Travel Tips

Hawaii souvenirs: Traditional items, snacks, and clothing

From non-floral lei, pineapple rum, traditional aloha clothing to the famous ukulele and Koa wood, find out the best Hawaii souvenirs you can buy.

Hawaii souvenirs are really varied, allowing travelers to get anything from a little ukulele, delicious rum, and traditional Hawaiian clothing.

Let’s explore the various items you can purchase so that you can bring back the perfect souvenir from your trip to Hawaii and take that aloha spirit with you.

Plus, we’ll tell you where to buy these, so using a travel eSIM can come in handy for finding the best places to purchase your souvenirs.

In this article

Traditional Hawaiian items: The ideal local souvenirs

Hawaiian souvenirs are really beautiful and unique. These come in various sizes and shapes, and thanks to their diversity, they make the perfect gift for different occasions.

Let’s explore the different souvenirs to add to your what to buy list.

Hawaiian ukulele

The ukulele is closely tied to Hawaiian music and culture, and buying one locally gives you access to island-made instruments and expert advice. Soprano and concert ukuleles are the most popular souvenir options, as they’re lightweight, beginner-friendly, and easy to pack. For an authentic instrument, check these stores:

Kamaka Ukulele: Historic Hawaiian maker known for handcrafted, locally built ukuleles.
KoAloha Ukulele: Family-owned workshop with high-quality instruments and a showroom.
Ukulele Pua Pua: Wide price range, good for beginners and travel-friendly models.

Ukulele shop in Hawaii. Source: Unsplash

Non floral lei

One of the Hawaiian souvenirs is a floral lei, but fresh flowers don’t travel that well. Your best option? Buy a non-floral lei. These are made with shell, kukui nut, or you can find some special knit leis that will last longer.

Where to look:

Local craft markets and cultural centers for handmade kukui nut or shell leis
Museum shops and artisan stores for higher-quality, symbolic designs
Airport shops for durable, travel-ready options if you’re buying last-minute

Koa wood items

Acacia koa, commonly referred to as koa, is an endemic tree found in Hawaii that has rapidly become a valuable source of wood for creating many souvenirs.

You’ll find everything from handcrafted bowls, plates, and utensils to smaller pieces like jewelry boxes or keychains, depending on your budget and luggage space.

Where to look:

Local artisan shops and galleries for handcrafted, higher-quality pieces
Cultural centers and museum shops for responsibly sourced koa items
Specialty gift stores for smaller, travel-friendly options

Hawaiian jewelry

Hawaiian jewelry is one of the most classic and meaningful souvenirs you can buy. Many designs are symbolic rather than purely decorative, which gives them long-term appeal.

Popular styles include heirloom jewelry with engraved lettering, sunrise shell pieces, and pearl jewelry. These come in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, making them easy to personalize as gifts.

Where to look:

Jewelry shops and malls for a wide range of styles and price points
Local jewelers and markets for handcrafted or engraved pieces
Beachfront and town shops for sunrise shell and pearl designs

Hawaiian quilt

Hawaiian quilting is a distinctive textile tradition inspired by island nature and bold, symmetrical patterns. While full quilts are large, many shops offer smaller quilted items that are easier to travel with.

These include pillows, table runners, wall hangings, and accessories, making them meaningful gifts that still reflect traditional craftsmanship.

Where to look:

Quilt shops and craft stores specializing in Hawaiian designs
Museum and cultural center shops for authentic patterns
Local markets for smaller, decorative quilted goods

Aloha wear

Aloha wear is one of the easiest ways to bring home the aloha spirit in a form that’s actually wearable. These pieces reflect everyday island life and are among the most practical Hawaiian souvenirs for travelers shopping for themselves or loved ones.

From a classic Hawaiian shirt to flowy pareos, aloha wear works for different styles, ages, and climates, making it a solid option when buying authentic Hawaiian gifts for the entire family.

