Are you on the hunt for unique gifts this holiday season? The Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ staff share some of their local favorites. All of these businesses have storefronts in neighborhoods across the pae ʻāina, and most have online stores too. With online options you can buy something for everyone on your list without leaving your couch.
Native Intelligence
$19.99-$74.95
Native Intelligence on Maui showcases local artisans and creatives who strive to protect and evolve the culture. Start the Makahiki season with this premium snapback inspired by Lono, from the Native Intelligence Akua Hat Series
1980 Main St #2 Wailuku
MANAOLA Hawaiʻi
$38+
Earlier this year, MANAOLA Hawaiʻi opened its newest retail store on the mauka side of Pearlridge Mall. The new location features one of their newest collections, KINOLAU. Inspired by elements found in nature, the KINOLAU collection takes a refreshing pastel approach to design in everyday pieces, from pouches to totes, and fun outfits to go holoholo. Seen here is the Holokai Beach Tote, shown in the ULANA print in natural grey, retailing for $58. Locations at the Ala Moana and Pearlridge shopping centers.
TANOA
$19.95+
The TANOA brand of clothing is a blend of Polynesian design with modern styling. The owners, of Samoan and Native Hawaiian ancestry, celebrate their heritage with prints inspired by the tatau (tattoo), elei (block printing), and the lifestyle of the islands around them. Men’s aloha shirts S-5x, start at $44.95 and boy’s aloha shirts at $19.95. Women’s fashion, sizes S-5x, start at $24.99. TANOA has locations across Polynesia in Aotearoa, Samoa, American Samoa, and on Oʻahu at the ʻOhana Market Place on Ward Ave., and at Pearlridge Center Mauka.
Kealopiko
$10-$120
Molokaʻi’s Kealopiko draws inspiration from native plants and animals, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, aliʻi, kūpuna, and moʻolelo in their unique screen print designs. Each item comes with a card to explain the meaning behind the design of that piece. Shown here is the Hinahānaiakamalama from their Aloha Collection Pouch. Available for $44, carry your items in style with a design based in moʻolelo. Kealopiko has locations in Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi and on Oʻahu at the South Shore Market in Kakaʻako.
Hawaiʻi’s Finest
$20+
Show your Hawaiian pride with contemporary aloha wear and urban fashion from Hawaiʻi’s Finest. With bold designs and sizes for all body-types, there is something for everyone in your ʻohana. Highlighted here are the men’s HiFi Kicks, a sleek, high-top boot available in black, camel, and olive green for $60. Hawaiʻi’s Finest has locations on Molokaʻi and Oʻahu, with their newest store opening last month at Ka Makana Aliʻi in Kapolei.
Nā Mea Hawaiʻi
$5+
Not just a bookstore, Nā Mea Hawaiʻi is truly a store for all things Hawaiian. From keiki books, to handmade jewelry, feather lei, aloha wear, games, cultural classes and more, this is a perfect place to find a gift for lovers of Hawaiian culture. Featured here is “Ano Lani: Ano Honua – A Heavenly Nature, An Earthly Nature: A Spiritual Guide to the Hawaiian Lunar Calendar.” This visually stunning book by Kahu Wendell Kalanikapuaenui Silva explores the different phases of the moon and their significance to our kūpuna in native practices and decision-making, available for $12.95. Ward Village, Honolulu.
Crack Seed Store
$5+
Get your fix of sweet and salty snacks by the pound at the Crack Seed Store in the heart of Kaimukī. Enjoy classics like dried lemon peel or rock salt plum. This is the perfect nostalgic gift to remind someone on your list of their “hanabaddah” days.
1156 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu.
Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi
$8 per dozen
Be the life of the family party with a few dozen boxes of Uncle Lani’s famous poi mochi. Served warm and covered in a sweet purple poi drizzle, this local treat is a family favorite. Visit Uncle Lani’s newest location at Ka Makana Aliʻi in Kapolei, or visit their Pop-Up on December 21st at OHA’s 3rd Annual Holiday Mākeke.
Hawaiian Force
Artist Craig Neff and his wife, Luana, create, design and sell bold, T-shirts and aloha shirts. Through their original Hawaiian designs, they hope to share, inform, and educate people about Hawaiian values, culture, thoughts, and often untold history. Shown here is a red men’s aloha shirt in Hawaiian Force’s classic Heʻe Design, starting at $98.
184 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Kahiau Jerky Poke and Provisions
Dishes starting at $40+
Kahiau Jerky offers fresh, shareable food made from locally-sourced ingredients. With an ʻono menu of fresh poke and a hot food catering menu, this is a go-to spot when you need something to bring to the party. Featured here is the famous and delicious Kahiau Thin and Crispy Beef Jerky. Once the bag opens, it doesn’t last long.
1164 Smith Street, Honolulu.