The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Hawaii

Aerial view of Waikiki Beach
Aerial view of Waikiki Beach | © skeeze / Pixabay
Wailana Kalama

ABC Stores are a dime a dozen, but what if you want that rare or eclectic souvenir to remember your vacation in Hawaii? Here are the best places to pick up a cool memory in the Aloha State.

Hilo Hattie

Since its establishment in 1963, Hilo Hattie has become synonymous with classic Hawaiian gifts. Named for popular singer and hula dancer Hilo Hattie, the shop has an impressive collection that speaks to old Hawaii, complete with beach accessories, Aloha shirts, beauty products, jewelry, and gourmet foods, mostly Made in Hawaii. From humble beginnings on the island of Kauai, sister stores have popped up on O’ahu and Maui, and you can even browse their products online.

Sand People

Red Pineapple

Red Pineapple is a vibrant shop on Ala Moana Blvd packed with creative gift items and yummy snacks and candles to take home as souvenirs. Decorative notebooks, tea, chocolate, cute pens, birthday cards, handmade items—they have it all. They also wrap gifts and ship to the mainland. Look out for the seasonal gingerbread come wintertime.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace

Aloha Stadium is one of those flea markets where you can find just about any souvenir you want. They have everything from colorful Aloha shirts, animal whistles, yummy manapua, and saltwater taffy to magnets with turtles on surfboards. It’s cash-only, so be prepared to have your change with you or collect from an on-site ATM—and don’t be afraid to haggle!

Na Mea Hawai’i/Native Books

Na Mea is the store to go to for special Hawaiian gifts and books. Their shelves are lined with koa wood sculptures, mu’umu’u, and handcrafted jewelry—all Made in Hawaii. You could spend a whole afternoon wandering around teak chairs, music gourds, decorative signs, and woven baskets, all to find that one piece to enliven your house back home.

SoHa Living Kahala

This adorable shop has such an impressive collection of unique and Hawaiian-only gifts made to dress any room with tropical décor and nautical designs. Located inside Kahala Mall, SoHa Living Kahala has everything from cute starfish pillows to cheesy wooden signs, from kitschy kids’ toys to seashells for crafting.

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