What to look for:

Aloha shirts and dresses made with breathable fabrics and traditional prints
Pareos or sarongs that double as beachwear or casual wraps
Hats, caps, and slippers inspired by local surf and outdoor culture

Aloha wear is easy to pack, easy to gift, and one of the few souvenirs that still feels relevant long after you return.

Turtle-inspired Hawaiian souvenirs (honu)

The honu, or Hawaiian sea turtle, is a powerful symbol of protection, longevity, and connection to the ocean. As a result, turtle motifs appear often in authentic Hawaiian gifts that reflect nature and cultural symbolism rather than novelty.

These items are a thoughtful way to bring home something meaningful from Hawaii without removing anything from the environment.

Common turtle-inspired souvenirs include:

Jewelry and pendants featuring honu designs
Wood carvings or decorative objects with subtle turtle motifs
Art prints and illustrations inspired by Hawaiian marine life

Turtle-themed souvenirs are widely appreciated across age groups, making them suitable gifts for loved ones and a safe choice when shopping for the entire family, while still honoring the aloha spirit.

Food and snacks from Hawaii: Fun and shareable souvenirs

Food is one of the easiest ways to bring a piece of Hawaii home, especially when you’re looking for authentic Hawaiian gifts that are easy to carry, share, and enjoy later. From tropical fruit products to coffee and sweets, these food souvenirs capture the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands while still being practical for travel.

Maui Gold pineapple

Maui Gold pineapple is sweeter and more aromatic than the varieties typically found in mainland grocery stores, making it one of the most iconic food souvenirs from Hawaii.

Buy at the source: Visit the Dole Plantation or authorized farm stores on Maui, where pineapples are clearly labeled for travel and USDA inspection.
Use airport USDA checkpoints: Many Hawaiian airports have dedicated USDA/APHIS inspection stations that allow approved pineapples to leave the islands.
Consider pineapple products: If carrying fresh fruit feels risky, opt for pineapple wine, preserves, dried pineapple, or pineapple rum, which are easier to transport and widely available.

Kona coffee

Kona coffee is grown in the Kona region on the Big Island and is prized for its smooth, low-acid flavor. This quality comes with a price.

If 100% Kona coffee is outside your budget, Kona blends are a more affordable option. These typically contain a smaller percentage of Kona beans mixed with other Arabica coffees, making them easier to gift or enjoy without significantly increasing your Hawaii travel cost.

Kona Coffee & Tea: Classic Kona coffee farm, mill, roaster, and café; great place to taste and buy fresh, local beans.

Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tours: Highly rated Kona farm with roasting, tours, and bean sales — you can buy beans right where they’re grown.

Kona Joe Coffee LLC: Famous trellised plantation with a gift shop offering many Kona coffee varieties and chocolate pairings.

This makes the Big Island number one on the list of best Hawaiian islands to visit for coffee lovers.

Hawaiian rum

The Hawaiian Islands are known for their large sugar cane cropping and exporting industry, which paved the way for creating some delicious rum.

Some of the best brands offer award-winning rums with delicious flavors, some of which are aged in Koa wood, adding a distinct Hawaiian touch to your drinks.

Koloa Rum Company (Kauaʻi): Offers tastings and distillery tours, making it easy to sample before buying.
Kō Hana Rum (Oʻahu): Known for using heirloom sugar cane varieties and offering immersive farm-to-glass tours.
Look for koa-aged bottles: Some rums are aged in koa wood barrels, adding a distinctly Hawaiian touch and making them a more meaningful gift.

Hawaiian salt

Hawaiian salt is one of the best souvenirs for foodies to bring home from their trip, as even popular chefs appreciate its flavor, and you’ll surely find it in the best food in Hawaii. It is valued for both its flavor and cultural significance.

Seek alaea salt: This traditional red salt is used in Hawaiian cooking and ceremonial practices.
Shop locally: Farmer’s markets, local grocery stores, and specialty food shops usually carry better selections than souvenir chains.
Buy sampler sets: Mixed salt packs with herbs or different colors make affordable, easy-to-pack gifts.

