If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re currently sitting in paradise and making the rest of us very jealous. Thankfully, the only thing better than visiting Hawaii is being the person that brings home a piece of the aloha spirit by way of Hawaiian souvenirs.
In This Post
I’m sure your never-ending photos of perfect palm trees and glorious sunsets have your friends (and you?) tempted to book a one-way flight to this sliver of paradise, but until that dream is realized the best we can all do is bring home the best souvenirs from Hawaii to prolong paradise until we return.
I’ve visited Hawaii more than twenty times over the years and have come to realize the importance of bringing home great souvenirs from Hawaii (people have high expectations!).
And since my mission is to make you look like the rock star (that you are), today I’m sharing my personal favorite Hawaiian souvenirs to bring home, let’s get to it!
If you only have one afternoon to shop
Most people reading this aren’t shopping for three days, they’re squeezing this in between the beach and the flight home. Fine by me, here’s how I’d spend that one afternoon on each island.
On Oahu, do not spend your one afternoon on the main Waikiki strip. Those shops know you didn’t plan ahead and price accordingly (we cover the rest of that trap in 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Oahu). Instead build the afternoon around a Costco or Whole Foods run for the food gifts, macadamia nuts, coffee, jam, honey, then hit an ABC Store on the walk back to the hotel for anything small you forgot. Fifteen minutes, done.
Maui is trickier this year, and not in a fun way. If you pictured wandering Front Street in Lahaina for your souvenir afternoon, that strip is still part of the wildfire rebuild (more on that below), so redirect to Whalers Village in Kaanapali instead, it has the same oceanfront gift shop mix and it never closed. Still deciding which island to build your trip around in the first place? Our Maui vs Oahu breakdown covers more than shopping, but shopping is part of it.
What to buy first: the food, always the food. It needs the least suitcase space, photographs the best, and disappears the fastest if you wait. Save the pineapple for your literal last stop, it travels fine in checked luggage and doesn’t need to be refrigerated for the flight. What to skip entirely: the resort gift shop version of anything on this list. Same macadamia nuts, same coffee, double the price, zero reason to pay it.
Best Hawaiian Souvenirs
First, let’s cover edible souvenirs from Hawaii
#1. The BEST Hawaiian souvenir: Maui Gold Pineapple
What is more iconic of Hawaii than the sought-after Maui Gold pineapple? I swear, there’s something in Hawaii’s soil that makes these SO much sweeter (and tastier) than they are on the mainland.
I mean seriously, you bite into one of these bad boys and you’ll never be the same, RIP old you.
Also, who doesn’t love receiving an edible souvenir from Hawaii? (Speaking of Hawaiian food, don’t miss our guide to the best poke on Oahu.) I suggest swinging by Costco because they sell them by the unit ($3 per pineapple) while other stores sell pineapples by weight ($1/pound).
And since Costco’s pineapples weigh 6-7 pounds each, they’re a great deal!
Tip: Few folks know that you can carry pineapples directly on the flight (or checked luggage). The reason? Pineapples are too acidic to harbor pests. During our last visit to Hawaii we packed seven pineapples into our checked luggage and carried two more on the flight, no need to buy the expensive boxed ones at the airport.
Verdict. Worth it, but buy it in person, not by mail. The official Maui Gold shop charges $39.99 to ship you a single pineapple with “free” shipping baked into that price. Buying one at Costco or a farm stand while you’re there and packing it home yourself costs a fraction of that, and USDA still clears fresh pineapple after inspection at the airport.
#2. Chocolate covered macadamia nuts
What’s better than large rich and buttery Hawaiian macadamias? Macadamias dressed in creamy chocolate, of course. Don’t board your flight without boxes of these remarkable treats in tow!
There’s two brands to choose from, Mauna Loa and Hawaiian Host. I personally prefer Mauna Loa and grab the 6-pack from the ABC stores or Costco on my last day in Hawaii because if I purchase them sooner, they wouldn’t make it home.
