Coffee from Waialua, Oahu (from my brother’s wedding at Sunset Ranch)
Are you looking for things you can only buy in Hawaii for your friends, families, coworkers, kids’ teachers, or dog sitter?
After many years of looking for the best omiyage (what we call souvenirs or gifts in Hawaii and Japan) from Hawaii, I’ve compiled the best gift guide that always makes people smile. Don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase or carryon just to bring back gifts!
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Hawaii Grown Coffee
Did you know that Hawai’i is only one of two states in the U.S. to grow coffee?
There are about 900 coffee farms all throughout Hawaii and many of them are located on the Kona region of the Big Island (which is where Kona coffee gets its name). Hawaii-grown coffee is the second most valuable commodity produced in the state of Hawaii. What makes Kona coffee unique is that they’re grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil, which is not only rare, but enhances the flavor.
I absolutely love drinking my Hawai’i-grown coffee when I’m back in chilly San Francisco. I especially enjoy sipping it out of my Hawaii rainbow mug to have a little bit of aloha in my life (see photo above). Mmmm…soo good.
If you forget to buy your coffee in Hawaii, here’s a popular 100% pure Kona coffee that is available online and is sure to please.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are the number one signature crop produced in Hawaii. I buy boxes of these chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and give them out to everyone. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate!
Macadamia nuts are also rich in vitamins and minerals with other health benefits. They are seriously the best gift to give to almost anyone (including myself). The two famous brands are Mauna Loa and Hawaiian Host. You can find these anywhere in Hawaii – ABC Stores, Longs, Walmart, and even Costco.
Hurricane Popcorn
Hurricane popcorn is a snack in Hawai’i where popcorn, arare (Japanese rice crackers), and furikake (Japanese seaweed seasoning) are combined to create this delicious savory snack. They even sell arare at the movie theatres in Hawaii as it’s that ingrained into the culture.
The combination of these 3 ingredients blends together so perfectly that kids and adults will both love. It’s also easy to make at home if you have the 3 ingredients, but I like to buy this hurricane popcorn kit to give out as gifts since it’s a fun kid activity. It’s not commonly known outside of Hawaii so it’s definitely a great interesting gift to give to others.
Comes in 4 packs where you can make your own
(popcorn included)
This one is just the toppings (popcorn not included)
To make this at home
You can always make this at home, with 3 simple ingredients: popcorn, arare, and furikake (and of course, butter). I use this silicon popcorn maker, which I absolutely love. It collapses when not in use and is great for travel when the kids want a healthy snack!
Instructions
First, pop the popcorn in the silicone popcorn maker and add the melted butter as evenly as possible. Then add some furikake and shake everything to distribute evenly. Last but not least, add some arare and that’s it! This is how my family eats popcorn at home and it’s a little bit of aloha in our lives 🙂
Tropical Jams and Jelly
Hawai’i is home to some of the freshest and juiciest tropical fruits. Their jams also make great gifts for everyone because who wouldn’t love some tropical jam on their morning toast! I personally like to add this jam to my kids’ PB&J for them to remember the taste of aloha.
Rare Hawaiian Honey
There is a rare type of honey that is only made on the Big Island of Hawai’i. I remember trying this as a kid and being amazed by the flavor, which is why it always stayed in the back of my mind. Little did I know it was one of the rarest and most unique honey in the world. I’m no honey connoisseur, but one taste of this you’ll most likely agree that this is the best honey you’ve ever had would be an exceptional gift for anyone!
Hawaiian Islands Tea
The Hawaiian Island Tea Company is one of my absolute favorite teas and I’m a big tea drinker! The mango Maui black tea smells absolutely divine and tastes just as delicious. You can drink this both hot or cold and they’ll take you right back to your island vacation. I love giving this out to my kid’s teachers or folks who might not drink coffee. I highly recommend this tea!
Hawaiian Salt
I like to incorporate Hawaii-made products into my everyday life and salt is no exception. Hawaiian salt has lots of minerals and electrolytes that add a depth of flavor to all your cooking. It’s especially great when making Hawaiian food such as Kalua pork, poke, grilled fish, or even for gargling whenever you have a sore throat. I usually use the Old Time Hawaiian salt since it’s a classic, but any one that’s made in Hawaii is good. This would be a great gift for those who enjoy cooking (or warding off bad spirits)!
Aloha Shoyu
Aloha shoyu is a soy sauce that’s only made in Hawaii. This is the only soy sauce most plate lunch places use in Hawaii (even McDonald’s Hawaii) because it’s that ingrained into the culture. I usually sprinkle this on the rice and mac salad and it’s so delicious. It’s less salty than Kikkoman or any of the other standard soy sauces. Give it a try and you’ll see why it goes perfectly well with hawaiian plate lunches.
Tropical Fruit Juices
There are 2 canned juice companies that are a staple in Hawaii. One is Hawaiian Sun and the other is Aloha Maid.
These are the beverages everyone in Hawaii grows up drinking. It’s what is packed in kids’ lunches, served at bbqs and parties and at plate lunches all over Hawaii. For people in Hawaii, this is the taste of Hawaii. My favorites are Passion Orange Guava and POG (Pass-O-Guava). They’re served everywhere in Hawaii so definitely try them!
Hawaii Themed Goods
I like to buy souvenirs that I can wear and use in my everyday life. I especially like reusable shopping bags and coffee mugs. My personal favorites are the Starbucks “Been There” and any of their Hawaii-themed mugs. I also like the ones from Whole Foods. Another great place to buy souvenirs is the ABC stores that are all over Waikiki. I’ve given out Hawaiian-themed face masks from there that were appreciated.
