Posted on: December 19, 2023
From unique local treasures to authentic Hawaiian keepsakes, Maui offers an array of delightful holiday gifts that will leave a lasting impression on your loved ones and serve as cherished mementos of your tropical getaway.
Shopping locally also provides you with the opportunity to support local businesses and assist in rebuilding Maui after the wildfires. Many of these shops feature artisan creations that are sure to please any of the people in your life. So, let’s jump into this Maui holiday gift guide and find the best Hawaiian souvenirs to bring home.
Hawaiian Jewelry
Who doesn’t love a little bling? Infuse your gift-giving with a touch of island elegance by selecting intricately designed jewelry that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Maui.
💡 Tip: Be sure to buy from local artisans to avoid purchasing items that were imported from overseas.
Assorted Chocolates
The perfect gift for your loved one with a sweet tooth, chocolate from Hawaii is special as Hawaii is the only 100% American-grown chocolate producer in the country! Choose from delicious dark chocolate made from homegrown cacao or chocolates infused with peppermint, lemongrass, blood orange, and more.
Maui Coffee
Delight your friends and family by bringing home some rich, aromatic Hawaiian coffee. With coffee farms right on Maui, you can support a local business while getting the best gift for the java lovers in your life!
💡 Tip: If you’re a coffee lover, consider booking a tour and tasing in Kula at O’o Farm or stopping by Social Hour Coffee, a native-owned, renowned wholesale roasters of Maui beans!
Soaps, Lotions, and Sea Salt
Pamper your loved ones with the gift of relaxation by choosing from an array of locally made Hawaiian soaps, lotions and sea salts. Infused with the scents of the islands, these luxurious skincare products provide a rejuvenating experience and bring a piece of Hawaii home for your friends and family.
Hawaiian Art
Level up your home décor by adorning your walls with exquisite local art. From traditional Polynesian-inspired artworks to contemporary abstracts and Hawaiian landscapes, there is much to choose from. Be sure to buy at a shop known for selling authentic Hawaiian gifts to avoid purchasing mass-produced art.
Alcoholic Beverages
Whether you prefer wine, beer, or spirits, you can find a variety of each right on Maui! From wines made with pineapple to locally brewed beers, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastebuds. Want to taste test first? Sign up for a Maui brewery or distillery tour!
Wooden Décor
Koa, a native Hawaiian tree, is prized for its durable wood with a rich grain and lustrous sheen, once reserved for Hawaiian royalty. Today, koa artisans across Maui craft exquisite items including everything from salad bowls and vases to furniture and art. For a meaningful gift, pick up an item made of koa wood, which symbolizes resilience and courage.
💡 Tip: Avoid buying items that you may never use and will collect dust on your shelves. Some popular items tourists pick up include leis, hula skirts, ukeleles, and others. These artifacts have significance in Hawaiian culture, and some, like leis, are a religious symbol and meant to be worn a certain way. Purchasing leis to wear as a fashion garment can be seen as offensive.
Cultural Treasures
Another item we love to add to our Maui holiday gift guide is a book on the island’s history and folklore for the reader in your life. If music is more their jam, purchase some authentic Hawaiian melodies for them to enjoy at home. These cultural treasures not only reflect the depth of Maui’s heritage but serve as meaningful tokens of appreciation for your loved ones.
Macadamia Nuts and Snacks
Find unique snacks all across Maui including wasabi peas, taro chips, and li hing mui (plum) gummies. Additionally, you can find macadamia nuts all across the island with fun flavors like Maui onion and garlic, kiawe smoked BBQ, and honey roasted!
A Pineapple
A pineapple is both a sweet treat and a symbol of hospitality or “welcome.” Visit the locally owned and operated Maui Gold Pineapple Company to purchase the sweetest pineapples or tour their farm. Alternatively, bring home a jar of juicy tropical jam in pineapple, passionfruit, guava, dragonfruit and more.
💡 Tip: Make sure the jars are travel-sized and TSA-approved. If you can’t find any that are, buy toiletry containers and transfer the jam into those!
When it comes to finding the best Hawaiian souvenirs on Maui, embrace the spirit of local shopping and support the island’s vibrant artisan community. Let your holiday gift-giving journey on Maui be a testament to the island’s diverse cultural heritage and the warmth of its aloha spirit. Mahalo for reading and we hope this list helps you with your holiday shopping.