Verdict. Worth it. Mauna Loa’s own site prices the 4oz chocolate-covered bag at $8.49 and the 6oz Mini Mauna gift box at $25.99, both less than you’ll pay for the same box at a Waikiki gift shop or an airport newsstand. Buy them at Costco or ABC like I do, not at the gate.
#3. Honolulu Cookie Company cookies
The first time my parents visited Hawaii they brought back Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread cookies and I swore to myself that someday I would visit Hawaii and continue the tradition.
Since then, every time I visit Hawaii I never fail to pick up several boxes of these tasty Hawaiian souvenirs.
There’s TONS of Honolulu Cookie Company stores peppered throughout the islands, you can pick up a box directly from a store or swing by Costco for a better deal. Up to you!
Verdict. Worth it for gifting, skip it if you’re watching the budget. These run noticeably more per ounce than the macadamia nuts above, and a good chunk of that price is the pineapple-shaped tin. If you don’t need the tin, the Costco version of the same shortbread is the better value.
#4. Kona coffee beans
Who among is not weak in the presence of coffee? Kona coffee is one of the best Hawaiian souvenirs because it starts the day on the right foot.
Bring back a bag for your friends and give them something to remember you by for a week or two.
Hawaii has a great climate for growing coffee because of the humidity and volcanic soil.
I suggest Kona coffee specifically, but each of the Hawaiian islands produces their own beans, hard to go wrong regardless of which you choose.
My personal favorite Hawaiian coffee brands are Hawaii Roasters and Hawaii Coffee Company.
Tip: If you have a favorite cafe in Hawaii, pick up a mug and prolong your vacation mindset with two Hawaiian souvenirs in one!
Verdict. Worth it, and the easiest thing on this whole list to bring home. USDA places no restriction at all on roasted or green coffee beans leaving Hawaii, any quantity, no special packaging, no inspection drama. Buy as much as your suitcase can hold.
#5. Bottle of Hawaiian rum
If ever there’s ever been a Hawaiian souvenir that doesn’t need an explanation, it’s Hawaiian rum. During our last visit to Hawaii we decided to make our own mixed drinks and ended up trying a handful of delightful Hawaiian-made rum.
Two clear standouts were KoHana and Koloa, we brought back a bottle of each.
Pair the rum with a fresh Hawaiian pineapple and make some tasty island drinks at home! If craft beer is more your speed, we rounded up the best breweries on Oahu too.
Verdict. Only if you’re buying it in Hawaii to drink in Hawaii, or you’re checking a bottle in your own suitcase. Koloa’s own online shop won’t ship the rum at all, “excluding all alcohol products due to Hawaii State Liquor Laws prohibiting the shipment of liquor,” so this is a buy-at-the-source souvenir. You can’t order it later from your couch.
#6. Hawaiian honey
I don’t know about you, but I love honey and can definitely taste a difference with honey from Hawaii, which is why it’s such a great Hawaiian souvenir!
Hawaii’s honey has an interesting twist that changes the flavor profile and makes it unlike any honey I’ve ever tasted had before.
The most popular type is Hawaiian honey is called Lehua honey, which has a delicate spreadable texture and sweet aroma. The Lehua blossom produces smooth crystalized honey – spread it on warm biscuits and I guarantee you’ll never be the same!
Verdict. Worth it if it actually says Lehua on the label. Skip anything just marked “Hawaiian style” or “island blend” near the airport gate, that’s marketing language, not an origin claim, and it’s usually cut with mainland honey.
#7. Hawaiian fruit jam, especially lilikoi (passion-fruit)
Fruits just taste better in Hawaii, don’t they? (If you agree, you’ll love our guide to the best açaí bowls on Oahu.) Unfortunately, most fresh fruits aren’t allowed to be brought over without clearing customs (which requires per-packaging and a hefty price tag).
Thankfully, fruit jam is customs-approved which makes it an easy Hawaiian souvenir to bring back!
