If you checked out our Big Island Shopping Guide, you already know where to go shopping. But what should you buy? While the uninformed tourist may purchase that ubiquitous “HANG LOOSE” t-shirt, there are many great gifts and souvenirs to buy when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

Kona Coffee
The Big Island is famous for its Kona Coffeeicon. South Kona is coffee country and there are many coffee farms for you tour and taste their coffee. You will find many stores selling the 100% pure Kona Coffee right in the town of Kailua-Kona. Further up the mountain on the scenic Route 180 is the town of Holualoa which has several other quaint coffee stores as well.

Macadamia Nuts
Although not native to the islands, the macadamia nuticon has become synonymous with Hawaii. Although you can buy a variety of macadamia nut products at virtually any store on the island, it is worth taking the time to visit the famous Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, located just outside of the town of Hilo. You can tour their beautiful facility, buy all the mac-nuts you want and even wander around the trees that are chock-full of nuts waiting to be picked.

Big Island Candies
If you or your friends and family have a sweet-tooth, this is the place to go! Since 1977 Big Island Candies has been creating candies and cookies using 100 percent Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, island eggs, real butter and high-grade chocolate. Check out the Big Island Candies store with scrumptious delicacies for all to enjoy. Enjoy complimentary Kona coffee and chocolate and cookie samples.

Aloha Shirts
Mainlanders call them “Hawaiian Shirts”, locals simply call them Aloha Shirts. Aloha shirts vary from the subtle tropical print to the ostentatious and bright. Aloha shirts come in cotton and silk. Your best selection of aloha shirts is at HiloHattie - the Store of Hawaii!, located in Kailua-Kona and Hilo towns.

Flowers and Leis
The Big Island is also known as the Orchid Island. Take a trip to the Hilo side of the island and you will know why. With so much rain, the fertile slopes north of Hilo are blooming with tropical flowers, hibiscus, plumeria, and aromatic orchids. Take the opportunity to buy some Hawaiian flowersicon, orchids, or even traditional Hawaiian leis to take home. Mail order your flowers so that they are delivered fresh to the mainland.

Hawaiian Handicrafts
Koa wood is an indigenous hard wood that is carved into a variety of handicrafts. The dark, rich color of this wood makes it very appealing. You will find a variety of picture frames, book covers, coasters, and even canoe paddles carved out of koa wood. Also take a look at the traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian jewelryicon and necklaces for men and women, including the Hawaiian Kukui Nut necklaces.

Travel Planning Articles

Planning your Trip When to come, how long to stay, itineraries, good guide books

Big Island Transportation How to travel to the attractions, how to get there, plan your driving

Vacations for Families Best family beaches, activities for youngsters, infants, teens

Packing for your Trip The Big Island scenery is as diverse as its weather - pack smart

Travel Planning Resources

Big Island Beach Guide We cover all the beaches of the island, ratings, photos, panoramas

Big Island Snorkeling Guide Find out where are the best popular and remote snorkel spots The best snorkeling on the Kona and Hilo side of the island

Big Island SCUBA Diving Guide Find out the best shore diving sites - you don’t need a boat to go The best shore diving on the Kona and Hilo side of the island

Big Island Kayak Guide How-to kayak guide, the best kayak spots, sea caves, snorkeling

 

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