Nobody can visit Hawaii and return home empty-handed without souvenirs or gifts. Honolulu is famous for luxury shopping but also has many affordable shops all across its main streets and the surrounding suburbs. It is a given fact that tourists spend a lot of time searching for souvenirs to buy. Indeed they are spoilt for choice, from snacks, jewelry, quilts, koa wood items to the famous ukulele. You may be staying in a luxurious hotel, a budget accommodation, or even in one of the best Vrbo vacation rentals and you will still be looking for a souvenir to take home with you. We have scouted the local markets and handpicked for you the most popular and affordable souvenirs to buy in these beautiful paradise. Scroll down and check out what to buy in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1. Kona Coffee
If you’re looking for the best things to buy in Honolulu that you can take home with you, check this out. You’re probably wondering what could be so special about this particular type of coffee to be part of this list. Well, the straight answer would be its distinct delicate flavor and rich aroma that you won’t find in regular coffee. In fact, it’s recognized as one of the best-tasting coffees in the world.
What makes it so special is the combination of dark volcanic lava rock slopes of Kona, from which it is grown, the island’s unique micro-climate, and the careful attention through the whole processing stages. The result is this wonderful cup of coffee that both a casual coffee drinker and a true coffee connoisseur would surely love.
2. Koloa Rum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Boasting that remarkably smooth and sweet taste and aroma, Koloa Rum offers that unique taste of the Hawaiian Islands. The rum is made from pure sugar cane and rainwater from Mount Waiʻaleʻale, a blend of 100% fresh and natural ingredients for that distinct natural flavor. The rum also comes in different flavors including toasted vanilla, orange zest, brown butter, honey, coconut, cacao, coffee, and many others, which can be drunk straight or mixed with other ingredients to create flavorful cocktails.
Koloa Rum
Address: 3-2087 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
Website: Koloa Rum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
3. Chinese seeds
The Hawaiian crack seeds, famously known as Chinese seeds are salty, dried and preserved fruits that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavours. The crack seed was initially introduced to Hawaii by the first Chinese plantation workers who preferred to use them in meals because both meat and vegetables were too expensive to afford on a daily basis. Today, crack seeds are commercially sold to the general public as inexpensive snacks. In fact, it is now one of the most preferred snacks in Hawaii and it comes in different flavours such as Li Hing Guavas, Li Hing Mangoes, Li Hing Strawberries, Li Hing Candies, Li Hing Arare and much, much more.
Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
Address: 401 Kamakee St Honolulu, HI 96814
Price Range: 5-8 USD
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 9:00 pm on Weekdays and 10:00 am - 7:00 pm on Weekends
Website: Lin’s Hawaiian Snacks
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4. Hawaiian quilting
Influenced by the nineteenth-century missionaries, Hawaiian quilts can best be described as a piece of cultural heritage. These quilts are a representation of the inherent spirit of the people and provides an insight into their rich legacy. Early Hawaiian quilts featured designs found on the traditional kapa moe. The original designs were normally inspired by flowers and plants and much of the background sheet was visible. Today, Hawaiian quilts are usually multicoloured and may portray animals, humans as well as other tropical designs. Thus they look more realistic and pictorial just like a painting.
Calico Cat
Address: 1223 Koko Head Ave # 2, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Price Range: 1000 USD and above
Opening hours: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm on Weekdays
Website: Calico Cat
5. Island jewelry
If you are in Hawaii and you are looking for something special to bring back home to remember your visit, look no further than Hawaiian island jewellery. In Hawaiian Island Jewelry you will find the largest selection of Hawaiian jewellery which includes rings, pendants, necklaces, Tahitian pearls, earrings, and Maui Diver. One of the most popular souvenirs to acquire while you are here are the engraved jewellery. They are unique pieces of art that are supposed to be handed down from one generation to the next. So welcome, relax and take your time as you select your favourite from the thousands of handmade, vintage and unique pieces of jewellery.
Hawaiian Island Jewelry
Address: 780 Front Street, Suite 1 Lahaina, HI 96761
Price Range: 150 USD and above
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm on Weekdays, 10:30 am - 4:00 pm on Saturdays
Website: Hawaiian Island Jewelry
6. Hawaiian sea salt
The Alaea salt or the Hawaiian red salt is very popular and a staple ingredient in most Hawaiian food. Available in over 90 different varieties and in many colours, the Hawaiian sea salt is very rich in minerals, including magnesium and potassium. Most of the nutrients of Alaea salt can be absorbed through the skin hence eliminating the toxins and promoting a smooth, healthy skin complexion. Apart from helping the skin, this Hawaiian salt also has a distinct flavour which makes it an important ingredient in cooking. Most chefs prefer the Alaea sea salt because while most salts lose their intensity as they cook, Hawaiian sea salts retain its qualities.
Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salt
Address: 1-3529 Kaumualii Hwy #2b, Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA
Price Range: 9 USD and above
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
7. Aloha wear
Commonly referred to as a Hawaiian shirt, the aloha shirt is a style of dress or shirt that originates from Hawaii. The Hawaiian fashion is a representation of a care-free life. Worn by everyone the Aloha attire can instantly light up the mood in a room or on a beach. Light, comfortable and colourful they are a sure way to get in a festive mood. Aloha Wear has a huge selection to choose from and of different styles including men’s Hawaiian shirts, women’s tropical fashion and Island wedding attire. Aloha shirts and dresses are more than just fashion, they reflect both attitude and lifestyle that embodies the positive care-free way of life in Hawaii.
Iolani
Address: 1234 Kona Street, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii
Price Range: 25 USD and above
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Website: Iolani
8. Koa wood items
Koa is among the best known Hawaiian woods. It is extremely popular and in high demand all around the world for its fine-grain texture and varying colour. Because of its appearance and convenience, it is much sought-after by dealers and carpenters. Each carving from the Koa will bring some of the Aloha from the Hawaiian Islands into your heart and home. In the past Koa was used to build canoes, spears and paddles but today Koa is valued for furniture, guitars, boxes, panelling and bowl turning. Koa wood items are definitely not an inexpensive purchase.
Hawaiian Koa and Exotic Wood Products
Address: 935 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu Hi 96817
Price Range: 20 USD and above
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday after 3 pm, Saturday - Sunday after 10 am
9. Macadamia nuts
Hawaii produces vast quantities of premium macadamia nuts every year. Since they grow all year round, the fresh produce has a definite edge over its competitors from Australia and South Africa. A visit to Honolulu is not complete without a purchase of this delectable treat. They are available in a great variety from chocolate covered nuts to dry roasted nuts and even the macadamia nut brittle.
Mauna Loa
Address: 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, Hawaii 96749
Price Range: 1 USD and above
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Website: Mauna Loa
10. Ukulele
As one of the best souvenirs from Honolulu, you should definitely consider getting one of these. Ukulele is a musical instrument and has four strings. It looks much like a guitar and belongs to the lute family. Unlike the guitar, the Ukulele has a short scale and thus emits a much higher standard pitch with a percussive sound.
Ukuleles come in different sizes with the travel-ready size perfect to take on a trip, and the easy playability can be played by anyone including ukulele beginners. Ukuleles are the perfect gift for anyone who is interested in music.
Ukulele Store Waikiki
Address: 2255 Kalakaua AVE. #13, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: 300 USD and above
Opening Hours: Daily 8 am - 10:30 pm
Website: Ukulele Store Waikiki
11. Lauhala items
Lauhala is a type of a pandanus tree and its leaves are used for weaving. Expert Hawaiian weavers can make a variety of items like fans, coasters, wall coverings, maize bowls, envelopes, baskets and hats. However, this requires skill as the leaves are thorny and they have to be cut to size to prepare the items. Lauhala products are easily identifiable as they come in only four colours red, green, orange, and black. Each colour is a representation of a different stage in the life of the fern. Needless to say, these woven treasures are top sellers.
Island Art & Sole - International Market Place
Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Ste 206, Level 2 Banyan Court, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price Range: 40 USD and above
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
12. Hawaiian heirloom jewellery
Ever since 1800, the Hawaiian heirloom jewellery has been given as gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations and weddings. It is normally believed that Heirloom jewellery will last a lifetime and are is passed from one generation to the next. In Hawaiian tradition, it is considered a great honour to receive such a precious, personalized gift. Although Hawaiian bracelets are the most common design of heirloom jewellery, more variations have surfaced over the years including rings, horizontal necklaces, vertical pendants, and even id bracelets, each crafted with unique design and personalization.
Na Hoku Kings' Shops
Address: 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738
Price Range: 1000 USD and above
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Website: Na Hoku Kings’ Shops
Shop in Hawaii
As you are in Hawaii, make these memories last buy purchasing a souvenir or a gift to bring back home. For the best souvenir and gifts, check out the list above, you will find exactly what you want.
Frequently asked questions about what to buy in Honolulu, Hawaii
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