My personal favorite jam to bring home from Hawaii is passion fruit (lilikoi) because it’s hard to come by on the mainland!
Take advantage of this perfectly tart and refreshing fruit during your time in Hawaii by stocking up on some delicious lilikoi jam to share with family and friends.
We came across lilikoi jam at fruit stands, farmers markets, grocery stores and even along the Road to Hana. Doesn’t matter too much where you get it, just make sure to pick up a jar … or ten.
Verdict. Worth it, and one of the few Hawaii-grown fruit souvenirs you can carry home without a fight. Fresh lilikoi is fruit, it gets stopped at agricultural inspection. Jam is a sealed, processed product, so USDA lets it through without a second look.
#8. Macadamia nuts
Hawaii’s macadamia nuts are known the world over for great reason, they are buttery perfection. It’s no wonder these little treats are some of the best Hawaiian souvenirs you can bring home, who can resist them?
Thankfully, macadamia nuts grow in abundance in Hawaii. In fact, Hawaii was the site of the world’s first commercial macadamia nut farm. The most popular brand is Mauna Loa and they sell these decadent nuts in cans and bags.
Macadamia nuts come in a wide array of interesting flavors (chocolate covered, roasted, salted, savory, etc.) Try a few flavors you wouldn’t normally get back home, expand your comfort zone because you never know what you might end up loving!
If I may offer a suggestion: Pick up more bags and cans than you think you’ll need. These are an irresistible snack and you’ll want to keep some around the house for yourself!
Verdict. Worth it, and buy the plain nuts separately from the chocolate-covered ones above so you’re not paying candy prices for something you’ll eat by the handful anyway. The canned, dry-roasted Mauna Loa keeps for months if you want it to outlast the trip.
#9. Hawaiian sea salt
Like the other tasty made-in-Hawaii souvenirs mentioned above, Hawaiian sea salt is a great souvenir to bring home from Hawaii!
You don’t need to a be a professional chef to appreciate the quality and taste of Hawaiian sea salt. It is more flavorful than traditional salt plus you can get various flavors!
My personal favorite is the fresh herb flavored sea salt and I am known for sprinkling it over popcorn on a weekly basis.
If you’d like to stick with a more traditional Hawaiian souvenir, I suggest getting the iconic pink sea salt from Hawaii. Plus, this is once of the most inexpensive Hawaiian souvenirs you can get your hands on!
Verdict. Skip it unless you cook seriously, or buy the smallest jar you see. It’s inexpensive and photogenic, but the plain pink version does the same job as the flavored blends for a third of the price, and most people’s popcorn habit will never notice the difference.
Non-edible souvenirs from Hawaii
#10. Hawaiian-themed birdhouse
Birdhouses are a unique Hawaiian souvenir guaranteed to bring happiness long after you’ve left the island. Especially if you live in the gloomy Pacific Northwest where rain is guaranteed from September through May.
During one of my trips to Hawaii, I came across a local artisan that specialized in making birdhouses. I was lucky enough to buy one on the spot, because I’ve found it hard to come across birdhouses made in Hawaii after that.
However, I was able to find this adorable birdhouse online and will link it here, if you’re interested.
Verdict. Skip the online version unless you can’t find a local one. What I bought from that island artisan was one of a kind, the linked version is an import, not a locally made piece, it’s a cute birdhouse that happens to have palm trees on it.
#11. Classic Hawaiian shirt
There’s probably a scientific fact somewhere in the world that claims Hawaiian shirts can boost your mood (I believe it!).
I mean, everyone knows that folks donning Hawaiian shirts have their minds on a beautiful beach in Hawaii and it’s hard to be mad when you’re thinking about that!
Join the club and pick up a colorful Hawaiian shirt during your visit as a reminder to yourself that Hawaii is always a good idea. Hard to think of a more iconic Hawaiian souvenir if you ask me.
