Things to Get from Hawaii: A Guide to Authentic Island Gifts
The best things to get from Hawaii are locally made treasures you can bring home – gifts that carry the scent, texture, and spirit of the islands. These aren’t your average airport souvenirs. They’re thoughtful keepsakes, made with aloha, crafted by local hands, and infused with the natural beauty of Hawai‘i.
At Island Essence, we believe the best things to take home aren’t just products – they’re memories you can hold, smell, and share. So if you’re wondering what to bring back from your Hawaiian vacation, here’s your complete guide – straight from locals who live and breathe aloha.
What Are the Best Things to Buy in Hawaii?
Hawai‘i is overflowing with gifts that go beyond postcards and T-shirts. Think small-batch skincare, artisan food, and handcrafted keepsakes – all rooted in the islands’ natural abundance.
Here’s what locals and longtime visitors love to bring home:
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Hawaiian Bath & Body Products – Our luxurious Maui Miracle Oils are good for skin care, hair care, and more.
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Local Snacks & Treats – Macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, li hing mango, and chocolate-covered everything.
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Handcrafted Jewelry & Art – Shell earrings, koa wood carvings, and art inspired by Hawaiian landscapes.
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Aromatherapy Oils & Candles – Scents that capture ocean air, tropical blooms, and island sunsets. Our Maui Organics Collection includes items like soy candles and body polish.
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Cultural Keepsakes – Lauhala weavings, hula instruments, and local crafts made by Hawaiian artisans.
Each one tells a story. Each one carries aloha.
Why Choose Locally Made Hawaiian Gifts?
Buying local isn’t just about finding something “authentic.” It’s about supporting Hawaiian communities, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and taking home something made with intention.
When you choose locally made products, you:
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Support Hawaiian artisans and farmers
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Keep money within the local economy
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Reduce the environmental impact of mass-produced souvenirs
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Bring home something unique – no two handcrafted items are exactly alike
What Island Essence Products Make the Best Gifts?
Looking for something distinctly Hawaiian, but elevated? Try these Island Essence favorites – all made in Maui:
Perfect for anyone who loves a little luxury.
Silky, lightweight, and naturally fragrant. Infused with tropical botanicals and pure aloha.
Created with very powerful papaya, bamboo and grapefruit seed extracts as well as fragrance oil sourced in Hawaii. Spray on your face and body (or in the environment) anytime for rejuvenation, skin hydration and sheer enjoyment of the intoxicating fragrance of Maile!
Relax and unwind with mineral-rich Hawaiian sea salt blended with essential oils. It’s a spa day, island style.
Soft skin, smooth scent, endless aloha.
Each of these products reflects the essence of Hawai‘i – natural, nurturing, and made with care.
How to Pack Your Hawaiian Gifts Safely
Worried about bringing back liquids or fragile items? Here’s how locals pack gifts for the journey home:
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Wrap bottles in clothing for extra cushion.
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Use ziplock bags for oils or lotions.
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Place snacks in your carry-on for easy access.
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Check weight limits – some gifts are heavier than they look (hello, mac nuts).
Tip: Many Maui shops, including Island Essence, offer travel-friendly gift sets – TSA-safe sizes and spill-proof packaging.
Unique Things You Can Only Buy in Hawaii
Skip the big-box souvenir stores. Look for local boutiques, farmers markets, and Hawaiian-owned brands.
You can shop Island Essence products online or at select stores across the islands. Each item is crafted with aloha, bottled in Maui, and ready to share.
FAQs About Things to Get from Hawaii
Q: What’s the most popular thing to bring home from Hawaii?
A: Hawaiian body care products and macadamia nuts top the list. Locally made skincare, like Island Essence’s plumeria lotion, is a lasting reminder of your trip.
Q: Are Hawaiian souvenirs expensive?
A: Not necessarily. You’ll find a wide range – from small sprays to luxury gift sets. The key is value – local products last longer and feel more meaningful.
Q: Can I order Hawaiian gifts after I leave?
A: Yes! Island Essence ships Hawaiian-made products worldwide, so you can restock your favorites anytime.
Q: What makes a gift “authentic”?
A: Authentic gifts are made locally, using Hawaiian ingredients, and inspired by island traditions. Always check for “Made in Hawaii.”
Bring Home the Spirit of Aloha with the Best Things to Buy in Hawaii
The best things to get from Hawaii are the ones that remind you of how you felt while you were here – relaxed, inspired, and surrounded by beauty.
Shop Island Essence and bring home the scent, soul, and serenity of Hawai‘i.