From lush green valleys, and pristine white sand to rugged barren moonscapes, no two islands in Hawai’i are the same.

Across all of Hawai’i’s uniquely different but equally beautiful islands, visitors can enjoy a vast array of locally produced delicacies, and purchase artisanal handcrafted souvenirs.  Whether it’s mouth-watering malasadas, sunset sips at a local distillery, or buying a locally crafted keepsake after a long and winding road – each island has a magnetism that will have you returning again and again.

The aloha spirit is upheld by the local farmers, artisans and businesses, all of whom work harmoniously to preserve a deep-rooted reverence of Hawai’i’s rich and diverse culture – something which is warmly shared with visitors. 

Here are just a few of our made-in-Hawai’i favourites to add to your bucket list that exemplifies the way locals honour the connection of the land to its people, and the aloha spirit…

Safety first

A regular day in Hawai’i means the surf’s up and the sun is out! Of course, a year-round tropical destination means sunscreen is a fact of life, something us Aussies are no stranger to. 

Hawai’i is one of only seven places in the world that has banned the sale of sunscreens containing harmful petrochemicals that damage coral reefs, and the locally made Kokua Sun Care, is chemical and ‘nasty’ free, it’s also reef and marine safe. 

Kokua Sun Care’s SPF 50 sunscreen is bursting with antioxidants, seven of which are locally grown in Hawai’i. For the founders of Kokua Sun Care, working with local farms and businesses was key in the formulation of their sunscreen – so as well as this being a superfood for your skin, you’re also supporting the local agriculture and community by wearing it. 

Be sure to take some home with you as a reminder of your sun-soaked beach days in paradise!

Image source: Instagram/@staci.love

Eat and Drink Aloha

Leonard’s Malasadas

That’s right, traditional Portuguese malasadas in Hawai’i! The history makes for a whole other article, but trust us when we say this is authentic. Officially “a doughnut without a hole” malasadas come in so many options, but the original, with plain sugar, is hard to go past.

Kapahulu Ave aka Leonard’s Bakery opened in 1952 and is at the top of many a “must do” list when it comes to visiting Oahu. Before heading north for a day at the beach or to spend a few days on the North Shore, be sure to call in to Leonard’s to stock up on a few treats for the journey. 

Image source: Instagram/@leonardsbakeryhawaii

The Kona Coffee and Tea Company

There’s no denying Aussies love good coffee (and it’s not a bad souvenir either). Check out Kona Coffee and Tea – a store and cafe where you taste the flavours before you decide what to take home. 

The 100 per cent award-winning Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of Hualalai, then milled, roasted, brewed, and served all within a 10-mile radius from the farm. The family-owned and operated company also seeks out the best Hawaiian teas to serve in their Kailua-Kona café or send to you via the online shop.

Image source: Instagram/@konacoffeeandtea

KōHana Rum

For a truly farm to bottle experience, KōHana Agricole Rum from KōHana Distillery is a ‘Made in Hawai‘i’ must.  

Native Hawaiian sugarcane thrived 800 years before the plantations ever existed. Hand harvested and pressed to juice, these heirloom canes are distilled to perfection. The result is one of the world’s finest pure hand crafted cane rums. At KōHana Distillers, home of KōHana Hawaiian Agricole Rum, they aim to honour and celebrate the Kō they have the privilege to nurture and grow. 

And on top of their rum, you can also purchase local honey, hot sauce and souvenirs.

Image source: Instagram/@kohanarum

HI Spice

Craving some flavour and heat? HI Spice was founded in Maui, Hawai’i as husband and wife operation who spent years home gardening and learning what grew well before quickly discovering they had a knack for growing peppers.

Bored with the typical sauces you find on restaurant tables, the duo turned their green thumbs to experimenting with making unique hot sauces.  HI Spice is now a collaboration with local farmers to bring a truly Maui crafted small-batch hot sauce that is inspired, grown, and crafted on Maui.

Image source: Instagram/@hi_spice

Get Cultured

Kamaka Ukulele

In 1916 Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka began crafting Koa wood ukuleles from the basement of his Hawai’i home, and the rest is history. Over four generations later, the family continues to bring the best of Hawaiian music to the world with some of Hawai’i’s finest ukuleles. 

Oval, like a pineapple, The Pineapple Ukulele is famous worldwide and lovingly played by many musicians, including one of Hawai’i’s greatest exports – Jack Johnson. It differs from the standard figure-eight ukulele, and produces a very distinctive mellow sound. 

Just a short 10-minute drive from Waikiki, you can visit the shop in Honolulu and purchase one for yourself. Not only is a Kamaka Ukulele a beautiful lasting memory of your holiday to these islands, but (maybe with a few lessons) a practical one too!

Image source: Instagram/@kamakahawaii

Laha’ole Designs

Born into a family of craftsmen and women, musicians, hula dancers, and artists, and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Māmā, Native Hawaiian owner and designer Tanya Uyehara has always enjoyed creating.

Established in 2013, Laha’ole Designs (meaning rare, choice, unique) started when Tanya was on maternity leave with her fourth child. Drawing inspiration from native Hawaiian flowers as a means to share stories passed down through oral history, her pieces are made to share native Hawaiian culture with others, cultivating an appreciation and awareness of the beauty of Hawai’i. 

Image source: Instagram/@lahaoledesigns

There you have it! So for your next trip to The Aloha State, be sure to go local and go Hawai’i.

Inspired by blog post from Brigid Avery