41 Creative Gift Ideas For Someone Going to Hawaii
Here are 41 gifts for someone going to Hawaii, in no particular order.
If you have a family member or friend about to take a trip to paradise, I’ve come up with a list of Hawaii-themed gift ideas.
I lived in Hawaii for a year and have incorporated practical gifts that I learned one might need, some fun gifts that would be appreciated, and just plain silly gifts.
In a hurry and need to order ASAP? Here are the top 3 picks:
Sand Cloud Beach Towel
Packs lite and compact. Sand falls right off. Super absorbent for drying.
Homesick Hawaii Candle
Why have a stuffy, musty smelling home when it could smell like paradise and bring you back to sunny days on the beach?
Kokua Sun Care Reef Safe Sunscreen
Save the coral and the fishes by wearing Hawaii-approved reef safe sunscreen.
Experiences
1. Lei Greeting
Give the gift of aloha by booking a lei greeting for when they land at the airport! What a thoughtful and generous gift to get their Hawaiian vacation started on a welcoming note!
–> Buy a Lei Greeting here! <–
2. Tours
Give the gift of an experience! Things come and go but memories last forever.
Most Hawaiian tours on Viator have free cancellation to make rescheduling a breeze!
–> Find a Hawaiian Tour to Gift here! <–
3. Shaka Guide – Audio Tour Guide
If they are driving themselves around the islands, the Shaka Guide is a personal tour guide in the car. The app uses GPS to navigate the driver around the island and narrates information at what they are looking at or are going to. I recommend downloading the entire island as it’s more cost efficient and so good that they’ll want them all anyways.
Click “Purchase as a gift” at checkout!
–> Buy Shaka Guide here! <–
4. GoPro Hero12
The ultimate Hawaiian adventurer gift is a GoPro Hero12 to record the awesome stunts they’ll be doing on the Islands. It’s waterproof too! Record snorkeling with manta rays, mountain biking a volcano, cliff diving into the ocean, surfing gnarly waves, hiking lava tubes and waterfalls, and the many other adventures to be had.
–> Buy GoPro Hero 12 here! <–
5. Hawaii Fund Jar
Have someone who wishes they could make it to Hawaii? Encourage them to save up their pennies with a Hawaii Fund Jar. Give them a running start by including cash already inside!
For the Beach
6. Sandcloud Beach Towel
The perfect beach towel is Sandcloud! This towel would be considered practically sandproof! Annoying grains of sand seem to repel and fall right off, keeping you cleaner at the beach and also from bringing it home in the car. It’s soft, light weight, and non-bulky for easy packing. This is probably one of the best gifts for someone traveling to Hawaii.
7. Goodr Sunglasses
A brand of sunglasses I swear by is Goodr! The tint keeps the world bright but still protects your eyes. For the athletes, the frames are made to not slip while exercising. I can’t get over their bright color choices! My dream is to have one in every color to match any outfit!
–> Buy Goodr Glasses here! <–
8. Reef Safe Sunscreen
Non-reef friendly sunscreen is banned from Hawaii. However, even some reef friendly labeled sunscreen isn’t reef safe because it still contains harmful ingredients. Kokua Sun Care is Hawaiian made sunscreen that won’t hurt the ocean life. Consider putting together a “Sun-Protection Gift” with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses!
9. Waterproof Fanny Pack
A waterproof fanny pack is super useful while snorkeling, surfing, or swimming in the ocean. It keeps all important belongings with you so no one has to keep guard on the beach.
10. Stanley Quencher Tumbler
The Stanley Quencher will keep your drinks cold all day long. Fill it up with ice water and it will stay cold for upt to 2 days. Take it sunbathing on the beach, hiking bamboo forests, or shopping at farmers markets. Leave it in the hot car and it will still keep its temperature.
11. Hawaii Hat
The sun can get brutally hot in Hawaii, so a hat is important for protection. Find one that matches personality and style.
–> Buy Hawaii Hats here! <–
12. Binoculars
Binoculars come in handy for spotting whales and dolphins, bird watching, volcanic eruptions, and views from hiking peaks.