Get a matching set for a close family member or friend and invite them over for tropical drinks while you show them photos from your trip.
Pro tip: The price and quality of Hawaiian shirts varies greatly. I personally suggest swinging by Costco There because they have a wide selection of Hawaiian shirts and many are less than $30.
If you’re in the mood for higher quality Hawaiian souvenirs, I suggest checking out Tommy Bahama.
Verdict. Worth it, and the price gap does the deciding for you. Costco’s shirts run under $30, Tommy Bahama’s run well past $100 for a similar silhouette. Buy the Costco one unless you specifically want the tailoring and don’t mind paying for it.
#12. The most iconic souvenir from Hawaii: Hula girl
Who doesn’t want a Hula girl sitting atop their dash? It’s the perfect Hawaiian souvenir and will serve as a constant reminder to return to Hawaii soon! This hula girl is solar powered and works overtime when needed, perfect for the windowsill!
Verdict. Skip it for the dashboard, it’s a novelty, not a keepsake, and the solar-powered version sold online is the exact same item you’d find in any Waikiki gift shop for less character and a bigger markup.
#13. Koa wood products
We received a set of Koa wood bowls as a wedding gift and I cherish them to this day! Koa wood is only found in Hawaii and produces very intriguing pieces because of the interesting wavy patterns in the grain.
If you have a special occasion to celebrate (or commemorate) this gift will fit the bill.
What’s more, if you take care of the piece, it will become a quality Hawaiian souvenir that will last for years to come.
Verdict. Worth it, and worth paying for. Real koa only grows in Hawaii, so a genuine bowl or box is one of the few souvenirs on this list an Amazon warehouse can’t replicate. Just confirm with the seller that it’s actual koa, the wood is valuable enough that stained substitutes exist.
authentic Hawaiian souvenirs, beautiful Hawaiian souvenirs, unique Hawaiian souvenirs.
#14. Beach towel
Chances are good that you’ll end up using a beach towel when you get back home. If you’re using it at an actual beach or as an impromptu picnic blanket, this is a practical souvenir from Hawaii that will serve as a constant reminder of stunning sunsets and tropical drinks on the beach.
Verdict. Skip it unless the print or the shop means something to you. A beach towel is a beach towel, and the Hawaii-print version costs about the same as any other, this one is about the memory attached to it, not the object itself.
#15. Hawaiian earrings
One of my most cherished piece of jewelry is a pair of earrings my husband brought home as a souvenir from Hawaii during a work trip. He picked out a lovely turquoise pair made by a local artist and I wear them during very special occasions because I love them so much.
If you’re not into earrings, you can easily pick up Hawaiian jewelry like a necklace, bracelet or ring. These pieces are normally adorned with iconic Hawaiian symbols like sea turtles, palm trees, flip flops and hibiscus flowers.
Regardless of what you choose, jewelry is a great souvenir from Hawaii because it’s lightweight and easy to bring home! The biggest perk? If you don’t lose your jewelry (like yours truly), it will last forever!
Verdict. Worth it if it’s from a local artist, skip the mass-produced turtle-and-hibiscus charms sold by the register at every ABC Store. Same supplier, same charm, regardless of which shop you’re standing in.
#16. A unique Hawaiian souvenir: Ukulele
This is another fun Hawaiian souvenir for kids because it will keep them entertained for hours. We brought home ukuleles for our nephews two years ago and they still play with them to this day (apologies to their mom!).
Ukuleles are iconic souvenirs from Hawaii and the toy versions can be found for cheap at the ABC store. Unless you plan to take your ukulele skills professional, there’s no need to shell out for the real deal unless you absolutely want to.
Verdict. Only if it’s a toy. The ABC Store soprano ukes are built for kids and short attention spans, not serious playing. If you want an instrument that holds a tune, buy from a Hawaii-based luthier or a real music shop, not the airport rack.
#17. Fresh Lei
A fresh lei is a great Hawaii souvenir to bring home for someone special. You simply can’t think of Hawaii without picturing these worth seeing works of art.
