xxx

Wow I just looked through this list and found new great ideas. Dick how about some more ideas on where you go to send flowers. I would know about going to a florist or even china town but "the growers" where did you do that?
Melissa Yum sounds great with my favorite Coconut syrup. You know every year I struggle about going to a new part of the world. I don't have a lot of time for vacation travel. I really miss exploring and discovering something new like Japan for instance I still have not been but I can't help myself in returing to Hawaii. This is a bit remarkable as I have done a considerable amount of travel in Europe, the middle East and Western U.S. . Enjoy PW and don't expect this to be your last trip over.

bennie

I don't have any additional suggestions but I can tell you that I've received several of the gifts mentioned here and really loved them - specially the Kona coffee and the soaps and lotions. Particularly this one soap that had a slice of loufah imbedded in it. I don't know exactly where it was purchased other than it was in Lahaina. I definately didn't like the mou-mou that my mother bought me.

For myself I purchased a Pegge Hopper print on our honeymoon and love looking at it everyday for the last 15 years. It was purchased in Kauai.

Another suggestion is a Christmas ornament - I bought one that was a sand dollar with dried flowers. - Again I love pulling out the Christmas ornaments that were bought on a trip and be reminded of great times. I also love putting them away and not dealing with the clutter during the remainder of the year.

Have a great time.

Dawn Ct

I like coconut syrup and mac nuts on waffles. We brought back a couple of bottles of that. Also Maui Onion Salad dressing. Two things that I have yet to find on the mainland.

x

I'm having a little trouble with the concept of buying souvenirs at Kmart in Maui, but if you do, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, remember to remove the tag!

Susan

I also want to point out that I think it's important when buying souvenirs from Hawaii that you buy items that are actually made in Hawaii. Most of the stuff you'll find at Kmart is made in China or some such place. Much of the cheaper clothing is made elsewhere also.

The department store, Liberty House, is a great place to find clothing, jewelry, pot holders, lotions, Christmas ornaments, etc. Just be careful you don't end up buying something with a Liz Claiborne label on it which you can find back home!

dick

RE: the flowers...

The first time we sent flowers from the Sunrise Protea Farm during a rest stop while biking down Haleakala on Maui.

Another time,,,on the road to Hana we saw a sign about a grower ahead,,,stopped and ordered flowers from them.

We have had luck by not searching for growers,,but by reacting quickly when we see a commercial grower grower.

AsI recall, only a commercial grower can ship flowers because of agricultural restrictions.

sss

Made in Hawaii at Noa Gallery Moana Sheraton, Waikiki Bishop Museum gift shop, Liberty house has a great home sections that offer Hawaiiana alternatives lets hope they keep this up as they are now managed by Macey's. Shiraqia (Sp)(Japanesse department store) in AlaMoana. Check out Japanese treats and sweets while you are at it.

I don't think it is hard at all to find Made in Hawaii if you don't stick to the ticky tack of Waikiki just remember quality gift shops or take a look in AlaMoana . There are about three made in Hawaii stores in AlaMoana I think one even goes by that name. Bishop Museum at the Museum sight is also great. I know on the North Shore of Kauai there are a number of quality gift stores.

Melissa

Sorry, I have two more things to add.

1. Greeting cards. Botanicals Hawaii is done by a local artist, of local flowers. I use her cards for all occasions, usually thank-you cards...go to www.bothi.com

2. Soaps made on Maui by Rhonda Sands, they smell incredible. Go to www.kopahaiku.com

Susan

There is an orchid farm on the road from Kailua to the North Shore on Oahu, man, I wish I could remember the name. You can select orchid plants and they will package them for you to bring home on the airplane or they will ship them home for you. Either way conforms to the agriculture rules. Having an orchid plant to tend when you get home is a wonderful reminder of your time in paradise.

You should definitely take a drive up along that side of the island and stop at a shrimp truck on the way if you see one. You'll get a "boat" loaded with rice and garlicky shrimp, yum! (I know it's not souvenir related but thinking about the orchid farm led me to think on those garlicky shrimps!)

sss

PS there are frequently craft Fairs near Strab Medical Center or Kapilani Park where local artist share crafts, Oahu has a made in Hawaii fair usually in August. If you check the Calendar page at the Hawaii Tourist Bureau you can see if fairs will be taking place on the island you want to visit.

rrrrrrr

I find that the museum shops usually have made in Hawaii items.

cindy

If you happen to be in Hilo when the farmer's market is going on (Saturday mornings, I think) they have crafts and a few other interesting things for sale. I bought a pendant with a silver turtle on it for about $20 that I absolutely love - it's one of the few items of jewellery that I actually wear. I also bought some noni tea (similar to echinacea but better) and a few other herbs and things that you can't get anywhere else,or if you can, they cost a lot.

Suzanne Kushner

I'd recommend Hilo Hatties, a large chain throughout Hawaii for a wide range of interesting souvenirs, not just junk! I recently went to Hawaii, and brought back selections of pineapple/coconut-scented lotions and soaps that smell good enough to eat! Women love this kind of stuff, so it's a good alternative for those who are dieting. Also I think most of the islands have a Costco. So if you are a member, go there for discounted macadamia nuts (six packs, etc.), nuts and other types of island food. Good luck on your trip!

suzanne

kalena

I'm happy to plug one of my favorites: Native Books and Beautiful Things.
http://www.nativebookshawaii.com/

They have tea towels, artwork, hawaiian gourds, clothing, snacks, but more importantly, their philosophy is to support local crafts-people.

DeEtte

When I was in Oahu a few years ago there was a swap meet at the football stadium 3 times a week. You could get all kinds of things there for cheap prices.

Sharon

My favorite souvenir for my friends is free, fun and seems to make everyone happy. We walk along the north shore of Kauai and find pieces of coral in the shape of friends pet. Cat,dog or horse,you get the idea..Another thing we collect are initials for our friends. They make great paperweights. This has been an interesting post.

Lucky

You won't find many things actually made in Hawaii. Most of the natives are living on the beach and collecting welfare instead of working.

Sharon

Oh! How mean! You surely don't have to live in Kauai to collect welfare!

Bob

Big lava rocks! I usually ship some ahead and then load up an extra brief case. You can sell them for fairly big $$$ once you get back and help payoff your credit card bill. PS: I still have few from my last trip if anyone's interested?

joy

Whatever you do - do not bring back lava rocks! Too bad that some people think it is amusing to suggest that. Be cautious when asking for advice on this panel