You received’t have any hassle discovering a memento in Hawaii — they’re all over the place, from each ABC Retailer to the aisles of Longs Medication. However discovering a memento that you just’ll really need to preserve (and possibly even show) is just a little trickier. Positive, plastic leis and dashboard hula women have their allure, however if you happen to’re searching for one thing extra trendy, considerate, or significant, you’ll must look past the vacationer staples.
Fortunately, Hawaii is dwelling to a rising variety of design-forward boutiques and domestically minded outlets that provide objects with actual endurance — keepsakes that mirror the tradition and great thing about the islands with out screaming “memento.” Whether or not you’re searching for your self or a present for somebody again dwelling, these three outlets on Oʻahu (and different islands) supply elevated alternate options — from cozy sweatshirts to gallery-worthy artwork to island-inspired dwelling items you’ll really use.
1. SoHa Residing
SoHa Residing is the final word cease for elevated island dwelling items. Brief for “South of Hawaii,” the shop was began by two sisters with deep roots within the islands. Their model blends coastal type with playful, fashionable design — suppose beach-chic with a clear, curated really feel.
The vibe right here is much less “vacationer store” and extra “coastal-chic boutique”. Every little thing feels polished, giftable, and able to convey just a little aloha into your on a regular basis life.
What to Look For:
- Cloth Coasters: Made with natural-looking linen blends and delicate island prints, these are light-weight, packable, and excellent for gifting.
Cloth coasters on show at SohHa Residing
- Hawaii Mugs: Cute mugs with cheeky native phrases like “No can,” they’re enjoyable and practical with out being excessive.
Mugs on show at SoHa Residing
- Hawaii Themed Napkins: That includes tropical florals and native themes, these cheap paper napkins elevate a cocktail occasion and make an amazing hostess reward add-on.
Decide up some paper napkins in your subsequent cocktail occasion
- Dish Towels: The proper kitchen addition, printed with pineapples, florals, or delicate “Aloha” motifs. You’ll really need to use these at dwelling.
Carry some aloha to your kitchen with SoHa Residing’s dishtowels and aprons.
Why It’s Nice: SoHa Residing balances aesthetics and practicality. Many objects are below $30, so you’ll be able to seize a number of for buddies and nonetheless take one dwelling for your self.
2. Mahina Boutique
Mahina is an area girls’s boutique that began in Maui and has since expanded throughout the islands. It’s turn out to be a go-to for girls who need laid-back, trendy items that also really feel particular. The costs are cheap, the standard is strong, and the choice is all the time on-trend with out attempting too exhausting.
Should you’re searching for wearable souvenirs that don’t scream “vacationer,” Mahina is the place. Their clothes, jewellery, and equipment usually embody delicate nods to Hawaii — a palm print right here, a wave-inspired earring there — that make for significant keepsakes.
What to Look For:
- Aloha Sweatshirt: Delicate, flattering, and island-casual. It says “Aloha” in simply the suitable approach — cool sufficient to put on at dwelling, however cozy sufficient to make it onto each redeye flight from Honolulu.
Aloha Sweatshirt
- Hawaii-Impressed Earrings: You’ll discover small, inexpensive earrings formed like pineapples, monstera, or hibiscus flowers — not in a novelty approach, however as delicate, wearable accents. Most are below $20.
Mahina Earrings
Why It’s Nice: Mahina provides you choices that don’t appear like souvenirs, however nonetheless remind you of the place you’ve been. It’s excellent for gifting or treating your self to one thing you’ll really put on once more.
3. Polu Gallery
Tucked into a captivating storefront in Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Polu Gallery is a refreshing break from the everyday artwork and memento outlets. It options work from native painters, photographers, and blended media artists who’re capturing the true Hawaii — its surf, its spirit, and its magnificence — in a approach that’s fashionable and collectible.
Should you’re searching for one thing extra significant than a mass-produced picture or trinket, that is the place you’ll discover it. The gallery affords a mixture of unique paintings, limited-edition prints, and small-scale items which are simple to pack however depart an enduring impression.
What to Look For:
- High quality Artwork Prints: From dreamy surf landscapes to summary interpretations of island life, the selection is considerate and genuine. Many prints are available in commonplace sizes, making them simple to choose up, pack up, and body at dwelling.
Prints that I took dwelling and framed
- Small Canvases & Blended Media Work: Should you’re checking a bag, you’ll be able to even seize a ready-to-hang piece.
Why It’s Nice: Shopping for artwork helps native creatives and offers you a memento that lasts a lifetime. Polu Gallery curates items which are fashionable and funky — no velvet dolphins right here.
Last Ideas
Souvenirs don’t need to be generic or cheesy — they are often lovely, significant, and really consultant of your expertise. Whether or not you’re searching for a beloved one or seeking to convey a bit of Hawaii into your individual dwelling, these three shops supply keepsakes you’ll really love.
Higher but, each merchandise you purchase helps native artists, small companies, and makers who assist outline the tradition and spirit of the islands. And that’s the very best form of memento.
