The Best 15 Kauai Souvenirs to Bring Home from Paradise

Planning a trip to Kauai and want to know the best things to buy to bring back home? Scroll to find the best Kauai souvenirs you’ll want to pick up on your next trip!
This Kauai souvenirs post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

Are you looking for unique Kauai souvenirs?

You’ll find the best souvenirs from Kauai and gifts at local boutiques, craft fairs, and small businesses. These items can be hard to find online or anywhere else in Hawaii. They make great mementos of your trip and will motivate you to book another trip asap!

If you want to pick up some truly unique Kauai souvenirs on your next visit, then these are the places we recommend checking out. These are the best places to shop in Kauai if you’re wondering what to buy in Kauai.

We know how much effort it takes to plan a vacation, so we’ve already done all the research for you! Now, all that’s left is for you to enjoy exploring this beautiful island with your family.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the best gifts from Kauai and the souvenir shopping experience in Kauai today!

Read my top tips for planning a Kauai vacation!

Click here for step-by-step Kauai travel planning help

Kauai Souvenir FAQs

Where can I buy souvenirs on Kauai?

Just about anywhere! Some of our favorite places to get souvenirs on Kauai are the Shops at Kukuiula, The Kauai Store, Long’s Drug, Costco, Whaler’s, Warehouse 3540, and Poipu Shopping Village. These places offer a wide selection of items, including those crafted by local artisans. There are also other Kauai souvenir shops, such as the Made-on-Kauai store.

What are the best souvenirs from Hawaii?

Some of the most popular Hawaiian souvenirs include ukuleles, fresh pineapple, Aloha Shirts, Hawaiian dolls, surfing products, and more. However, the best souvenirs from Kauai are those that reflect the island’s charm, such as Hawaiian shirts, locally made jewelry, or artisanal products that support the community. These keepsakes are sure to make you smile when you think about your Hawaii vacation.

What can you NOT bring back from Hawaii?

You won’t be able to bring home any fresh fruit or flower leis that don’t have an agricultural tag on them. And please don’t bring back any lava rocks, or you may endure the wrath of Pele!

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids.

15 Best Kauai Souvenirs to Bring Home

1. KAUAI KOOKIES

One of the top cookie brands in Hawaii is Kauai Kookie, made in Ele Ele on the South Shore of Kauai. They sell them at every grocery store, ABC Store, Long’s Drugs, and so many other places.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/KK-CHOCCHP-50Z1.jpg
Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies. Photo credit: Kauai Kookie

They sell boxes of Hawaiian cookies with flavors like Almond Cookies, Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut, Coconut Krispies, Cornflake Krunch, Guava Macadamia, Kona Coffee Macadamia, Macadamia Nut Shortbread, Peanut Butter, and more.

Another popular item is their toast. They offer Homestyle Garlic Toast, Artisan Taro Toast, and (my favorite) Double Baked Cinnamon Toast.

You can also visit their factory store, where they have specialty flavors not sold in retail locations, and it’s the best source for authentic Kauai-made products. The store also features other locally made items, so it’s always worth a stop if you want a wide selection of unique treats.

2. BANANA PATCH STUDIO CHILDREN’S BOOKS

If you’d like to shop locally on Kauai, head to Hanapepe Town. It’s filled with art galleries and boutiques with items you won’t find elsewhere.

One of the coolest stores in Hanapepe is Banana Patch Studio.

They sell artsy items like decorative tiles instructing guests to remove their shoes or featuring a Hawaiian blessing.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Where Are My Slippers? Hawaiian Book for Kids
Where Are My Slippers? Photo credit: Banana Patch Studios

But they also publish some really cool Hawaiian books for kids! And some of them come with a read-along CD featuring local Hawaiian musicians. These books are an excellent example of what to buy in Kauai if you’re shopping for unique, thoughtful gifts for little ones.

They even have a book about President Obama (who grew up in Hawaii!)

Find out my top Hawaiian Children’s Books.

3. SURFER’S SALVE

For more than 30 years, Island Soap & Candle Works has been creating handmade soaps, lotions, lip balms, bath salts, candles, and other skincare and lifestyle products.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/s.-salve-info-image-3.28.jpg
Surfers Salve. Photo credit: Island Soap & Candle Works

One of their most popular souvenirs is Surfer’s Salve. Made with natural beauty products, Surfer’s Salve helps alleviate bug bites, sunburns, minor burns, dry skin, scars, and rashes.

