Bringing home a piece of the islands is a must for your vacation. And while you will want to find the perfect souvenir, at the best price, there are a few things to know when seeking out that special piece of Hawaii that you will carry with you forever.
Perhaps the most important piece of advice we can offer about Hawaii souvenirs is to be sure you’re taking what is meant to leave the island. Very often, visitors to Hawaii visit Mt. Kilauea on the Big Island, Hawaii’s only active volcano and the site of eruptions and lava flows since 1983, and decide to take a lava rock with the idea that it will be the ultimate souvenir.
Little do they know, that this is not a good idea, and soon find out that the taking the island’s lava brings bad luck. Madam Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire who created the islands curses those who take lava rocks from her home.
Remember: when you visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, DO NOT TAKE LAVA ROCKS!
Instead, find souvenirs and mementos that are meant to be leave Hawaii. Each island features locally owned shops and boutiques that are filled with great pieces that you can display in your home or office without the repercussions of Madam Pele.
One of the best places to find souvenirs and gifts is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Flea Market on Oahu. Held each Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Swap Meet offers visitors the chance to find great souvenirs at great prices. Vendors at the Swap Meet are always willing to negotiate, so don’t forget to bring your haggling skills and get the best price you possibly can.
The opportunity to take the flavors home with you are also prevalent throughout the island, and you can find a way variety of shippable items at many local stores and shops. At the Dole Pineapple Plantation, pre-packaged pineapples are available for purchase and can easily be shipped back to your home, freeing you from packing it in your bag. You will have a delicious taste of Hawaii waiting for you at the end of your trip.
Souvenirs can be found at a wide variety of shops including:
ABC Stores - all islands
Crazy Shirts – all islands
International Marketplace – Waikiki, Oahu
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet – Honolulu, Oahu
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center – Waikiki, Oahu
Historic Haleiwa Town – North Shore, Oahu
Whaler’s Village – Kaanapali, Maui
Lahaina Front Street – Lahaina, Maui
Coconut Marketplace – Kapa’a, Kauai
Hanalei Center – Hanalei, Kauai
Kona International Market – Kona, Big Island
Kona Coast Shopping Center – Kona, Big Island
King’s Shops at Waikoloa Village – Waikoloa Beach Resort, Big Island
Be sure to leave a little extra room in your bag prior to leaving for any extra goodies you pick up during your travels. T-shirts and Aloha Shirts are found at many great stores on all islands and you will definitely want to bring one home with you. Men may even want to pick-up a new pair of Hawaiian board shorts or women pick-up lovely bathing suit from one of the boutiques that specialize in swimwear. What is more authentic to Hawaii than swimwear?
Grab your Hawaii Souvenirs and take a piece of Hawaii home with you. Remember your travels and cherish the memories made in paradise long after your vacation comes to an end.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Aloha Kai Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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