Hawaii is named ‘The Big Island’ due to its size compared to the other Hawaiian islands. It is over 4,000 square miles in size, with volcanoes and national parks, which results in different climates around the island. The west side (Kona airport) is known as the dry side, with beautiful beaches and warm weather. The east side (Hilo airport) is the wet side with gorgeous waterfalls. Due to the size of the island, it can take all day to drive around, so planning is a must. Five of my favourite shops and local farms to explore, with gift shops in the island’s different areas, are listed below. Each of these products would make perfect souvenirs and gifts for food lovers!
Five Hawaii souvenirs and gifts for the food lovers on your list
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Kona Salt Farm in Kona
73-907 Makako Bay Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a sandy beach near the Kona airport lies Kona Salt Farm. Salt has many uses and is especially intriguing because of its numerous varieties. The working salt farm offers tours, and it is worth a tour to understand the entire production process. Deep down in the ocean is salt, unlike ordinary salt. Ocean water is drawn up to the surface from over 2,000 feet and placed into solar evaporation tubes. Harvested in the sun, the salt turns into crystals and goes through rigorous hands-on steps before being packaged for sale. The gift store sells convenient salt gift boxes with plain and flavoured selections. I use Pure Kona Deep Sea Salt as a finishing salt on meats and fish. Exciting flavours such as smokey, spicy and herb salts are available in small bottles and perfect for adventurous cooks and eaters. Check the website for tour information and to learn more about the ocean’s magnesium mineral products available at the salt farm.
Hawaii’s Local Buzz Coffee in Ka’u District
93-2199 S Point Rd, Naalehu, HI 96772
You may know about Kona coffee, but exceptional coffee is grown in the Ka’u district. The soil is rich near the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and South Point (the USA’s Southernmost historic area), and not only coffee beans but also macadamia nuts and honey are grown there.
Hawaii’s Local Buzz Coffee is located on the 75 acres of Paradise Meadows Orchard and Bee Farm. The farm is a fun stop for families driving around the island. Walk the lush grounds and see ducks, parrots, and even Penny the pig. Restrooms and a cell phone charging station are available. The farm stand is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; samples are plentiful. Owner “Big Kahuna,” Scott told me the items they sell, like shortbread cookies and chocolate macadamia nuts, are house-made and typically range from $5 to $20.
The coffee is roasted on-site, and I like it for its low acidity and smooth taste. Inside the little wooden shop, there are brewed samples ready to drink, and the varieties to buy range from light roast to extra fancy. Various-sized vacuum-sealed bags of whole bean or ground coffee are displayed, and the staff is helpful with all their products. The bags are ideal for packing in a backpack, and shipping is available.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company in Paauilo
43-2007 Paauilo Mauka Rd, Paauilo, HI 96776
Vanilla grown on the Big Island is sure to be a welcome gift for home cooks, along with enticing products like island salad dressings and teas. The Reddekopps family started The Hawaiian Vanilla Company in 1998 by harvesting vanilla beans from their orchid farm. A guided tour adds an understanding of the time-sensitive and intensive process for vanilla beans. The farm is located in Paauilo (between Honokaa and Hilo), and after driving up a secluded road, the view of the ocean from their property is beautiful. Reserve your tour online – with options such as a farm tour, vanilla luncheon and farm tour, vanilla tasting and farm tour, or afternoon tea with sweet and savoury homemade food. Whichever you choose, you’ll discover the origins of vanilla and what real vanilla tastes like. One gift or souvenir idea is to buy vanilla beans and, once home, make vanilla extract by following their instructions. I stocked up on packaged pancake and waffle mix made with vanilla sugar and granola made with, what else but vanilla. Many other products, such as teas, spice rubs and sugars, are easy to pack for home, all with Hawaiian vanilla.
Puna Chocolate Company in Kona and Hilo
Kona Store- 74-5606 Pawai Pl, Bay 8, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Family-owned and environmentally conscious, Puna Chocolate Company is grown on the Big Island and produces “farm-to-bar” chocolates.
Colourful cocoa pods are on the company’s farms, and tours are available. I always stop in the shop with the factory and café located on Brewery Block, Kona. The store carries milk and dark chocolate processed from sources grown around the island, packaged in distinct, playful designs. The small packages are easy to transport, and not only did I bring home some as gifts, but I also had them ship a handpicked assortment of coconut, wine and s’mores that relatives in Colorado happily received.
A few unique souvenir items are ginger and mint cocoa teas, hot cocoa mixes, and chocolate-covered espresso beans, which are always good gifts for a tasty pick-me-up.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: While in the store, enjoy chocolate drinks with and without alcohol, which are available for a fee at the counter and upstairs.
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company in Kawaihae
61-3251 Maluokalani Street, Kawaihae, Hawaii 96743
Once you enter the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company factory and gift store, you’ll be met by the friendliest and most helpful employees. The store is full of macadamia nuts with flavours sure to please anyone: plain, pineapple, chilli, and even spam. The nuts are packed in pouches and cans, which are easy to pack. Employees are ready to lend advice about flavour tastes and which to buy depending on a person’s preference. I buy coconut glazed and butter rum macadamia nuts and add them to cookie dough for the most delicious cookies. The Kona coffee glazed nuts are tasty snacks for coffee lovers.
Be sure to check out the counter on the right side of the store, which offers many samples of nuts and brewed coffee. The shipping center is also located here, which is convenient for sending gift packages.
Toward the back of the store is a viewing area where you can watch nuts being processed and buy more Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The visitor centre is located in an industrial area, and Google Maps will get you there. Families are welcome here, and the sign above the door states, “Welcome to the Nut House.”
In conclusion, exploring the Big Island of Hawaii offers a unique opportunity to bring home authentic gifts that embody the island’s rich culture and natural bounty. From the smooth flavours of Ka’u coffee to the exquisite Hawaiian vanilla, each gift reflects the island’s dedication to quality and local craftsmanship. Don’t miss out on the delightful Kona sea salt, artisanal Puna chocolate, and delectable Hamakua macadamia nuts, all perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself. These five must-buy Big Island gifts not only serve as cherished souvenirs but also allow you to savour a piece of Hawaii long after your visit.
Check out these other articles about Hawaii:
- Expert Travel Guides to 11 of the Best Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
- Great things to do in West Maui and Ka’anapali Hawaii
- Embrace Adventure in Style: RipSkirt Hawaii Skirt Review