–> Buy Binoculars here! <–
13. Hawaii Fish Guide
99% of people who visit Hawaii go snorkeling (I made that statistic up!). Hawai’i’s Fishes book will help them identify the various species ocean friends they’ll meet.
Packing, Packing, Packing
14. Backpack Luggage
I am a great advocate for packing my luggage in a backpack no matter where I travel. They are carry-on size and if you have to walk around with your luggage it keeps you more mobile. This Osprey design has a handy zipper on the back to stow away the shoulder straps when putting in the overhead bin or checking it.
–> Buy Osprey Backpack here! <–
15. Packing Cubes
If your gift recipient has never used packing cubes, these will change their luggage game! It’s the best way to organize your suitcase/backpack, imo. Nothing irritates me more than opening my luggage to a mess. These cubes keep everything tidy and easy to find without disturbing the entire suitcase/backpack.
–> Buy Packing Cubes here! <–
16. Makeup Bag
Not only are makeup bags cute, they are also super handy for organizing your luggage. Besides storing makeup and toiletries, I’ve used them to store electronic accessories or underwear or random little things without homes.
17. Day Backpack
Whether hiking, shopping, or beaching, a day backpack is handy for staying hands-free and carrying personal items. This Hawaiian Stitch Loungefly backpack is a cute gifts for a Disney fan traveling to Hawaii.
–> Buy Loungefly Bag here! <–
Spiffy Accessories
18. Portable Battery Pack
Don’t let them run out of phone battery from the gazillion photos they’ll be taking of sea turtles, beaches, and volcanoes. I never travel without mine! A portable charger is small enough to fit in a travel pack and gives peace of mind of having enough battery to last an entire day while snapping unforgettable memories.
19. Wet Brush
Another product I swear by is a Wet Brush. I have never been able to brush my hair when it’s wet because it tangles so easily. But with my Wet Brush I can brush my wet hair without pain and without tangles. After a day of swimming at the beach, this is a great tool for sprucing up before heading to the next Hawaiian activity.
–> Buy Wet Brush here! <–
20. Disney-Inspired Hawaiian Gear
Do you have Disnerd gift recipients staying at Aulani or visiting Lilo and Stitch sites on Kauai? Let them show off their Disneyside with Lilo and Stitch inspired gear from Once Upon a Tee Shirt!
For 15% off your order, use discount code: TRAVELCOMP
–> Buy Once Upon a Tee Shirt here! <–
For 15% off, use Discount Code: TRAVELCOMP
21. Nail Polish
Who doesn’t like having freshly painted nails on a Hawaiian vacation?! Gift your girly girl some color for her fingers and toes! My go-to brand is Sally Hansen!
–> Buy Nail Polish here! <–
22. Travel Reusable Straw
Plastic straws are a thing of the past on the islands. Unfortunately a lot of to-go drinks are served with paper straws, which we all know get soggy and useless before the drink is gone. Give a collapsible and reusable straw to help make the drinking experience a little more pleasant. Funbiz straws come with a cleaning brush and a silicone mouth piece so your teeth don’t knock on the stainless steel straw.
For the Bookworm
23. Hawaii Revealed Books
Anyone traveling to Hawaii NEEDS to get the Hawaii Revealed books, aka the Blue Book. These books give honest information about everything there is to do on the islands. It will tell you what’s good, what’s not, secret places to visit, and in-depth details on how to find it all. It’s a fun read and there’s a book for each island.
–> Buy Revealed Books here! <–
24. Hawaii History Book
It’s so much easier to appreciate a destination knowing the history of where one is visiting. This Great Book of Hawaii will give well-rounded information about the Hawaiian Islands and its past.
–> Buy Great Book of Hawaii here! <–
25. Learn Hawaiian
While Hawaii is in the US and everyone speaks English, it’s handy to know some of the Hawaiian language. Some signage and names are in Hawaiian around the islands, people still do speak it, and it’s sung in Hawaiian music.
26. Hawaii Bird Guide
Hawaiian birds are numerous and plentiful. Help your ornithologist friend, or bird-lover, identify the many different species they’ll see only on the Hawaiian islands with this Birds of Hawai’i book.
