31 Best Authentic Souvenir Ideas From Hawaii You’ll Want to Bring Home

1. Macadamia Nuts

I never NOT get macadamia nuts when I visit Hawaii!

Macadamia nuts are arguably the best souvenirs from Hawaii, and for good reason. These deliciously creamy nuts have been grown in the islands since 1881, when they were first introduced to the region by William Purvis.

They are now an integral part of Hawaiian culture and cuisine, making them the perfect gift or keepsake from your trip. Macadamias come in all forms, from whole roasted kernels to salted mac nut brittle.

A lot of people will bring back a box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts like Hawaiian Host or Mauna Loa, but be aware, if the box doesn’t say 100% Hawaiian macadamia nuts, they are sourced from all over the world.

I would encourage you to keep an eye out for ones made straight from farmers, as they tend to be larger nuts and better chocolate.

2. Coffee

Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee, so this is definitely a special treat to bring back.

Kona coffee may be the most popular Hawaiian coffee, but there are others to be found as well. The Big Island also has Ka’u coffee (my favorite) and a very small amount of Hilo and Puna coffee.

You’ll find that Maui, Oahu, and Kauai also grow coffee with farms to visit. Surprisingly, Kauai wins the state’s largest coffee farm with Kauai Coffee Company.

No matter which island you visit, you’ll be able to find a local caffeinated roasted bean.

Beware of “blends” as they can contain beans from other parts of the world as fillers to bring the price down.

3. Mamaki Tea

Ever heard of mamaki tea? It’s an ancient Hawaiian caffeine-free, herbal tea renowned for its benefits, from strengthening the immune system and regulating blood pressure to lowering cholesterol levels and purifying toxins in your bloodstream.

Additionally, it’s known to be a natural stress reliever that can reduce feelings of exhaustion.

Enjoy the sublime sweetness of plain mamaki tea, as it offers a delightful blend of earthy and nutty flavors without any bitter or astringent notes.

4. Sweet Onion Dressing

One of my personal favorite salad dressings is Hawaiian Hula Maui Style Sweet Onion Dressing. It’s sweet but onion-y and creamy…it’s pure heaven and makes any salad taste amazing!

You’ll find it in the grocery stores in the salad dressing aisle.

They also make a Papaya Seed Dressing, similar to a poppy seed dressing.

5. Chocolate

Chocolate is always a crowd-pleasing sweet treat souvenir and Hawaii’s is no exception.

Cacao trees grow well in this tropical climate and Hawaiian farmers take advantage of it. From decadent chocolate-covered macadamia nuts to the unique flavors of Hawaiian chocolatiers, there is no shortage of cacao treats to choose from in the Aloha State.

While the mass produced chocolate candies do not use Hawaiian chocolate, like the macadamia nuts, keep your eyes open at farmers markets and local gift stores for chocolates handmade from local cacao nibs. The packaging might be less appealing, but at least it’s authentic.

🎁 Looking for Gifts for Someone Going to Hawaii instead?
>> Check out this list of Hawaii Gift Ideas!! <<

6. Shortbread Cookies

Next to chocolate covered macadamia nuts, I would be willing to bet that Hawaiian shortbread cookies are the next most popular and shareable gifts from Hawaii.

Some to keep an eye out for are Honolulu Cookies that come in the iconic pineapple shape, round Cookkwees Maui Cookies or Donna’s Cookies, or my favorite, the rectangle Big Island Candies‘ cookies.

These crunchie cookies can come plain or made with macadamia nuts or coconut. They are usually half-dipped in all kinds of chocolates as well.

7. Koa Wood Products

Koa is an endemic tree found only in the Hawaiian Islands and has been used for centuries by Hawaiians for crafting tools, weapons and furniture.

Today, it’s still highly sought after for its beautiful grain and unique properties that make it perfect for creating stunning wooden items.

From jewelry boxes to bowls and decorative art pieces, there are plenty of ways you can bring a piece of Hawaii home with you when shopping for Koa wood products.

