25+ Dreamt In Hawaii Or Made In Hawaii Gift Ideas
No matter the time of year, ‘tis always the season to shop local! Fortunately, Hawaii is home to many talented artisans and makers. As you work on a list and check it twice, let’s get wrapped up in our go-to “dreamt” in or made in Hawaii products.
FOR THE HOME DECOR DEVOTEE
ARTFUL SCENTS (Maui)
First up, these hand-poured, soy wax candles featuring the owner’s artwork will light you up! From rich and refreshing scents to creative packaging, Artful Scents is a great gift choice for yourself or others. Shop Artful Scents online or be on the lookout for her made in Hawaii candles at local boutiques across the island like Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. | artfulscents.com
DESIRAE GARCIA CERAMICS (Maui)
Next, from her Lahaina potter’s wheel, Desirae Garcia creates unique ceramic pieces including dishware and vases. Look for her pottery at select Maui boutiques, like the Monarch Collective, or contact her directly. Another fun fact – our signature THERE Maui House mugs were also designed by Desi and are available for purchase. | sewandsopottery.bigcartel.com
NOHO HOME (Oahu)
Another locally designed home decor must-have? Anything from Native Hawaiian owned, Noho Home by Jalene Kanani. The brand offers bed, dining and lifestyle products that celebrate the Hawaiian culture with a modern twist. From premium table runners, to luxurious bedding, to Christmas stockings, Noho Home’s artistic designs tell a story. Find these made in Hawaii home must-haves online or at HomeWorld on Maui. | nohohomehawaii.com
SURF SHACK PUZZLES (Oahu)
Puzzled by what to get for that person on your list who seems to already have everything? Check out Surf Shack Puzzles, a woman-owned, family-run puzzle making company that promotes sustainability and female artists. Their 100% recycled products include puzzles both adults and children. Score one online or at one of several Maui shops including Hale Zen in Lahaina. | surfshackpuzzles.com
MELE ‘UKULELE (Maui)
Another great gift option is an ‘ukulele, which doubles as an instrument that produces beautiful music and is also stunning as a piece of art. Maui owned, Mele Ukulele features handcrafted ukuleles from choice hardwoods like Hawaiian Koa wood and mahogany for great tone and playability. Order online or stop by one of three Maui locations. | meleukulele.com
KNOTS BY KATE (Maui)
Something for even the knottiest person on your shopping list, Knots by Kate creates handmade macrame wall-hangings, plant holders and other specialty products. These made in Hawaii fiber art pieces are available in the Knots by Kate online shop. | knotsbykate.com
MAKA SEA (Maui)
Travel to Hawaii’s sandy beaches without leaving the comfort of your home with Maka Sea’s cozy, luxe pillows. Dreamt on Maui, this brand offers a decorative pillow line featuring embroidery, hand screen printing and hand beading. Shop online or on Maui at local retailers like Designing Wahine. | makasea.com
“BIG WAVE SURFER, THE GREATEST RIDE OF OUR LIVES” COFFEE TABLE BOOK BY KAI LENNY (Maui)
Published in October 2021, this 300-page hardcover book is a work of art. A photographic journey including big wave surfing at Peahi (Jaws) in Maui, it is not only a swell gift for the surfer, but also, the coastal décor fan. Find it at major online retailers, as well as boutiques on Maui, such as Soha Living or The Shoppe by Hale Zen. | rizzolibookstore.com/big-wave-surfer-greatest-rides-our-lives
ART (Maui & Oahu)
Last but not least in the “Home Decor Devotee” category, is ART! Some of our favorite Hawaii artists are Susanna Cromwell, Wahine Koa, Leis fo Dei’s, Punky Aloha, Margie Rice, Aloha de Mele and Nick Kuchar. Peruse their prints on their respective websites.
