16 Hawaiian Products To Bring Home from Honolulu
1. Flower Lei
Those wanting to purchase a lei to take home for friends and family, there is a perfect spot tucked away in the Honolulu International airport to do this. The lei stands are sandwiched between the parking structure and the inter-island terminal, and are easily accessible just before the rental car return area. Open 24 hours a day, several stalls offer simple to extravagant designs. Since there are agricultural restrictions to transporting some island flowers to the mainland, be sure to tell the lei seller that the lei is for someone on the mainland.
Address: 300 Rodgers Boulevard
2. Koa Accessories
There are several stores and outlets that sell Koa wood accessories. One can even find them at craft fairs and even swap meets. However, the very best place to find a wide section of artisan quality accessories is any Martin and MacArthur store. Martin and MacArthur’s items are high quality Koa and not the lesser inexpensive Koa-like acacia wood from Northern California. All items are designed and crafted in the Oahu factory and for every piece of furniture that is purchased, a Koa tree is planted on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Martin and MacArthur has several locations throughout the islands.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue
3. Hawaiian Jewelry
There are several jewelry stores on Oahu that specialize in Hawaiian Heritage jewelry, but none more accommodating and service-oriented than Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry. The collection includes everything, from wedding sets to pendants to island inspired earrings and chains. However, the bracelets are truly the specialty items. Many come to custom order that special heirloom bracelet, personalize it in black enamel and even have it diamond studded. Royal Hawaii Heritage Jewelry’s factory is located on Oahu in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. There, designers will create a bracelet to your specifications in the matter of hours.
Address: 1130 Bishop Street
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10 am - 4:30 pm
4. Hawaiian Print Fabric
For those in search of that perfect Hawaiian print to satisfy your creative urges, there is no place better than Fabric mart near the top of Kalakaua Avenue. This busy two-story shop has a dizzying array of colors and fabric blends unlike any other in the islands, if not the world. Arrive prepared with preferences, because, otherwise, a visit to this store can leave you more confused than confident.
Address: 1631 Kalakaua Avenue
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday; Friday - Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
5. Black Pearls
Although there are many shops and boutiques that offer a limited quantity of black pearls, there is no shop more accommodating than Maui Divers Jewelry. Located in the very heart of Honolulu, Maui Divers has been in business since 1958, started out as a couple of deep sea divers harvesting black, pink, red and gold coral off the waters of Lahaina. Today, they are known as the largest manufacturer of coral jewelry in the world. The company offers free shuttle to and from the Waikiki area for those who would like to visit the jewelry factory and showroom. You can find Maui Divers Jewelry in several locations in Waikiki.
Address: 1520 Liona Street
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
6. Macadamia Nut Oil
Although a bottle of this rich flavored pale colored oil can be found at high-end specialty stores and tourist boutiques, it’s best to seek out one of the more favorite places where locals go to find realistic prices and a grand variety of items, from toothpaste to tequila. Any islander will tell you that Long’s Drug Stores is the go-to place for everything and anything at reasonable prices. Yes, it was recently purchased by CVS, but this popular store still has retained that special local appeal. Visit Long’s Drug Store in the Ala Moana Shopping Center at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday; Saturday, Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm;
Friday: 8 am - 9 pm
7. Ukulele
8. Koloa Rum
Many, who visit the islands, return home with a simple plastic white shopping bag with the bold blue letters “ABC Stores” emblazoned on the front. Returning visitors know that one can always depend on the ABC store for everything, from the daily newspaper to replacing that bottle of sun block that was confiscated at the TSA security checkpoint. The store is a very convenient place for finding necessities and gifts at reasonable prices. The shops are seemingly located on every street corner in Waikiki and always well-lit and welcoming.
Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue
9. Kona Coffee
Kona Coffee can be found at many places around the island, from the swap meet at the Aloha Stadium to all of the big box and warehouse stores. However, for those who want to find all the coffee one needs to take home, short of taking a trip to the Big Island, a stop at any ABC Store in Hawaii will certainly be the best and most convenient option. Located on almost every corner in Waikiki, this wonderful store has a collection of the most popular brands of 100 percent and blended Kona coffee. The ABC shops are always well-lit and welcoming.
Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue
10. Macadamia Nuts
There are many places where one can load up on Mac nuts, but there is no place better than Hilo Hattie. With two locations on Oahu and several on the neighboring islands, Hilo Hattie is an island institution that started many years ago as an aloha wear manufacturer. Today, they offer a incredible variety of nuts that range from chocolate-covered to caramel crunch, even wasabi and Maui onion tins. Hilo Hattie also offers several discount coupons in local visitor publications.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard #1254
Opening hours: Daily: 10 am - 8 pm
11. Hawaiian Quilts – Classic and Traditional Styles
There are several Oahu stores that offer genuine Hawaiian handmade quilts for sale along with Hawaiian quilt pattern kits and more. However, for an inexperienced shopper, it is best to first visit a reputable shop where one can browse through the multitude of designs, sizes and quality samples prior to purchasing that heirloom quality quilt. One of the best places to start is the Hawaiian Quilt Collection. Be sure to express your desire for original handmade products.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Ave
Opneing hours: Monday - Friday: 10 am - 9 pm;
Saturday, Sunday: 10 am - 9 pm
12. Tropical Fruit Preserves and Butters
These jars of preserves can be easily found at local stores, including Long’s Drug Stores, ABC stores and even Wal-Mart, however, the very best place to make that treasured purchase for friends and family back home is at the weekly Kapiolani Community College Farmer’s Market. This collection of stalls is where some of the best of Hawaiian food and farm trends are born. Although one can find several vendors selling preserves, there is no doubt that the folks at Honomu Jams and Jellies from the Big Island offer the widest variety and creative combinations.
