shirt
What’s more Hawaiian than a Hawaiian shirt? Nothing!
If you want to bring the true spirit of Aloha back with you, Aloha shirts are a perfect Hawaiian gift idea. Plus, they’re so fun. It’s practically impossible to have a bad day when you’re wearing one!
You can find them everywhere in Hawaii.
Popular store chains like Crazy Shirts and Hilo Hattie and local flea markets sell the most affordable ones.
Okay with splurging? You’ll find the most stylish Aloha shirts from upscale brands like Tori Richard and Tommy Bahama.
If you don’t have one in your closet, this is a must-buy. And if you do, go ahead and add another to your collection. You can’t have too many Hawaiian shirts!
4) Kona coffee
Kona coffee is another popular Hawaiian souvenir.
It’s also the perfect gift from Hawaii for any coffee lover – who wouldn’t gleefully accept a bag of fresh Kona straight from the islands!
Grown in the volcanic soil of the Big Island of Hawaii, this specialty brew stands out from your normal everyday cup.
For the freshest beans, go on a coffee farm tour on the Big Island – a must-do Hawaii experience.
But don’t worry if you’re not visiting the Big Island. Kona coffee can be found all over the islands. Pick up a few extra bags in case you get home and realize that you forgot someone!
5) Fresh fruit
Pineapples, mangos and lychees… There aren’t too many places in the world that do fresh fruit better than Hawaii!
Ever since our first visit to Hawaii, feasting on a breakfast of fresh mango, pineapple and guava is something we look forward to every morning on our Hawaiian vacations.
Visitors often ask if you can take fresh fruit back as a souvenir. The answer is mixed.
The broad answer is no. But travelers going to North America from Hawaii are usually allowed to bring a pre-packaged box of airport-ready pineapple and treated papaya.
Our advice is to take advantage of the fresh fruit as much as possible during your vacation – as a gift to yourself.
6) Tropical fruit jams
The tastiest way to bring home the fruit flavors of Hawaii – without worrying about customs? Tropical fruit jams!
These made-in-Hawaii gifts let friends and family enjoy a true taste of the islands. Chances are it’s not every day they get to spread lilikoi, guava or passionfruit mango jam on their toast.
You’ll get the most traditional 100% Hawaiian-made jams from local companies like North Shore Goodies, Maui Upcountry Jams and Jellies and Aunty Liliko’i.
Another well-known popular brand is Hawaiian Sun.
7) Hawaiian music
When you return home, nothing will take you back to the islands of Hawaii quicker than listening to traditional Hawaiian music.
The moment you hear a ukulele strum or those sultry voices, you’ll be right back on a beach in Kauai or watching the sunset in Maui, with a Mai-Tai or Pina Colada in hand.
To ride that wave of nostalgia at any time, pick up a Hawaiian music CD.
Among the best-loved popular artists of Hawaiian music is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, known for his classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley.
It’s one of the most famous Hawaiian songs of all time!
But you’ll find plenty of other choices at a local ABC Store or gift shop.
Hawaiian music CDs also make wonderful gifts for music-loving family members and friends. Music is a perfect way to spread the Aloha!
8) Koa wood products
Some of the most beautiful Hawaiian souvenirs are Koa wood items.
Found only in Hawaii, Koa wood is a prized local natural resource known for its rich multi-colored grain, with stunning waves of light golden brown, auburn and deep chocolate hues. No two pieces are ever the same!
From masterfully created wood carvings to handcrafted Koa wood bowls, these treasures showcase the artistry of local craftsmen. They’re truly authentic and unique.
You can also buy gorgeous Koa kitchen accessories, phone cases and even jewelry at well-established retailers like Koa Wood Ranch (on the Big Island) or Martin & MacArthur (on Maui).
A piece of Koa wood is more than a souvenir – it’s a lasting piece of Hawaii’s natural beauty.
9) Hawaiian sea salt
Hawaii’s pristine waters yield some of the world’s finest salt, packed with more minerals and a richer flavor than regular iodized salt.
No wonder Hawaiian sea salt is a top choice among gourmet condiments!
Flavors include Hawaiian chili pepper, garlic, fresh herb, Maui onion and spicy Hawaiian seaweed. Any chef, cook or grill master would welcome this gift.
We have pink salt from Hawaii in our kitchen at home and love the flavor pop that comes out from the salt grinder.
A great local brand, Sea Salts of Hawaii, is sold at many retailers throughout Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. You can even find their beautifully packaged flavored sea salt at some ABC Stores.
Inexpensive, versatile and easy to pack – who knew salt would be one of the best Hawaiian gifts?
10) Hawaiian T-shirt
If there’s one thing you’ll never have trouble finding at any Hilo Hattie, ABC Store or local souvenir shop, it’s Hawaiian T-shirts.
Available in every size, color and style, these tees – jazzed up with pictures of surfers or whales – make the perfect Hawaiian-themed gift for kids and teens and yes, even adults.
Let’s face it, T-shirts branded from many places aren’t exactly exciting gifts or souvenirs. But Hawaii is anything but ordinary. Even locals rock Hawaiian T-shirts with pride and sass.
Take advantage of the BOGO (“Buy one, get one”) or bulk deals at gift shops and bring some back for the entire family. Because, really, who doesn’t think Hawaii is cool!
11) Fresh flower leis
Another quintessential Hawaiian item is the flower lei.
Not only are fresh flower leis beautiful, they naturally exude the spirit of Aloha and bring instant joy.
To take fresh leis back, you’ll want to package them up in a plastic container. Or buy them pre-packed at the airport so they don’t get crushed during transport.
