7 Best Hawaiian Gifts to Give Your Loved Ones
Hawaii is a very popular tourist destination; if the numbers of visitors are anything to go by.
According to a report by trip savvy, every year the island receives over 8 million visitors, who end up spending approximately $14 billion on their trips. An estimated 60% come from the US mainland.
Some of the things that make Hawaii so popular include the fantastic weather, the welcoming people, and the amazing culture, among others. It’s a bucket-list destination.
But what is a trip without buying Hawaiian gifts? If you have been racking your brain about what you can get your people, we have some exciting gift ideas for you.
Best Hawaiian Gifts for Your Loved Ones
You’ll never run short of exciting gifts to buy for your people back home. The best way to do this is to take a bit of the Hawaiian history and culture with you. You will find a wide variety of minorities on the island, so you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to buy.
There’re people from all walks of life including Caucasians, Japanese, Hispanics, and Latinos just to name a few. With such an interesting melting pot, there are so many gifts from Hawaii; get ready to shop.
Let’s go straight into some of the interesting things you can buy as souvenirs.
1. Ukulele
Don’t worry about whether or not your loved ones can play musical instruments, although it would help. The ukulele is synonymous with Hawaiian musical performances. Think of it as a mini guitar that has a light, airy sound.
It’s made from wood that comes from the island, and strumming musical notes on it will give you such nostalgia. It would also make a great art piece for your home or for that of a loved one. The ukulele is an integral part of Hawaiian music; you should consider getting some of the local music for your playlist.
Not only do you get to support the local artists, but, you will also have soothing music to listen to wherever you are.
2. Macadamia Nuts
Nothing beats a fresh packet of macadamia nuts, straight from the island. The nuts are an important part of Hawaii; both commercially and culturally. The island people have been enjoying the nuts since 1882, and the fact that it never goes out of season means you will always have fresh nuts all year-round.
Here’s the best part, you’ll find many variations to this nutritious food. The Islanders have come up with different products including candles made from the macadamia nut, and brittles for packing the dry roasted nuts.
You can also enjoy macadamia butter on your toast among many other by-products. When you’re shopping, take a minute to learn more about the nuts and why they’re so important to Hawaiians.
3. Aloha Shirts
The Aloha shirts are some of the best gifts from Hawaii. The bright, flowery dress shirts are a true representation of Hawaii people. Talk about a fashion trend that never seems to go out of style; the Hawaiian’s have been wearing the aloha shirt for over 75 years; a true testament to a great product.
The shirts are also a source of income for many of the islanders, and many people love them because they are very comfortable and will keep you cool in hot weather. Best of all, they will not take up too much space in your suitcase, so go ahead, splurge and buy one for every member of your family.
4. Lei Necklaces
Even if you have never been to the island, you may have seen a movie or two, where the Hawaii dancers and locals wear necklaces made of flowers, leaves, and feathers. They’re truly interesting pieces to look at, and give a true feeling of being in Hawaii. Visitors to the island will also get the necklace as a welcome gift.
You instantly get the feeling of joy and happiness when you wear them. The Polynesian voyagers who introduced them into the island, had a fantastic idea. Other than beauty and the welcoming aspect, the Lei necklaces are also a sign of affection to other people. What a wonderful gift for your loved ones.
5. Coconut Oil
What is an island without coconuts? It could explain why coconut oil is one of the must-have Hawaiian items. You get original oil with medicinal and nutritional benefits. You can also get it in the form of butter, or lotions, thereby giving you more gift ideas.
Remember to ask for some recipes so that your family members can try the Hawaiian cuisine back home. You’ll find that coconut oil is delicious in food. If you have the time, sign up for one of the cooking classes so that you really learn how to prepare the perfect Hawaiian dish.
It’ll be a great way to spend time with loved ones, and an everlasting gift when you teach them how to do it.
6. Hawaiian Quilt
If you’re thinking of Hawaii gifts that really celebrate the culture of the people, quilts are the perfect functional artwork to buy for your loved ones. The Islanders have the New England Missionaries to thank for the quilt. But the originators have nothing on the Recreation and fun elements the Hawaiians have added onto it.
You’ll find themes centering around the Island, tropical flowers and plants. Curl up on your sofa watching your favorite movie, and you will feel like you’re back on the island. We would absolutely forgive you for keeping this item for yourself.
7. Kona Coffee
Hawaiian gift ideas would not be complete without talking about Kona coffee. It delicious and is one of the best coffees you’ll ever find in the world. Take a trip to one of the plantations to buy the coffee, but if you don’t have the time you’ll also find it in the supermarkets.
You’ll find some varieties that are blended to make them more pocket-friendly. Buy the original unadulterated coffee, if you really want to enjoy it.
Time to Take a Trip to Hawaii
There you have it, our list of seven Hawaiian gifts for your family or friends. Buying any one of these items will allow you to share the experience, and culture of the Hawaii people. You’ll also get to learn a lot, because every item has a history.
Hawaii is a beautiful island and you must remember to carry your camera and extra batteries so you never miss a photo moment.
Visit our website for more must-have items when you visit Hawaii.