8. Aloha Shirt

Where else on earth is dressing up for a fancy night out mean wearing the most flamboyant, loose button up known as the Aloha Shirt, or Hawaiian Shirt?

While at first you might think that Aloha shirts are just a thing tourists wear, surprisingly this is also a piece of clothing worn quite frequently by locals as well.

You can find these eye-catching shirts at pretty much any major retail store like Costco, Walmart, or Target. Gift shops of course will also have them.

💁‍♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: If you are looking for more unique Hawaiian shirts, check antique stores or even thrift stores. I have also found expensive Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirts at thrift stores for under $20.

9. Jewelry

You will find many fine jewelry stores selling Hawaiian souvenirs made from precious metals.

Common designs include a plumeria, a sea turtle, monstera, a wave, or a pineapple. Rarer designs include a manta ray or ohia lehua flower.

Pick-a-pearl jewelry stores are a cute, interactive way to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Choose an oyster out of a tank/bowl and the pearl that’s inside is yours. Then choose how you want it set like a necklace or earrings.

My favorite jewelry souvenir from Hawaii are toe rings. Stores like Aloha Toe Rings in Kona or Makani Hawaii in Honolulu will custom fit beautiful toe rings that make great statement pieces on your feet.

10. Wine

A bottle of tropical wine is the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time in Hawaii.

Hawaii makes wine from grapes, pineapple and other tropical fruits. You can find it all over the islands at wineries or liquor stores.

Ulupalakua Winery on Maui is where you’ll find the famous pineapple wine along with a variety of wines made from estate grapes.

The Volcano Winery on the Big Island has a small batch of estate wine and others that use Hawaiian guava, macadamia nut honey, or even tea.

Winery Oeno on Oahu has unique wines like a Coconut Savignon Blanc or a Tropical Lime.

11. Beer

Not a wine-o? No problem-o!

Hawaii also has its own beers to bring home to drink as well.

You’ll find breweries on most of the islands with various beers packaged in cans for easy transport.

You are likely to find beers from Kona Brewing Company or Maui Brewing Company on the mainland, especially if you live on the west coast.

I would encourage you to bring home beers you probably won’t find elsewhere like Ola Brewing Company, Hana Koa Brewing, or Kawaii Island Brewing.

Just know you are taking a risk putting carbonated cans in your checked luggage with the air pressure changes. I’ve never had an issue, but definitely make sure they are in a Ziploc bag.

12. Recycled/Repurposed Goods

When shopping for souvenirs from Hawaii, don’t forget to look for recycled or repurposed goods. These items often have a unique story behind them and can be quite meaningful as keepsakes from your trip.

You might find jewelry made from plastics found on the beach or a tote bag made from coffee bean sackcloth – each one with its own special tale of transformation. You’ll find these kinds of items at farmers markets and gift shops.

Not only are these items environmentally friendly, but they also serve as reminders of the beauty that can come out of upcycling waste materials.

13. Ukulele

⚠️Snarky comments ahead!

It’s hard not to fall under the enchantment of the ukulele while on Hawaii. You’ll be surrounded by it with pretty much any Hawaiian music you hear playing in hotels, stores, radio, or live performers.

You’ll then pass a whole ukulele store, usually within a touristy shopping district.

Walls and walls of intricate “mini guitars” will tempt you to pick one up and strum it. Its smooth sounding cords and soft strings will convince you that it will be easy to learn and that you’re going to be the next Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.

You then either buy yourself a cheap plastic ukulele or actually invest in a $200 one, only to fiddle around with it a few times on your vacation and realize it’s actually an instrument that needs practice to learn. So you’ll pack it away, bring it home, and add it to your collection of other well-intended instruments you meant to learn.

Point being, while this is a popular Hawaiian souvenir, I encourage to really look inside yourself if this is what you really want. 😜

14. Woven Palm Basket

A woven palm basket is a great Hawaiian souvenir to bring home with you to remind you of your time in the islands. Woven palm baskets are crafted by local artisans and come in many shapes, sizes, and designs.

