We all know that the very best souvenirs are the memories, experiences and photos of your Kauai vacation.
However, you may want to take home more than just a few selfies to family and friends like the traditional lauhala hat & bracelets woven from local materials in the image above, here are some incredible gifts and goodies made or grown right here on Kauai.
No matter what you choose to buy, it’s ideal to pick something native to Kauai that you can’t find elsewhere, and there’s plenty of that on Kauai.
Though you probably don’t want to spend your whole vacation shopping, it’s well worth your time to carve out an afternoon to look for the perfect souvenir and visit some of the top Kauai shopping destinations on this list.
Book your stay at our Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa, located centrally halfway between Poipu and Hanalei, and get ready for a trip you won’t soon forget. And be sure to grab one of these unique souvenirs from one of the local stores on Kauai before you leave:
Dirt Shirt
The “Dirt Shirt” is the classic Hawaiian souvenir. These shirts took an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach to the red Hawaiian dirt that covers the island.
When flooding from a hurricane turned a small screen print shop’s white t-shirts to reddish-brown, the owner decided to sell them anyway, creating the authentic Hawaiian shirt. Replicas can be found in many local stores on Kauai, but the authentic Original Red Dirt Shirts company is based in Port Allen on the southwest side of Kauai.
Something from Old Koloa shops
The Old Kolao Town shops is one of the more unique shopping centers on Kauai – a small, quaint, historic plantation-era restored village, with exhibits about Kauai’s sugar plantation history and fascinating local stores to browse.
The Old Koloa Town shops offer everything from fine art to swimwear to trinkets – perfect for getting all your gifts for friends and family in one trip. Here you’ll find local art, natural botanical products made locally, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Old Koloa Town is always a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or enjoying a shave ice with the family.
Coffee
In a world that’s moving toward having less stuff, not more, bringing back edible souvenirs isn’t a bad idea.
Kauai has some of America’s best java, and you can get it at the Kauai Coffee Company, a 20-minute drive west of Poipu Beach on the southern coast of the island.
This coffee farm is the largest farm in the United States, and one of the most interesting things to do on Kauai. Take a tour, taste a few brews, then buy your favorite at the Visitor Center.
Anahola Granola
The perfect addition to your morning coffee, this tasty granola was once made in the sleepy town of Anahola. Handmade in Hawaii for more than 30 years, the granola comes in a variety of flavors, all inspired by the tropics.
Hawaiian Sea Salts
For the foodie in your life, bring home some Hawaiian sea salts, meat rubs, spice blends, so they can cook up some traditional Hawaiian dishes back home.
Salty Wahine in Hanapepe sells tropics-inspired seasonings like their Guava Garlic Salt or their Fiery Dragon Fruit & Java Steak Rub.
The Aloha Spice Company, also in Hanapepe, has a selection of spices and salts, and even has their own cookbook centered on traditional Hawaiian dishes.
Rum
While it isn’t what you pictured Kauai shopping to look like, the Koloa Rum Company is a great place to buy an adult-friendly gift for someone back home. Bring the tropical flavors you’ve been enjoying at Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa with you by buying a bottle of exquisite local rum.
Visit the Koloa Rum Company in Kalaheo to learn a little bit about the drink’s history, see how it’s made, and pick up your very own bottle.
Surf Lessons
If you prefer experiences over souvenirs, be sure to take back the souvenir that will last forever: learning to surf.
Hawaii is a great place to learn to surf, with warm water and waves for all skill levels surrounding the island.
Kauai’s north shore is a surfing hotspot, and Hanalei Bay offers consistent waves for those learning on a soft top. Grab a cool hat or T-shirt – hey, you earned it – from your local surf school to commemorate the experience.
Where Can You Buy These Goodies?
The Hee Fat General Store in Kapaa town is the best shop for all the goodies mentioned and so much more! They are locally owned by a native Kauai family, so be sure to stop by for an authentic island experience and unique Kauaian
Ohana shop in Hanalei is the best on