FOR THE BEAUTY BUFF
KULEANA BEAUTY (Maui)
Next up on our dreamt in or made in Hawaii gift idea list is the beauty buff! The first must-consider is Kuleana Beauty. With locally sourced ingredients like Hawaiian Macadamia nut oil, their skincare line of oils and cleansers aims to soothe, nourish and rejuvenate. Pick it up at spas and health stores around Maui including Down to Earth in Kahului or shop online. | kuleanabeauty.com
MAUI SOAP COMPANY (Maui)
Maui Soap Company is another amazing Maui-based beauty company. They offer an extensive collection of beauty products such as shampoo and conditioner (which we provide at the THERE Maui House), body wash, lotion and even nail polish. And it’s not all about the sweet and exotic tropical scents. Maui Soap Company also donates 5% of net profits to local organizations working to protect threatened and endangered species. Shop them online or at many stores around Maui like ABC Store. | mauibath.com
MAILE (Kauai)
Lastly, Kauai-headquartered, Malie is a great choice for the beauty product junkie. One of the main reasons is this company features luxurious skincare, bath and home products that celebrate the essence of the islands. The Koke’e is our absolute favorite. Grab these made in Hawaii products online or at spa shops around Maui. | malie.com
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
HOLOHOLO SURF (Maui)
Move over beauty queens! This section is full of dreamt in or made in Hawaii gift ideas for the one that loves the catwalk. We’ll start with the adorable Holoholo Surf. Their signature clothing line featuring modern muumuu and aloha wear. Shop at their Makawao boutique or online. | holoholosurf.com
ACACIA (Maui)
Next up, Acacia’s got that Maui-designed, low-cut Italian bikini and classic Brazilian fit. Get ready to slather on the sunscreen and find these sought-after bathing suits online or at the Acacia flagship store in Paia. | acacia.co
WINGS HAWAII (Maui)
For the real life mermaid in your life, swim on over to Wings Hawaii. This Paia, based boutique showcases its own label of fashion, home, accessories and more. Since they’re handmade on Maui’s North Shore, apparel items include eco-fleece leisure wear, one-of-a-kind flannels and jackets. | wingshawaii.com
JAXSEA & BILLY ALOHA (Maui)
Lastly, for those that would appreciate the perfect, tropical aloha women’s resort wear, check out Maui-based Jaxsea. Inspired by palm trees, the ocean and cracked coconuts, they also offer bathing suits. And let’s not forget about the guys! All in the ‘ohana, Jaxsea’s brother, Billy Aloha is a menswear line specializing in modern aloha designs. Check out both online or at their pop-up shop at Andaz Maui in Wailea. | jaxsea.com | billyaloha.com
FOR THE FOODIE
MAUI COOKIE LAB (Maui)
From fashion to food, here are some of our favorite dreamt in or made in Hawaii foodie gift ideas, starting with Maui Cookie Lab! They create both grandma’s kitchen classics, as well as tropical new flavors like Lilikoi Oatmeal. Feed the craving at their Kulamalu Food Truck location or have cookies delivered to the cookie monster in your life nationwide through Goldbelly. | mauicookielab.com
ALI’I KULA LAVENDER FARM (Maui)
Next, instead of throwing the person who can’t take the heat out of the kitchen, we recommend giving them the gift of peace and tranquility. But, how do you wrap that with a bow? Well, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm and its gift shop have you covered. From culinary lavender and lavender sweets like scone mix, chocolate, shortbread cookies, seasoning, sugar and more, it’s the gift of epicurean relaxation. Visit the gift shop or peruse it online. | aliikulalavender.com
AKAMAI COFFEE | MAUI TEA FARM (Maui)
Looking for another idea for the culinary enthusiast in your life? If so, read on. We’re spilling the beans and the tea on Akamai Coffee & Maui Tea Farm. Now, these are actually two completely different companies, but both are perfect for the caffeine lover (which is pretty much everyone, right?!). Akamai offers locally grown and roasted coffee. Buy it online or at one of their three Maui locations. Maui Tea Farm produces fine loose leaf tea on the slopes of Haleakala. Shop this made in Hawaii gem on their website. | akamaicoffee.com | mauiteafarm.com
MAUI KUI’A CHOCOLATE ESTATE (Maui)
Another great foodie gift option? We highly recommend Maui Ku’ia Chocolate Estate’s locally grown, farm-to-bar chocolate! This decadent option is not only delicious, but 100% of its proceeds benefit Maui nonprofits. Shop for this guilt-free treat at their Lahaina retail location or online. | mauichocolate.com
“COOK REAL HAWAI’I” BY CHEF SHELDON SIMEON (Maui)
If chocolate’s not really your thing (we don’t believe you – just kidding!), consider a local cookbook! For example, one of our absolute favorites is Cook Real Hawai’i by Chef Sheldon Simeon, two time Top Chef finalist and owner/chef of Maui’s Tin Roof restaurant. Get it online.