They make great decorative pieces for your home as well as functional items like storage baskets or fruit bowls.

The unique design of these handmade baskets makes them a special keepsake that will last for years to come.

15. Fruit

Bringing fruit back from Hawaii is a common way to want to bring a little bit of the islands home with you.

Invasive pests and diseases are a real agricultural threat outside of Hawaii. To make sure that any fruit you take home does not pose a risk, there are specific rules about what can be brought back onto the mainland US from Hawaii.

Luckily, some fruits like coconuts and pineapples are allowed. Other fruits like papayas or dragonfruit are also allowed if “they are treated at a USDA-approved facility and packed in sealed boxes that are properly marked and stamped.“

16. Art

There are many talented artists on Hawaii. You can find some of their work in galleries, art festivals, and even at farmers markets.

You will be able to find unique works of fine art that reflect the history, culture and natural beauty of Hawaii.

Look for pieces made from wood, canvas, fabric or other materials. Invest in a piece that speaks to you and take home something truly special and unique.

17. Hawaiian Quilt

Hawaiian quilts are another work of art that are hand-pieced together by local quilters often using vintage fabrics. You will find quilts in vibrant and beautiful colors that feature unique patterns inspired by the Hawaiian landscape, culture and history.

These quilts make for great statement pieces for your bedspread or can even be used as wall hangings.

Find them at quilt stores, gift shops, or antique stores.

18. Honey

With all the various flora around the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll be surprised by the different flavors and nuances in the honeys that are cultivated.

Macadamia nut farms will produce macadmia nut honey, coffee farms will have coffee honey, and fruit farms will have tropical fruit honey.

My favorite has been the ohia lehua honey, made from the pollen of the red “pom-pom” flower.

Try samples of the different varieties to decide which flavor you want to bring home.

19. Hawaiian Sea Salt

Hawaii is a series of islands surrounded by the ocean, aka salty water. Cultivating salt from the ocean water has been a Hawaiian practice for centuries.

The Kona Sea Salt Farm on the Big Island has a wide variety of unique flavors like Uahi Black using coconut shell charcoal, Kiawe smoked, Hawaiian Chili Pepper, or my favorite Alaea Red Clay.

Paradise Sea Salts, also on the Big Island, has colorful flavors with green mamaki tea, yellow turmeric, and magenta Hawaiian red wine.

Salty Wahine from Kauai makes fruity flavored salts like Guava Garlic, Passion Fruit Chili Pepper, and Mango Java Steak Rub.

This unique salt is perfect for adding some extra flavor to your favorite dishes or just using it as an everyday seasoning.

20. Lei

Bringing home a lei as a souvenir is one of the most classic and traditional ways to remember your time in Hawaii. Whether it be made of fresh flowers, kukui nuts, or shells, each type of lei has its own unique meaning and significance that makes it special.

Maybe you received a fresh flower lei when you arrived in Hawaii, or at a festive luau. You can still keep it by drying them out or pressing them to make them last longer. Or, you can buy a fresh one to-go from an airport gift shop.

A lei is more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of love, friendship and Aloha.

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21. Fruity Preservatives

With all the diversity of tropical fruits in Hawaii, it’s no wonder that you can find delicious, fruity preservatives.

There are countless kinds of jams and jellies like guava, passionfruit, mango, and pineapple.

A popular condiment is lilikoi butter, or custard. It’s my absolute favorite to put on toast or pancakes.

You’ll find these jars of spreadable fruits in the grocery stores, gift shops, fruit stands, and farmers markets.

22. Malasada Mix

While on the islands, you’ll want to pursue finding fresh malasadas, a Portuguese donut that Hawaii has adopted as a staple treat. Once you taste one, you’ll inevitably want more, but they aren’t exactly the best to bring home.

BUT, some companies make dry malasada mixes that you can easily pack and make fresh in your kitchen.

