Gifts of the Islands for a Mele Kalikimaka 2011

Mele Kalikimaka may be the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day. It means Merry Christmas, and as the jingle goes, it's "the island greeting that we send to you from a land where palm trees sway." Hawai‘i has got a lot to send to you during this season of giving, like handmade treasures that can be found at local shops, boutiques or craft fairs happening all month long. 

Here's some neat stuff we've come across that would be a perfect way to pass along a touch of the islands with faraway ohana (family) or to treat yourself! Support local island businesses while spending no more than $100 per gift. For more Hawai‘i gift ideas, check out our Hawai‘i Aloha Travel podcast.

1)  Tasty Music Makers

Add some Hawaiian flavor and put a twang in any meal with these Ukulele Salt & Pepper Shakers. Made by a Maui-based company, these shakers have a vintage feel of old Hawai‘i that's sure to bring you back to the good 'ole Duke days. $7.77 / www.creativehawaiiangifts.com

2)  Hanging Holiday Terrariums

A great way to bring the holidays into your hotel room. Moss and drought-less flora fill these living ornaments and require just a quick spray of water once a week. Hang them near a window and let some island sunshine filter through. $24.99 / Living Hawaii Designs, found at Whole Foods Market / Kahala (O‘ahu) or Kahului (Maui)

3)  Dress Up Your Drink

Chill drinks in style. The aloha shirt koozies keep their cool, made with neoprene material and fun prints. Mardi Gras, tropical parrot and lava flow designs all around. $4.99 / Dress to Chill / www.amazon.com

4)  Decked-Out Decals

Here's a gadget for a laptop that's not so technical. Computer (also window and wall) decals made by local artist Holly Kitaura will personalize and Hawaiianize any seemingly simple surface. $10 / HollyvisionArt / http://hollyvision.biz

5)  Shorebreak Shots

Hawai‘i's beautiful ocean gets bound together into a 182-page book. Local photographer Clark Little features the 'best of the best' wave images to be enjoyed as part of any coffee table collection. $100 / Clark Little Photography / www.clarklittlephotography.com/book.php

Photo Credit: Music Makers, Decals & Shorebreak Shots from respective companies; Hanging Holiday from Aimee Nicole.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Holidays,Hawaii Shopping Tips,Maui,Oahu

December 13th, 2011