Cocoa and chocolate

Hawaii grows its own cacao, and Hawaiian chocolate has gained a strong reputation for its quality and regional differences. Thanks to the islands’ climate and volcanic soil, cacao grown in Hawaii produces chocolate with noticeably different flavor profiles depending on where it’s made.

Try island-specific chocolate makers: Brands like Manoa Chocolate (Oʻahu), Big Island Candies, and Lavaloha Chocolate focus on small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate. Tasting chocolates from different islands is a great way to notice how flavor varies region by region.
Visit farms or tasting rooms when possible: Some cacao farms and chocolate makers offer tastings, factory tours, or on-site shops where you can sample before buying. These stops are especially common on the Big Island and Oʻahu and make the souvenir feel more intentional than a random chocolate bar.
Choose travel-friendly options: Because chocolate can melt easily, many travelers opt for cocoa powder, cacao nibs, drinking chocolate, or cocoa tea instead of bars. These still capture Hawaiian cacao flavors and are much easier to transport home.

Macadamia nuts

While macadamia nuts weren’t always local, these have been in Hawaii for over 150 years and paved the way for a tasty, affordable thing to buy in Hawaii.

These are entirely different from traditional macadamia nuts, as Hawaiians have added unique flavors to them, such as macadamia nuts with Kona coffee, a salty kick with Maui onion nuts, or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts with that local touch.

Plus, you can get things like macadamia nut butter or macadamia nut oil, so there’s more room when it comes to what to gift!

(Big Island): One of the best-known producers, with free samples and a wide range of flavored macadamia nuts available to buy on-site.
Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts: A popular Oʻahu stop offering casual tastings and wide-flavored varieties in an easy, farm-style setting.
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company (Big Island): Focuses on dry-roasted, locally produced nuts, with samples and less commercial, more artisanal options.

Tip: If you get some Hawaii chocolate covered macadamia nuts, you’ll get yourself one of the most Hawaiian souvenirs for your loved ones.

SPAM

SPAM is a surprisingly iconic Hawaiian food souvenir and has a cult-level following in Hawaii. It is deeply woven into local food culture. While it might seem unusual at first, Hawaii consumes more SPAM per capita than anywhere else in the world, and many flavors are easier to find here than on the mainland.

Distinct SPAM flavors you’ll find in Hawaii: In addition to the classic version, local grocery stores carry flavors like SPAM Teriyaki, SPAM Portuguese Sausage, SPAM Tocino, and SPAM Hot & Spicy. These regional varieties make for an unusual but very “Hawaii” food souvenir that’s shelf-stable and easy to pack.
SPAM musubi (yes, the rice-and-egg situation): One of the most common local dishes is SPAM musubi. It’s a thick slice of grilled SPAM served on a block of rice, sometimes wrapped in nori and occasionally topped with egg. It’s widely available at convenience stores, food trucks, and bakeries, and while it’s an acquired taste, it’s an essential part of understanding Hawaiian food culture.
Where to buy it: You’ll find the widest selection of SPAM flavors at local grocery stores and convenience stores across the islands. It’s inexpensive, doesn’t require refrigeration, and is one of the easiest food items to bring home as a quirky, conversation-starting souvenir.

“Collection of SPAM cans.” by Arnold Gatilao, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Find the ideal Hawaiian souvenir using Holafly

When visiting Hawaii, you can find many of these souvenirs when walking around beaches, malls, or you can opt for the traditional alternatives, such as farmer markets and street vendors.

Either way, chances are you need to have an internet connection in case your mainland plan doesn’t cover Hawaii, or if you’re traveling from a different country, so using an eSIM will do the work.

With the eSIM for Hawaii from Holafly, you get access to an unlimited data eSIM that works for up to 90 days and can cost as little as $1.55 daily.

Plus, you get up to 1 GB of daily hotspot data, 5G data speeds, 24/7 customer support, and an easy activation process, so that you can find your Hawaii souvenirs without getting lost.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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