You can also buy silk lei necklaces that can withstand more wear and tear.
12) Hawaiian jewelry
When planning your Hawaii trip, you may want to bring home something timeless. Enter Hawaiian jewelry.
With a wide variety of island-themed necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, it’s easy to find something special for everybody on your list, including yourself!
Popular jewelry symbols include sea turtles, pineapples, plumeria flowers, hibiscus flowers and fish hooks. You can find pieces in all price ranges, from inexpensive puka shell items to gold Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.
Black pearls from Hawaii are especially precious and make the most elegant jewelry items.
To ensure you get the real deal, buy black pearls from trusted jewelry stores like Maui Divers Jewelry (with stores in Honolulu and other Hawaiian centers) or Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry in Oahu.
Some luxury hotels in Maui and Oahu have excellent jewelry stores too.
Na Hoku, for example, has a location in the Hyatt Regency on Maui.
Established in 1924, they’re the oldest jewelry makers in the state of Hawaii, offering stunning pieces like plumeria diamond earrings.
Na Hoku was voted Hawaii’s best jewelry store in 2024 by readers of Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper (Honolulu Star- Advertiser) – for the eleventh year in a row.
13) Pineapple wine
If you think pineapple wine sounds refreshing and delicious, good news – it is!
This tasty tropical twist on sparkling white wine makes the ideal gift for any wine lover, even if that wine lover is you.
Pineapple wine is sweet and best served chilled.
Sip it as an aperitif or dessert wine, or use it as a base in pineapple wine punch, pineapple margaritas or other festive tropical cocktails. We also like it poured over ice-cream.
The most well-known pineapple winemaker is MauiWine in the quaint town of Kula on Maui.
Going wine tasting at these vineyards in the island’s scenic upcountry area is an especially romantic Maui activity for couples.
Why not book a wine tasting at the winery, buy a couple of bottles of pineapple wine and make a day out of it?
14) Ukulele
As far as musical instruments go, it doesn’t get more Hawaiian than the ukulele.
There are cute toy versions available at all ABC Stores and gift shops. They make sweet and unique gifts from Hawaii for kids or any music-lover you know.
Then there are authentic versions for serious ukulele enthusiasts who want to put their musical skills to the test.
For high-quality instruments, try Lanikai Ukuleles or the Kamaka Hawaii brand of ukulele (available at several stores throughout the islands).
15) Hawaiiana books
One of the most enchanting aspects of Hawaii is its rich history and culture.
The islands are the origin for story-telling at its finest – about the creation of the islands, Hawaiian chiefs like Kamehameha the Great, Hawaiian gods and goddesses, Captain Cook’s last voyage and more.
For the curious on your gift list, bring home a Hawaiiana book or two.
From stunning coffee table books showcasing breathtaking landscapes to fascinating reads about the islands’ royal history, there’s no shortage of wonderful books about Hawaii.
There are plenty of charming bookstores on the islands.
Two of the top ones that specialize in Hawaiian books are Kona Stories on the Big Island and Na Mea Hawaii in Honolulu.
16) Coconut oil
Coconut oil is amazing. It’s gained a lot of popularity over the last few years and is recognized for its beneficial properties in everything from cooking to skincare.
Hawaiians have been using coconuts for centuries – they’re infused into almost everything that’s made in Hawaii.
You’ll find coconut oil in locally-sourced body lotion, sunscreen, lip balm, hair conditioning masks and skin cream. It’s because it’s that good! (It’s said to ease skin inflammation, calm redness and act as an antioxidant.)
And as coconut oil from Hawaii is some of the purest in the world, you’d best load up while you’re here.
Just take one whiff of the coconut scent and you’re back on the islands! And ladies, your skin will look and feel supple too.
17) Hawaiian keychains and licence plates
Wondering what to buy in Hawaii that’s super easy to pack? Say hello to Hawaiian license plates and keychains!
Personalized license plates with names are big hits in local souvenir shops, while keychains that say “ohana” (family) make for lightweight meaningful gifts.
The ABC Store and Hilo Hatties are chock-full of them!
Grab a few of the keychains.
Even if you don’t think you need them, you’ll likely get home and wish you had an extra souvenir to give. And having an extra keychain in the house will always come in handy for you too.
Don’t bring home lava rocks!
Whatever you do, do not bring home lava rocks from Hawaii. The curse of Pele has deep roots in Hawaii, and she’s not someone you want to mess around with!
Legend says that taking lava rocks or sand from the islands unleashes the wrath of Pele, goddess of volcanoes and fire.
Tourists who don’t take heed and carry home these items are cursed to have bad luck until the lava rocks or sand are returned.
And if there’s someone you don’t want to enrage, it’s a goddess of fire!
Now you know the best souvenirs from Hawaii!
The islands of the 50th state really are a special piece of paradise, where the Hawaiian culture is very much alive.
When you’re looking for the best things to buy in Hawaii, you’ll discover so many authentic products you simply can’t get anywhere else.
It’s these local cultural staples that make the loveliest gifts and cherished mementos.
Have you visited the Aloha islands?
What souvenirs or presents have you brought back? We’d love to hear about them! Tell us what they are in the Comments below.
More Hawaii travel information
Share the Aloha and pin this!
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is perfect for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Cruises: CruiseDirect offers amazing deals on cruises (including Holland America, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn and other lines we’ve reviewed).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photo credits: 3 Mauna Loa | 6 Royal Kona Coffee Company | 8 Maui Upcountry Jams and Jellies | 10 Koa Wood Ranch | 17 Hawaii National Park Service
About the authors