FOR THE WANDERLUSTER
ART TOWELS (Maui)
Next on our dreamt in or made in Hawaii gift guide, we’ve got ideas for the wanderluster! First up, Art Towels by Angelina Hills are a great choice for the snow bird or perennial beach bum! Made from 100% recycled materials, these towels are not only eco-friendly and practical, but they are pretty. Check them out at Maui boutiques or at Angelina’s online shop. | angelina-hills.myshopify.com/
“MAUI 2021 & BEYOND” GUIDEBOOK BY LOCAL BLOGGER, LIZA PIERCE (Maui)
Next up for the person on your list who’s planning a Maui getaway, check out “Maui 2021 & Beyond,” a guidebook written by fellow local blogger, Liza Pierce from A Maui Blog. Not only is this the most recent destination tour book, but it’s full of great tips and insight on how to be a mindful traveler. | amauiblog.com
SUNKISSED BY MAUI SPF (Maui)
Finally, every sun chaser needs some reef safe sunscreen! Our favorite? Sunkissed by Maui! We love it because it’s not only reef safe, but organic, vegan and made in Hawai’i. Plus, it smells amazing! Find it at Sunkissed by Maui’s online shop. | sunkissedbymaui.com
FOR THE KEIKI
KEIKI KAUKAU (Oahu)
No gift guide would be complete without something for keiki (kids)! We’ll kick off this section with Keiki Kaukau! It is our go-to Hawaii toy brand any time we’re buying something for our young niece and nephews because it brings them so much joy. Hannah, Brandon’s niece, once exclaimed “Open THIS!!!” after receiving the Keiki Kaukau play food set. So, why do we love it so much? There are a few reasons. The brand was created by a local mom and schoolteacher. The collection includes adorable toys and books that celebrate the Hawaiian Islands. Think quality-crafted play food sets that include shave ice and Spam musubi. Lastly, they give back! For each Keiki Kaukau and More Keiki Kaukau food set sold, they donate five meals to Hawaii Food Bank. Look for this special brand on Maui at darling kid’s boutique, Droplets. Or shop at Keiki Kaukau’s online shop. | keikikaukau.com
LITTLE CHIEFS HAWAII (Maui)
Another fun gift idea for keiki? Try this on for size – an outfit from Little Chiefs Hawaii. We love them because their hand drawn prints celebrate the many beautiful things that make up the Hawaiian Islands. They also have their own factory so you’ll know each piece was made ethically with love and aloha. Visit them at ‘The Station’ Pauwela Cannery or shop online. | littlechiefsofhawaii.com
AVA + OLIVER (Oahu)
Last but not least, if you are shopping for baby, you have to check out Ava + Oliver. Founded by local blogger, Emma Wo of The Aloha Babe, this cutie line features stylish and high-quality bibs, placemats, and beach toys to name a few. Find Ava + Oliver at their online shop. | shopavaoliver.com
BONUS
WRAPPILY (Maui)
That’s a wrap! Well, almost. Let’s wrap up this gift guide the only way we know how – with wrapping paper. Locally made, Wrappily, offers an eco-friendly solution to gift wrap. Their beautifully designed gift wrap is printed on old local newspapers. And while most mainstream wrapping paper can’t be recycled, you can continue the circle of recycling with Wrappily. Find them at Maui boutiques like Hui or shop Wrappily’s online store. | wrappily.com
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to something sweet! Head on over to this post about some of our favorite desserts on Maui.