27. Travel Journal
For the old schoolers, keeping a handwritten travel journal detailing each day’s events is therapeutic and a keepsake. It’s always fun to read back on what great tropical adventures you had and a great reference if you are trying to remember a specific detail.
–> Buy Travel Journal here! <–
28. Waterproof Notebook
For the “old-fashioned” notetaker, give them a waterproof notebook (and pen) so they can still take their notes in an unpredictable Hawaiian downpour.
–> Buy Waterproof Notebook here! <–
For the Foodies
29. Hawaii Cookbook
Once they return from Hawaii they’ll want to learn to how to make authentic dishes at home. The Aloha Kitchen cookbook has got it covered and has beautiful pictures to inspire cooking Hawaiian meals.
![Aloha Kitchen: Recipes from Hawai'i [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51A7sAQch3L._SL500_.jpg)
–> Buy Aloha Kitchen here! <–
30. Li Hing Mui
Li Hing Mui is a sweet and sour powder made of dried plums. Hawaiians like to use it on a variety of foods like fruit, candy, and ice cream. I like it on popcorn and pancakes. It’s a fun food to experiment with!
–> Buy Li Hing Mui here! <–
31. Lilikoi Butter
One of my favorite finds in Hawaii is lilikoi butter, or passion fruit butter. It’s a sweet, fruity spread delicious on pancakes or toast. Some use it as an actual butter replacement for frying things in.
–> Buy Lilikoi Butter here! <–
32. Shave Ice Maker
A Hawaiian staple for warding off the tropical heat is shave ice. They’ll be able to make it at home in anticipation of and after their vacation. This shave ice kit provides all the accessories needed like cone cups and syrups. You might want to throw in a can of sweetened condensed milk to the gift so they can make it the Hawaiian way with a “snow cap”.
33. Mai Tai Kit
Give the gift of pre-game with this Mai Tai cocktail travel kit to make on the flight to Hawaii (or on the flight home as they mourn the end of their vacation).
34. Starbucks Been There Mugs
The Starbucks Been There Mugs are a fun and functional collectible item. The cups have a great shape (I’m picky in my coffee cup designs!) and the art and colors are whimsical.
–> Buy Starbucks Been There Hawaii Mugs here! <–
35. Baby Drool Bandana
Baby doesn’t have to be left out of the Hawaii gift giving! They will blend right in with the tropical décor with these stylish drool bandanas.
–> Buy Hawaiian Baby Drool Bandana here! <–
Fun & Games
36. Hawaii Board Games
Hawaiian or Hawaiian-inspired games are fun for the whole family. Lattice is a great matching game that’s easy to learn. Konane is an actual Hawaiian game played by ancient Hawaiians; these boards are often found at Hawaiian historical sites.
–> Buy Hawaiian Games here! <–
37. Hawaii Coloring Book
Coloring books are a simple way to relax and let out some creativity for both young and old. Give them coloring books to anticipate their vacation and also use as an activity on the plane or hotel.
38. Hawaii Themed Craft
Crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained on planes, cars, or in hotel rooms. Here are some Hawaiian crafts to give them for the trip or in anticipation of the trip.
39. Hawaii Themed Temporary Tattoos
It can be festive to wear temporary tattoos. Kids love having a cute, colorful design and adults can wear trendy shiny tattoos.
40. Hawaii Movies
Show them what they get to look forward to by gifting movies that take place in Hawaii.
41. Hawaii Ornament
Give a Hawaii ornament to accompany other gifts for someone traveling to Hawaii, or to announce a surprise Hawaiian vacation, or as a memorabilia of the fun they are sure to have.
–> Buy Hawaiian Ornaments here! <–
42. Hawaii Candle
They say smell triggers memories and emotions. Give a Homesick Hawaii candle so they will have something at home to trigger happy memories of their amazing Hawaiian vacation.
–> Buy Homesick Hawaii Candle here! <–
Epilogue: Gifts for People Going to Hawaii
Hopefully you’ve gotten some ideas for what to get someone going to Hawaii! I wanna hear what you ended up getting them, off this list or not, and how they received it!
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Souvenir Ideas from Hawaii
Gifts for Someone Going to Alaska
