We’re not all amazing gift-buyers who intuitively know what the perfect gift is for every occasion! Whether you’re buying for someone who loves the Hawaiian Islands or just want to give a unique, colorful, and fun gift, buying with Hawaii in mind is always a great idea.
Not sure where to start? Think of items you know your recipient loves, and put a Hawaiian spin on them. For instance, if you’re buying a gift for a coffee-lover, choose some Hawaiian Kona coffee, and pair it with other Hawaiian food gifts or a related item, such as a coffee mug.
Incredible Hawaiian Fashion
For the fashionista in your life, there are great opportunities to buy unique Hawaiian gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind.
1. Stylish Aloha Shirts and More from Sig Zane Designs
If you’re a repeat customer of Big Island Candies, Sig Zane’s prints may seem familiar, as they’ve been designing some of our gift box art for over a decade!
Sig Zane Designs celebrates all the beauty of Hawaiian land, values, and culture, with designs that put a modern spin on traditional patterns. Along with a wide range of unique aloha shirts in multiple styles, there are beach-ready clothes and accessories, dresses, and more.
2. Clutches from Kolea Designs
Explore the stunning selection of clutch bags made by designer Rachelle Ricardo for her company, the Honolulu-based Kolea Designs. She uses recycled scrap and vintage fabric to make unique clutches with vibrant prints and patterns. No two are the same, making these the ideal Hawaiian gift idea for anyone who loves making a fashion statement.
3. Ties and Accessories from Pineapple Palaka
Fashion clutches aren’t for everyone, but there are plenty more options for accessorizing. Pineapple Palaka, with stores across the Hawaiian Islands, offers a show-stopping range of accessories, including:
- Ties and bowties
- Socks
- Scarves
- A selection of kids’ options
Formal business attire doesn’t have to be dull when you can wear these colorful statement ties and accessories. These would make wonderful wedding gifts as well!
4. Catwalk-Ready Fashion from Manaola Hawaii
The fashion houses everyone’s heard of tend to be based in France, Milan, or New York City, but Hawaiian designers are serving up catwalk-ready looks too.
For instance, there’s Manaola Yap, a self-taught designer who uses his deep Hawaiian family roots as inspiration for men’s and women’s fashion. The clothes feature bold prints made from fabric that’s hand-printed using a traditional Hawaiian technique.
5. Original Prints from Ari South
An alumna from Project Runway’s eighth season, designer Ari South often finds her inspiration in Hawaii’s natural beauty, as well as traditional printing methods and patterns. Her collections include takes on the checkered block print called Palaka and designs inspired by indigenous flora.
6. Colorful, Comfortable Clothes from Kini Zamora
With two Project Runway seasons under his belt, Kini Zamora’s designs focus not just on the fashion aesthetic, but on comfort too. He consistently designs clothes that look and feel fabulous. From casual tees, tanks, and separates to gorgeous gowns and dresses, each years’ collections feature a stunning array of colors and styles.
Flavors of Hawaii
With macadamia nuts, coconut, and smooth Kona coffee as some of your options, Hawaiian food gifts will always be welcome. Big Island Candies uses these local specialties in many of our baked goods, candies, and other treats, making them perfect gifts for anyone who loves these flavors!
7. Coconut
Coconut-lovers will be happy to receive a gift that incorporates that unmistakably fragrant, tropical flavor. Choose from an assortment of cookies and candies, like:
8. Macadamia Nuts
For macadamia enthusiasts, Hawaiian macadamia nuts can’t be beat. Try bags of buttery roasted macadamia nuts, along with macadamia shortbread (dipped in chocolate!) and macadamia rocky road candy.
9. Hawaiian Coffee
The coffee-fiend in your life will love our coffee, including smooth 100% Kona coffee and dark Ka’u coffee. Or you can give them the amazing flavor of Hawaiian coffee outside the cup with chocolate-covered coffee beans and dark chocolate-covered coffee brownies.