Fresh leis don’t last long but they are absolutely sensational. Much like a beautiful bouquet of flowers, they are sure to bring joy to your special someone.
I usually pick up 2 fresh leis from Costco before boarding my return flight home and gift them to whoever is picking me up at the airport as a thank you gift. Needless to say, finding someone to pick me up at the airport is usually a breeze!
Image courtesy Cindy’s Lei Shoppe
Verdict. Worth it as a gift, not as a souvenir for yourself. USDA lets fresh lei and flowers travel with you as long as they’re not jade vine, Mauna Loa flower, or anything citrus, but a fresh lei won’t survive more than a day or two off the plant. Buy it for whoever’s picking you up at the airport, not for your own shelf.
Hawaii souvenirs for kids, Hawaiian souvenirs for kids, souvenirs from Hawaii for kids
#18. Hawaii-made body products
My coworker brought back some Hawaii-made lotions as a souvenir from Hawaii and I was so impressed by the quality and smells!
There’s a handful of spots you can pick up some made-in-Hawaii body products, like lotions, bath salts, body scrubs and soaps. The smells are sure to conjure up memories from your time on the island.
Verdict. Worth it if the label genuinely says made in Hawaii. A lot of “Hawaiian” lotion on drugstore shelves is bottled on the mainland with island branding slapped on, check the fine print before you give up suitcase space for it.
#19. Hawaiian quilt
If you’re looking for a quality Hawaiian souvenir that will last a lifetime, pick up a unique Hawaiian quilt. It’s worth mentioning that, as with any quality gift from Hawaii, it will not come cheap.
Genuine Hawaiian quilts can be passed down for generations, as such, they can get quite expensive. However, if you’re willing to make the investment, these vibrant works of art are easily one of the best souvenirs from Hawaii.
Also, if a large quilted item (such as a blanket) is out of your budget, I suggest picking up a smaller item, like bags, potholders, pillows, table runners or clothing.
Verdict. Worth it only if you can afford the real thing. A genuine hand-quilted piece is a multi-generation investment, not an impulse buy. If the budget doesn’t stretch that far, the smaller quilted accessories mentioned above are the honest alternative, not a lesser version of the same souvenir.
#20. Reusable tote
Totes are some of the best souvenirs from Hawaii because they’re so handy and often come in great colors! I bought two totes during my last visit to Hawaii (one from my favorite shave ice spot and another from Whole Foods).
I’ve since moved to New York City and get compliments on my Hawaiian totes almost daily!I use these practical Hawaiian souvenirs for everyday errands like grocery shopping and carrying packages to UPS.
Totes are very handy and you can never have too many (in my opinion), plus using totes is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, it’s a win-win!
Verdict. Worth it, the most-used souvenir on this entire list by a mile. Skip buying more than two, they stack up fast in a closet and you’ll be re-gifting the extras by Christmas anyway.
Best places to buy Hawaiian souvenirs
As you may have gleaned from my commentary, there’s definitely ways to save money on Hawaiian souvenirs if you know where to shop. As such, I’d like to highlight some of the best places to buy Hawaiian souvenirs.
- Costco (personal favorite)
- ABC Stores
- Whalers General Store
- Longs Drugs
- Farmer’s Markets
- Walmart
The Magic of Haleakala National Park
My husband and I created a video about our time in Haleakala National Park, you may notice a few appearances by yours truly. 😉 I hope you enjoy!
Best Hawaiian Souvenirs (Summary)
- Maui Gold pineapple
- Chocolate covered macadamia nuts
- Honolulu Cookies
- Kona Coffee
- Hawaiian Rum
- Hawaiian Honey
- Koa wood products
- Lilikoi Jam
- Reusable tote
- Hawaiian salt
- Beach towel
- Hawaiian earrings
- Macadamia Nuts
- Hawaiian Shirt
- Hula Girl
- Ukulele
- Fresh lei
- Hawaiian birdhouse
- Hawaiian quilt
- Local-made lotion
cheap Hawaiian souvenirs, funny Hawaiian souvenirs, unique Hawaiian souvenirs.