Punalu’u Bake Shop on the Big Island is one of the most famous places for malasadas and they sell their ingredients prepacked.

Check out gift shops like Hilo Hatties for a bag of Hawaii Sugar Daddy’s mix as well.

23. Hawaiian Book

If you’re looking to bring home a piece of Hawaiian history, lore, or fiction, check out gift and book shops on the islands that offer books about Hawaii.

Whether it’s travel guides, historical accounts, novels, or even children’s literature, you can find a wealth of knowledge about the culture and history of Hawaii within their pages.

Why not bring back a book that can last a lifetime, gracing coffee tables, shelves, and bedside night stands to educate and entertain you for years to come?

24. Lavender

If you are visiting Maui, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is the only lavender farm in Hawaii and offers an array of items with this purple-y scent.

Find all things lavender like soaps and lip balms, honey and jelly, truffles and brownies, and so much more.

Come back from the island smelling fresh and florally.

25. Ling Hi Mui

Ling hi mui is a dried, salted plum powder that originated in Asia but is a favorite flavoring among Hawaiians. You can often find bags of this sweet and sour powder on the mainland at Asian markets but you won’t find as big of a collection of candies, especially gummy candies, coated with it.

You might even find Hawaiian cookies made with this exotic flavor.

If you get the powder, experiment putting it on different things like popcorn or fruits. I like to put it on my pancakes.

26. Reusable Grocery Bags

If you aren’t prepared, you might be surprised to go grocery shopping and not have any shopping bags to purchase, plastic or paper. But what you might end up seeing are reusable grocery bags.

Now, it might seem strange to you that reusable grocery bags are on this list but some chain stores like Target or Walmart sometimes offer Hawaii themed reusable bags. Sort of like a “Been There” mug from Starbucks, you won’t find these bags anywhere but in Hawaii.

So for a buck or two, you might wanna pick up a cheap souvenir that you can use grocery shopping in your own hometown store.

27. Plants

Obviously, part of the beauty of Hawaii is all the tropical flora that drapes the islands. You might be inspired to make your home its own tropical paradise with Hawaiian plants you’ll find. However, like fruits, there are some USDA regulations to bringing non-edible plants home.

Check with your home state on bringing plants potted with or without soil.

Some gift shops or nurseries have USDA approved plants packaged up for you already.

Or maybe bringing dried seeds to plant might be easier.

28. Pottery

You will find pottery everywhere in the world, but you there are special designs that you will only find in Hawaii.

Keep your eye out for artists that incorporate elements of the islands into their functional works of art like ohia trees or using black sand.

Buy a Hawaiian designed mug to drink your Hawaiian coffee that’s sweetened with Hawaiian honey!

Pottery artists can be found at farmers markets or at their own studios (look for hand-painted signs on the roads).

29. Spirits

Not only does Hawaii produce wine and beer, you’ll also find an array of spirits.

The Big Island has Kuleana Rum Works and Kauai has Koloa, both with different iterations of their rum flavors.

On Maui you’ll find Ocean Organic Vodka in the beautiful round blue bottle. I was able to bring back a baby round bottle after taking their farm tour.

Ko’olau on Oahu makes whiskey and gin.

Keep your eye out for other distilled spirits from the islands to make island-themed cocktails.

30. Beauty Products

Besides food, Hawaii’s resources can be used to create personal care products as well.

Keep an eye out for items like handmade soaps, lotions, and balms made with natural ingredients like seaweed, sea salt, and Kona coffee.

Boutique items like Shine Naturally makes luxury macadamia nut facial oil made with 100% macadamia nuts.

Check small gift shops or farmers markets for locally made beauty products.

31. Baked Goods

Banana bread is a a popular baked good to find on the islands. I mean, the islands have more bananas than they know what to do with, so it’s no surprise. You should bring back multiple breads to taste compare them all.

There are more unique baked goods to find though like Kona Gold rum cake or Hawaii Tart Company’s lilikoi caramel macadamia nut tart.