Hawaiian Gift Ideas for the Home
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and décor gift ideas can be a great way to give someone else the gift of authentic Hawaiian beauty. From fragrances to wall art, wind chimes, and more, it’s hard to make the wrong choice when there are so many amazing options.
10. Fragrances That Bring Hawaii Home
Choose from diffusers or scented candles to bring the delicious fragrances of Hawaii into the home. Or opt for bath-and-body care gifts like those made by Kopa Haiku. They feature fragrances such as:
- Hawaiian white ginger
- Plumeria
- Coconut
- Mango
- Pineapple
11. Hawaiian Art Glass
Hawaiian artists are often inspired by the beauty of the islands, and Hawaii is home to many glass artists. The combination of glass artistry and Hawaii’s natural landscapes has produced stunning works of art. Island Gifts offers great examples of local glass artistry, including hand-painted wine glasses, blown glass ornaments, and jewelry.
12. Wall Art and More
For wall art and other Hawaiian home décor gifts, check out Hana Hou, a Hawaiian store that’s dedicated to showcasing local artists. Along with décor items, this store also features colorful clothing, accessories, authentic lei, and jewelry.
Another option for a truly unique Hawaiian gift is a gorgeous Island Chain wall art set, made from native wood and finished in copper or bronze, by local artist Joshua Martin.
13. Hawaiian Music
To many people, the most famous musical Hawaiian is Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, the soulful singer whose rendition of “Over the Rainbow” earned him global recognition in the 1990s. There’s so much more to explore in Hawaiian music, from classic artists, such as John Kameaaloha Almeida and Na Leo, to contemporary artists like Ekolu, a reggae band that’s been a stalwart of the Hawaiian music scene for decades.
Make Gift-Giving Easy with a Big Island Candies Hawaiian Gift Basket, Box, or Gift Bag!
If you don’t know your gift recipient well or you’re just not sure what kind of Hawaiian gift will suit them best, then a gift bag or basket might be the perfect choice. A Hawaiian gift bag or gift basket, stocked with tasty treats, is a gift that everyone will love to receive. And the great thing about opting for a gift bag or basket is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, so it’s easy to find something that fits your budget.
At our two locations you can browse gifts to bring home:
- Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu on Oahu
- Hilo Flagship Store in Hilo on the Big Island
14. Gift Bag
Small gift bags make perfect souvenirs, small thank-you gifts, or treats for friends and family when you return home after a trip. Big Island Candies gift bags include cute purple and orange bags filled with shortbread and chocolates, along with larger gourmet gift bags of decadent chocolate-dipped shortbread.
15. Gift Boxes
Gift boxes provide an intermediate option that’s typically larger than a gift bag but a little smaller than a full basket. This makes them very versatile gifts, suitable for a wide range of occasions. For instance, there’s the Pink Peonies Long Box, filled with shortbread and toffees—all packed up in a gorgeous box that’s pretty enough to keep long after the treats have all been devoured!
16. Gift Baskets
In terms of assortment-style gifts, baskets tend to be at the upper end of the range, both in price and size. Hawaiian gift baskets are perfect for loved ones or for anyone who deserves a truly special gift for a birthday or festive occasion. Big Island Candies has pre-filled Hawaiian gift baskets in a range of sizes, including the Gala Basket, full of customer favorites like chocolate-dipped shortbread, macadamia nut brownies, and candy.
When your recipient deserves nothing but the best—and the biggest—there’s the Large Grand Basket, which includes over a dozen items, like:
- Shortbread
- Brownies
- Biscotti
- Chocolate candies
- Roasted macadamia nuts
- Premium Kona coffee
Hawaiian Gifts Will Make Anyone Smile
Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, a Hawaiian Christmas gift, or any other kind of present, representing the stunning islands of Hawaii is a wonderful idea. With unique designs, fragrances, and flavors, Hawaii has plenty of natural beauty to share, so why not share that beauty with your own friends and family!