Address: 4303 Diamond Head Road
Operation Hours: Saturday: 7:30 am - 11 am
13. Tedeschi Pineapple Wine
This sparkling wine can be found at many specialty stores in and around Waikiki, however, since one bottle is the same as another, many will find that a stop at Long’s Drugs Store will be well worth the valuable vacation time. Shoppers at Long’s will be rewarded with realistic prices. The store is quite popular and the islanders know it’s the best place to find a grand variety of items, from toothpaste to tequila. Any islander will tell you that Long’s Drug Stores is the go-to place for everything and anything at reasonable prices. Yes, it was recently purchased by CVS, but this popular store still has retained that special local appeal.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday; Friday - Sunday: 6 am - 11 pm;
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
14. Hawaiian Music CDs
There is no place better in the world to find Hawaiian music than the islands themselves. For those who are interested in the top selling and most popular recording, a visit to Hilo Hattie will be vacation time well spent. With two locations on Oahu and several on the neighboring islands, Hilo Hattie is an island institution that started many years ago as an aloha wear manufacturer. Today, their music collection includes everything from the popular to the classic tunes of Hawaii. Hilo Hattie also offers several discount coupons in local visitor publications.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard #1254
Opening hours: Daily: 10 am - 8 pm
15. Aloha Wear
There are many places where one can wander racks and racks of bright and colorful aloha wear, but there is no place better than Hilo Hattie. With two locations on Oahu and several on the neighbor islands, Hilo Hattie is an island institution that started many years ago as an aloha wear manufacturer. Today, they offer several lines of aloha wear that range from the simple and casual to the elegant and formal. Hilo Hattie also offers several discount coupons in local visitor publications.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard #1254
Opening hours: Daily: 10 am - 8 pm
16. Longboard Island Larger
Although a bottle of the some of the island’s best beer can be found at any oceanfront or hotel bar in Waikiki, there is nothing like grabbing a six-pack on hand to quell the craving. Any islander will tell you that Long’s Drug Stores is the go-to place for grand variety of items, from toothpaste to tequila. Long’s has an excellent liquor department and regular weekly sales make shopping there a perfect way to stall sticker shock in its tracks. Although it was recently purchased by CVS, this popular store still has retained that special local appeal.
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday; Friday - Sunday: 6 am - 11 pm;
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Other Interesting Souvenirs from Hawaii
If traveling to Hawaii is not on your immediate agenda, or you simply can't afford an extra space in your luggage, fortunately, these days, you can find a wide selection of authentic and truly interesting Hawaiian souvenirs online. Presented here are some of the Hawaiian products sought by foreign visitors, now available online for your convenience.
2. Lauhala - Lauhala means “leaves of the hala”, a pandanus tree renowned in Hawaii for its leaves. Freed from spiny thorns, the leaves are soaked and soften until ready to be woven. Items made from lauhala - hats, wallets, baskets, purses, placemats, etc. - are much treasured in Hawaii. The smaller the item, the more it costs. Gift options may include even woven blouses.
3. Hawaiian T-shirts - T-shirts have long become part of the Hawaiian cultural landscape and a vivid celebration of life on the island. Adults and kids wear them eagerly. In the land of sunny weather, this garment is absolutely perfect for lounging on the beach, sipping on pina colada, fishing, surfing, boating, or just doing day to day chores.
4. Hawaiian Snacks - The array of Hawaiian snacks is truly extensive and comprises both, originated in Hawaii and imported, mostly from Asia, throughout the years. Among the local snacks well worth trying are Haupia Luau Pudding Squares (tasting of fresh coconuts), Furikake Party Mix Cookies (a blend of baked snacks, cereals, and seasonings; this is a “die for” crunchy delight for the sweet and salty lovers, and includes seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, salt, and seasonings infusing Asian flavor into the party mix), and Island Lava Passion Fruit Baker's Brittle (comprising passion fruit (lilikoi), guava, pineapple, mango, papaya, and macadamia nut; authentic island fruit - no imitation).
5. Rare Organic Honey - The most popular Hawaiian honey is made of Lehua flower, found only in Hawaii, whose blossom produces a white, smoothly crystallized honey, particularly liked by tea drinkers since it doesn't overwhelm the taste of the tea itself. Another local specialty (and rarity) is organic white Kiawe honey, harvested, by cold extraction, in only one place in the world in very limited quantities. Straight from the hives in the Hawaiian mountains, comes sweet and light, natural comb honey, retailed in its original form to be chewed and sucked right out of the combs (you may then spit out the wax or just eat it whole). Ideal gourmet combination with crackers, cheese, and wine (particularly if chilled white).
6. Organic Hand-Made Soaps - Handcrafted of purely natural botanical ingredients (coconut and palm oil), in a strict accordance with the ancient Hawaiian and Polynesian remedies, Hawaiian organic soaps are beautifully decorative and heavenly scented. The variety of fragrances includes coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, kukui, tamanu, and more.
Walking Tours in Honolulu, Hawaii
Create Your Own Walk in Honolulu
Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour
The first residents of Honolulu were probably settled during the 11th century. These Polynesian migrants are thought to have come from Tahiti. King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu and claimed the area... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Diamond Head Volcano Tour
The volcano's rugged cone is seen from almost every part of the island. However, at its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Waikiki Beach Walk
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles