9 Unique Souvenirs To Bring Home From Hawaii

With Hawaii’s strict agricultural laws, it’s nearly impossible to bring a flower lei into or out of the state. There are a few spots within each Hawaii airport where you can buy pre-approved flower lei, but it can be nerve-wracking to keep them protected throughout a flight.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for longer-lasting lei: Kukui nut (candlenut), Niihau shell, and yarn lei have long been popular alternatives, but there are a couple of local creatives pushing the envelope as well. Arlie Pemberton of Arlie Glass creates stunning glass lei, while Samantha Hook of Tidal Theory uses leather as her lei-making medium.

Besides coffee, pineapples might be the most well-known export from Hawaii. Due to the state’s aforementioned agricultural laws, it’s nearly impossible to take a fresh pineapple home as a Hawaii travel souvenir, but you can take preserved pineapple products with you instead. Pineapple candies and dried pineapple chunks tend to be the most popular options, but you can also go for the unique Hawaii souvenir of pineapple wine. MauiWine, based in Kula, is one of the foremost producers of the drink, and the company makes a few tasty variations for you to choose from.

Kona coffee is popular for a reason: It's one of the best souvenirs from Hawaii. But Big Island Coffee Roasters has taken things up a notch with its espresso bites, a unique take on the classic coffee beans that makes them one of the best Hawaii gift ideas around. Think: a chocolate bar, but with all of the cocoa beans swapped out for coffee beans.

Big Island Coffee Roasters espresso bites can be found at House of Mana Up stores throughout the state, as well as at Big Island Coffee Roasters’ Hilo Café & Roastery.

Hawaii’s natural beauty draws in artists from all around the world, many of them choosing to settle down in the islands and create their own take on the stunning landscapes. Nick Kuchar designs captivating vintage-style prints, Lauren Roth adds rainbow-colored whimsy to her Hawaii landscape paintings, and Shar Tuiasoa of Punky Aloha Studio creates bold, color-block illustrations showcasing native Polynesian people, just to name a few. If you’re looking to take home smaller, more affordable versions of these Hawaii art pieces, many local artists sell greeting cards, pins, and stickers as well.

Made from the nectar of the endangered, native ohia lehua blossom, Big Island Bees’ organic ohia lehua honey just can’t be beat. It’s solid, so you scoop it out with a spoon for a creamy, flavorful tasting experience. While you can find this honey at higher-end grocery stores and gift shops dedicated to Hawaii souvenir shopping, it can be quite pricey. Instead, here’s a Hawaii shopping tip: cross your fingers and go to Costco. The honey sells out almost immediately, and it can be months before it’s in stock again, but it’s by far the best price out there.

In another attempt to work around Hawaii’s agriculture laws, take the tropical fruit of the islands home with you in the form of jams, jellies, and butters. There are loads of local producers creating everything from lilikoi butter to guava jam to coconut syrup. You can find variations of these tropical jams, jellies, and butters at nearly every grocery and boutique store in the islands, as well as at local farmers markets.

Originally brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, the ukulele has become a symbol of the islands’ music scene. With only four strings—as opposed to a guitar’s six strings—it’s one of the easier instruments to learn, making it a great Hawaiian keepsake. Steer clear of the gimmicky, brightly colored ones and opt for a sleek wood ukulele instead. Kamaka, Koaloha, Ko‘olau, and Kanile‘a are all locally owned brands to keep an eye out for, though they can be pricey.

Insider tip: If you visit in August or September, Costco will usually have quality ukuleles in stock for a reasonable price.

While you shouldn’t take shells from Hawaii’s beaches home with you, you can purchase shell jewelry from local vendors instead. Opihi (limpet), cowrie, and cone shells make for gorgeous jewelry pieces, but sunrise shells are by far the most popular. These stunning pink-and-orange shells are only found in Hawaii. Fashion them into a necklace or a pair of earrings, and you’ve got a gorgeous Hawaii souvenir.

Insider tip: Many shops sell imported shells, rather than shells actually from Hawaii. Be sure to vet the product and supplier before purchasing; Legitimate local companies include Rise Jewelry and Flotsam & Co.

Koa is a type of tree that’s only found in the Hawaiian Islands. Its wood has a warm tone and a dazzling gradation, which is then covered in a shining finish. The ancient Native Hawaiians used this sturdy wood to make everything from canoes to weapons.

Today, you can buy your own shining koa wood–crafted piece that’s as useful as it is stunning. The locally owned Martin & MacArthur is the place to go for everything koa wood—from coffee tables and coasters to shaving kits and phone stands—all making for authentic Hawaiian souvenirs.