Until next time,
Antonina
Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, unique Hawaiian souvenirs, unique souvenirs from Hawaiian
Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaii souvenirs, best Hawaii souvenirs, top Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs from Hawaii, where to get Hawaii souvenirs, souvenirs in Hawaii, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, Hawaiian souvenirs, unique Hawaiian souvenirs, unique souvenirs from Hawaiian
More from our Hawaii guides
What changed in 2026
The single biggest shift for shopping on Maui this year is where you can actually do it. Front Street in Lahaina, the historic strip lined with galleries and gift shops before the August 8, 2023 wildfire, is still mid-rebuild. On September 14, 2026 the Hawaiian Council opened vendor applications (through September 28) for an interim marketplace called ʻUlu O Lele, set on the site of the old Outlets of Maui. It’s slated to hold 25 to 50 local vendors across roughly three acres and support around 90 jobs, but as of this writing it’s still recruiting sellers, not open for you to browse. If you were counting on that Front Street afternoon, go to Whalers Village in Kaanapali instead, it never closed.
The agriculture rules that decide what actually leaves the islands in your suitcase got a refresh too. USDA’s official Hawaii travel guidance was last updated August 30, 2026, and it’s worth knowing before you overpack: fresh pineapple and coconut still clear after inspection, coffee beans (roasted or green) travel in unlimited quantity with zero restriction, and fresh lei are fine unless they’re jade vine, Mauna Loa flower, or anything citrus-related. Everything else fresh gets stopped at the airport. If you’re planning your trip around timing this well, our Hawaii in the Fall guide and our Best Time to Visit Hawaii breakdown both go deeper on the season-by-season logistics. If it isn’t processed, canned, or jarred, plan to eat it before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your research, set realistic expectations, and leave room in your itinerary for spontaneity. The best travel experiences come from being prepared but flexible. We cover the most important tips and insights in the guide above.
Yes. Fresh pineapple is permitted after inspection under USDA’s current Hawaii travel rules (last updated August 30, 2026), and it’s exempt from the fresh produce ban that stops most other fruit at the airport. Buy it in person at Costco or a farm stand rather than paying $39.99 for the official mail-order version.
Yes. USDA places no restriction on roasted or green coffee beans leaving Hawaii for the mainland, any quantity, no special packaging required. It’s the easiest souvenir on this list to bring home.
Not yet. Front Street is still part of the wildfire rebuild that started after the August 8, 2023 fire. As of September 2026, the Hawaiian Council is recruiting vendors for an interim marketplace, ʻUlu O Lele, on the site of the old Outlets of Maui, but it isn’t open to shoppers. For a working Maui shopping stop right now, go to Whalers Village in Kaanapali instead.
Not from Koloa Rum, at least. Its own online shop explicitly excludes alcohol from shipping because Hawaii state liquor law prohibits mailing it. If you want a bottle, you buy it in Hawaii and carry it home yourself, that’s part of what makes it a real souvenir rather than something you can just order later.
Newest on Hawaii
- Hawaii in the Fall Sep 2026
- Best Time to Visit Hawaii (Island by Island) Jul 2026
- Maui vs Oahu (Which Hawaiian Island Should You Pick?) Jul 2026
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Oahu (That Most Tourists Make) May 2026
- A Helpful Guide to Visiting Honolulu, Oahu Sep 2025
- 10 Best Spots to Find Sea Turtles on Oahu Aug 2025
Everytime I go to Hawaii I buy a few yards of fabric. I use it for all kinds of projects around the house.
Oh I love that idea, fabric is such a smart pick, it packs flat and you actually use it instead of it collecting dust on a shelf. Now I’m tempted to start looking for some myself next time we’re back.