You gained’t have any bother discovering a memento in Hawaii — they’re all over the place, from each ABC Retailer to the aisles of Longs Medicine. However discovering a memento that you simply’ll truly wish to hold (and perhaps even show) is just a little trickier. Certain, plastic leis and dashboard hula ladies have their attraction, however in case you’re in search of one thing extra trendy, considerate, or significant, you’ll must look past the vacationer staples.
Fortunately, Hawaii is residence to a rising variety of design-forward boutiques and regionally minded outlets that supply objects with actual endurance — keepsakes that replicate the tradition and fantastic thing about the islands with out screaming “memento.” Whether or not you’re looking for your self or a present for somebody again residence, these three outlets on Oʻahu (and different islands) provide elevated options — from cozy sweatshirts to gallery-worthy artwork to island-inspired residence items you’ll truly use.
1. SoHa Residing
- Places: Ala Moana Middle, Kailua, Waikiki, and different areas statewide
- Web site: www.sohaliving.com
- Instagram: @sohaliving
SoHa Residing is the final word cease for elevated island residence items. Brief for “South of Hawaii,” the shop was began by two sisters with deep roots within the islands. Their model blends coastal fashion with playful, trendy design — suppose beach-chic with a clear, curated really feel.
The vibe right here is much less “vacationer store” and extra “coastal-chic boutique”. The whole lot feels polished, giftable, and able to carry just a little aloha into your on a regular basis life.
What to Look For:
- Material Coasters: Made with natural-looking linen blends and gentle island prints, these are light-weight, packable, and ideal for gifting.
- Hawaii Mugs: Cute mugs with cheeky native phrases like “No can,” they’re enjoyable and practical with out being excessive.
- Hawaii Themed Napkins: That includes tropical florals and native themes, these cheap paper napkins elevate a cocktail occasion and make a fantastic hostess present add-on.
- Dish Towels: The proper kitchen addition, printed with pineapples, florals, or delicate “Aloha” motifs. You’ll truly wish to use these at residence.
Why It’s Nice: SoHa Residing balances aesthetics and practicality. Many objects are underneath $30, so you’ll be able to seize a couple of for mates and nonetheless take one residence for your self.
2. Mahina Boutique
- Location: Ala Moana Middle, Worldwide Market Place, Kailua, North Shore, and extra
- Web site: www.shopmahina.com
- Instagram:@shopmahina
Mahina is a neighborhood girls’s boutique that began in Maui and has since expanded throughout the islands. It’s turn into a go-to for girls who need laid-back, trendy items that also really feel particular. The costs are affordable, the standard is strong, and the choice is all the time on-trend with out attempting too onerous.
If you happen to’re in search of 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: Tender, flattering, and island-casual. It says “Aloha” in simply the appropriate approach — cool sufficient to put on at residence, however cozy sufficient to make it onto each redeye flight from Honolulu.
- Hawaii-Impressed Earrings: You’ll discover small, reasonably priced earrings formed like pineapples, monstera, or hibiscus flowers — not in a novelty approach, however as delicate, wearable accents. Most are underneath $20.
Why It’s Nice: Mahina provides you choices that don’t appear to be souvenirs, however nonetheless remind you of the place you’ve been. It’s good for gifting or treating your self to one thing you’ll truly put on once more.
3. Polu Gallery
- Location: North Shore, Waikiki
- Web site: www.polugallery.com
- Instagram: @polugallery
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 combined media artists who’re capturing the true Hawaii — its surf, its spirit, and its magnificence — in a approach that’s trendy and collectible.
If you happen to’re in search of one thing extra significant than a mass-produced picture or trinket, that is the place you’ll discover it. The gallery presents a mixture of authentic art work, limited-edition prints, and small-scale items which can be straightforward to pack however go away a long-lasting 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 normal sizes, making them straightforward to select up, pack up, and body at residence.
- Small Canvases & Blended Media Work: If you happen to’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 provides you a memento that lasts a lifetime. Polu Gallery curates items which can be trendy and funky — no velvet dolphins right here.
Closing Ideas
Souvenirs don’t must be generic or cheesy — they are often lovely, significant, and really consultant of your expertise. Whether or not you’re looking for a cherished one or seeking to carry a chunk of Hawaii into your individual residence, these three shops provide keepsakes you’ll truly 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 most effective form of memento.
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