You’re already thinking about your Hawaii souvenir, but choosing what to bring home can be tough. Today we’re recommending some top souvenirs and helping you decide which is best for you!
What Makes a Great Hawaii Souvenir
When I vacation somewhere special, I always make a point to take home a souvenir or two as a reminder of the trip. But with so many ABC stores, boutiques, shops, and kiosks offering up such a variety of gifts in Hawaii, it’s hard to decide what type of souvenir to bring home.
In my opinion, though, it all comes down to what symbolizes your Hawaii vacation best. Was it the tropical cocktails you enjoyed throughout your stay at the hotel? The decorated towels or pareos you used at the beach? The local flavors you enjoyed at the restaurants or during tours? The scents that wafted on the breeze in the evenings?
Whatever reminds you most of your relaxing trip in Hawaii is the type of souvenir I always recommend. And to get you started, here’s a list of the five most popular ones that people love to bring home.
The Top 5 Hawaii Souvenirs
Apparel
Whether you purchase a shirt from your favorite Hawaii restaurant, a sarong from the hotel boutique, or a hat from the local marketplace, apparel is a great reminder of your trip to the islands.
And each season, the styles change, so you’re likely to find something that not only has the logo you like, but the style and size you prefer too.
There’s nothing like sporting the t-shirt you purchased from the luau or tour you enjoyed and having someone back home exclaim, “Hey, I’ve been there too!” to reflect on memories. It’s a Hawaii souvenir you can take with you anywhere!
Glassware
You can find specialty glassware items almost anywhere on the island for inexpensive prices. So glass items are a great Hawaii souvenir idea.
Shot glasses were always one of my favorite souvenirs to collect, but you can also purchase coffee mugs from your favorite local Hawaii coffee shop or a signature cocktail glass from your favorite bar.
For gift ideas, try purchasing the local ingredients needed to make a lava flow or mai tai and wrap it in a glass for a ‘ready-to-mix Hawaii’ souvenir!
Local Goodies: A Thoughtful Hawaii Souvenir
Who can leave Hawaii without bringing either a bag of Kona coffee or a jar of macadamia nuts home? These are the little things that I stock up on because they’re perfect for gifts, or just to keep at home to reinvigorate the senses of Hawaii!
There is a local brand in Waialua called North Shore Goodies that makes tropical pancake mixes and syrups. With flavors like guava, coconut, macadamia nut, lilikoi, and coconut, Hawaiian-style pancakes are a great reminder of the islands!
Another local Hawaii souvenir idea is plants, which can be purchased at the airport after check-in. You can find plumeria stems and hibiscus starters to plant at home, or even just a fresh-scented island lei to wear during your flight.
Jewelry & Beauty Items
A favorite souvenir item among the ladies is jewelry, for good reason. Hawaii boasts beautiful pearls, shells, diamonds and designs that are unique to the islands and a treasure to bring home. Whether you’re purchasing jewelry as a gift or for yourself, adorning the body with reminders of Hawaii is a great souvenir idea!
For a less expensive option, try lotions and perfumes that are tropically scented, like pikake, white ginger, plumeria, mango, coconut, or gardenia. Scents are a huge memory trigger too, and serve as great reminders of your relaxing vacation!
Hawaii Artwork Souvenirs
If you’re a collector of fine art, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful masterpieces people create in Hawaii! From watercolors and oil paintings to giclees and photography, the artist community is alive and thriving in the Aloha State.
Consider browsing through one of the many art galleries on the island and take home a piece of Hawaii. Or, find a simple card to frame when you’re back home. Hawaii art souvenirs range in price to accommodate anyone from the budget traveler to the high-end art collector.
