Hawaii is known for its tropical coastlines, indulgent cuisines, and relaxed lifestyle. It is the perfect place to slow down, and reconnect with yourself. Oahu has an abundance of souvenirs and keepsakes that are unique to Hawaii, as well as some lesser-known products. Here are some ideas to bring home from Hawaii. – Buy local. You’ll save money this way, too! – Spend a little time exploring the island.
– Go shopping. There are several stores on Oahu that sell locally-made jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. For an authentic Hawaii experience, head to the North Shore. Avoid the tacky roadside shops that try to pass off Thailand art and Philippine seashells as Hawaiian. However, you’ll find some legitimate gems here, like the tiki mugs and knick knacks. You can also visit the House of Mana Up Hawaii and Maui Divers Jewelry.
– Buy Hawaiian jams. Jams are popular throughout Hawaii and can be found at local stores or even on the mainland. You can also buy jams at the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market, located at 4303 Diamond Head Road in Honolulu. These stores feature some of the best Hawaiian food trends. They also sell jars of local honey. You can even buy homemade Hawaiian honey at local stores, such as Manoa Honey Co.
– Try Maui wine. The island is home to Maui Wines, whose delicious Pineapple Wine has a tropical touch. You can also taste local wine at Oeno Winemaking, the only winery in Oahu. In addition, Maui Brewing Company is 10 minutes away from the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. They offer 64-ounce growlers of beer, and have 36 specialty beers on tap.
– Purchase original Hawaiian quilts. These handmade quilts are not cheap – you could end up spending $1,000 for a bedspread, and even more if you are buying a set of Hawaiian quilt patterns. You’ll find Hawaiian quilt pattern kits and a variety of different handmade items at many stores throughout Oahu. You’ll want to visit a reputable shop with samples before you decide to make a purchase.
– Purchase lei. If you’re buying lei as a gift for someone, remember to buy one that can be kept and worn long after you return home. Hawaiian flower garlands and kukui nut necklaces cost from $5 to $40. If you’d like your lei to last a few years, you’ll need to buy it soon before leaving the island. Remember that some of the flowers are not easily transportable to the mainland, so you’ll have to buy it at least a few days before you depart.
Hilo Hattie is a local institution on Oahu. While originally a seller of Aloha shirts, Hilo Hattie has expanded into a wildly successful music store. Its store is located on Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. Look for coupons in local tourist magazines for a discount on the products. You can also browse online. These stores offer the best prices for authentic Hawaiian products.