People claim it’s the only first aid product they keep, and it’s so portable that it can easily fit in a day bag or be kept in the car (it doesn’t melt.)

You can find Surfer’s Salve at Island Soap & Candle Works stores in Princeville, Kilauea, and Koloa. Plus, they are in many surf shops and retail locations such as Long’s Drug, Times Market, Foodland, ABC Stores, and resort gift shops.

4. MELI WRAPS

Do you go through tons and tons of plastic bags when you bring a sack lunch to work (or prepare lunches for your kids?) Or lots of plastic wraps when you package up leftover dinner each night?

Meli Wraps are an easy way to ditch plastic and become more eco-friendly. They are made with organic cotton, beeswax, tree resin, and plant oils, and they can stick to just about anything. Check out the latest prices and more details.

The plant oils keep food fresh naturally, and the beeswax makes it possible for Meli Wraps to cling to most dishes.

They are made in Kauai and Bend, Oregon, and come in various sizes and some of the cutest tropical prints. You can also buy them on Amazon.

5. UNCLE MIKEY’S DRIED FRUIT

We discovered Uncle Mikey’s Dried Fruit on the Kauai Food Tour, and we immediately bought three bags.

It’s seriously the most flavorful dried fruit I’ve ever had! I think it’s because he doesn’t use sugar or other additives. It’s just dehydrated fruit, plain and simple.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: C3D59C08-9B4A-4F61-BD22-12F87AAAD61B.jpeg
Gourmet Hawaiian Dried Fruit. Photo credit: Uncle Mikey’s

The flavors taste just like they do when they are fresh. He’s got a dried fruit mix with papaya, mango, pineapple, Kauai’s famous apple bananas, and coconut, which is incredible! And it’s not leathery or gummy.

Uncle Mikey’s Dried Fruit is a popular souvenir for foodies and makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves natural beauty and pure, unprocessed snacks.

You can find Uncle Mikey’s Dried Fruit at Foodland in Princeville, ABC Store in Kapaa, Aloha Juice Bar in Hanalei, Healthy Hut in Kilauea, and Kauai Store in Kapaa.

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6. IVY & CO T-SHIRTS

One of the trendiest places to shop on Kauai is Warehouse 3540 in Lawai (near Poipu.) They have several adorable clothing boutiques, but my favorite is Ivy & Co.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Ivy & Co. printed shirts that say "Mr. Aloha" on them
Mr. Aloha Shirts for Toddlers. Photo credit: Ivy & Co.

The whole shop is filled with retro-inspired Hawaiian items that are hip and feel special. It’s a small operation, and they use another local artisan business to do their screen printing.

They sell the cutest Hawaiian shirts for men, women, and children with simple messages like “Mr. Aloha,” “Wahine,” “Kaua’i,” and “Mahalo.”

You can also find baby products, head wraps, pins, stickers, home decor, and more! They recently moved to only an online store, but it’s easy to purchase and makes a great addition to your best souvenirs from Kauai list.

They recently moved to only an online store, but it’s easy to purchase.

7. MONKEYPOD JAM

If you are looking for gourmet Hawaiian preserves that will knock the socks off of your foodie friends, head straight to Monkeypod Jam on Kauai.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Lilikoi Curd from Monkeypod Jam on Kauai
Lilokoi Curd. Photo credit: Monkeypod Jam

They offer Lilikoi (passion fruit) Curd, Tahitian Lime Curd, White Pineapple Jam, Mango Chipotle Jam, Calamansi Curd, Pink Grapefruit Marmalade, and more.

Monkeypod Jam is truly a good source of locally crafted jams. They work with over 25 local artisans and farmers to create 55 seasonal preserves using only fruit grown on Kauai.

This makes their products a great representation of Kauai’s natural beauty and an excellent addition to any gift basket.

If you head to their website, they also offer recipes using their curds, chutneys, and jams, plus you can join their Jam Club.

8. LUCKY WE LIVE HAWAII PRODUCTS

If you are on Instagram as much as we are when planning your trip to Hawaii, you’ve probably come across the hashtag #luckywelivehawaii.

Lucky We Live Hawaii is a clothing and lifestyle brand where all the items are designed in Hawaii.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Travel towel with a rainbow that says "Lucky We Live Hawaii."
Lucky We Live Hawaii Travel Towel. Photo credit: Lucky We Live Hawaii

I’m currently obsessed with their travel towels because they have fun designs on both sides, and they are perfect for beach days. Plus, they pack up compactly for the flight home.

These towels are part of a wide selection of thoughtful and practical popular souvenirs that reflect the Hawaiian lifestyle.

You can find Lucky We Live Hawaii products on Kauai at The Aloha Exchange, Sand People, Kayak Hanalei, and Work it Out.

9. KAUAI COFFEE

For some truly Made on Kauai coffee, head to the Kauai Coffee Plantation.

They sell 100% Kauai coffee in delicious flavors like Coconut Caramel Crunch, Vanilla Macadamia Nut, and Hawaiian Chocolate Macadamia Nut.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Kauai Coffee 100% Hawaiian Coconut Caramel Crunch - 10 oz or 24 oz
Hawaiian Coconut Caramel Crunch. Photo credit: Kauai Coffee

But, they also sell regular coffee and 100% Estate Reserve Coffee, which is custom roasted. They even have K-cup pods available.

The Kauai Coffee Estate is the largest coffee farm in the U.S. they offer free walking tours and paid farm tours, so it’s worth a visit. Plus, they have one of my favorite gift shops on Kauai. You can also take a Kauai Coffee farm tour.

But, if you can’t make it to the Estate, you can find Kauai Coffee just about anywhere on Kauai, including Kauai grocery stores, Walmart, ABC Stores, and Long’s Drug.

It seriously is the best Kauai coffee, and one taste will instantly transport you to the islands!

10. SALTY WAHINE

If you watch any cooking shows, you know Hawaiian sea salt is all the rage. Kauai also has salt ponds where families harvest 100% of Kauai-made sea salt.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Guava Garlic Salt from Salty Wahine Hawaiian Sea Salt
Guava Garlic Salt. Photo credit: Salty Wahine

Salty Wahine is a locally owned company specializing in gourmet Hawaiian salt, steak rubs, poultry seasonings, and more using Kauai sea salt. But it doesn’t stop there.

Those with a sweet tooth might want to pick up a bag of specialty sugars like Coconut Cane Sugar, Ginger Sugar, Lychee Cane Sugar, or Passion Fruit Cane Sugar.

Head to their website for lots of tasty recipes using their products.

Plus, you can feel good about buying Salty Wahine products because the family gives back to the community by donating products to more than 100 non-profit charitable organizations.

11. THE ALOHA EXCHANGE CLOTHING

One of the trendiest Kauai boutiques is The Aloha Exchange in Kalaheo and Kilauea.

They sell many camping equipment, surfing essentials, and custom skateboards. But they also sell their line of Hawaiian shirts for men, women, and kids.

These shirts have unique designs that celebrate the island’s spirit, making them some of the best gifts from Kauai for friends and family.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: Red Shave Ice Tee from the Aloha Exchange
Shave Ice Tee. Photo credit: The Aloha Exchange

One of my favorite shirts is this Shave Ice Tee (they also sell a version in bubble gum pink.) I love the retro vibe, and it’s all about Kauai shaving ice, so what’s not to love?

12. ANYTHING BAMBOO FROM CARILOHA

Bamboo clothing is popular right now because it’s eco-friendly, breathable, and unbelievably soft. Bamboo naturally repels odors and allergens, making it an excellent choice for families.

While I’ve purchased several Cariloha bamboo t-shirts from them throughout the years (they hold up so well!), they also have a line of bamboo sheets and towels.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: stacked resort sheets showing all the available colors of bamboo sheets from Cariloha
Bamboo bed sheets. Photo credit: Cariloha

Yes, it might seem crazy to buy linens as a Kauai souvenir, but once you feel them, you’ll understand. They have oversized towels that are simply luxurious, and their sheets just get softer and softer over time.

There’s a Cariloha shop in Poipu Village, Anchor Cove, and the Coconut Marketplace on Kauai. And you can have everything shipped home, saving you space in your suitcase!

13. KOLOA RUM

For the ultimate Kauai souvenir, head to Gaylord’s Plantation to pick up some Kauai-made Koloa Rum. In fact, you can sign up for a free rum tasting to choose the right bottle.

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_5eced99f99876.
Koloa Kauai Spice Rum. Photo credit: Koloa Rum

Koloa Rum is special because it’s made from real Hawaiian sugar cane and rainwater from Mount Waialeale (the wettest spot on Earth). It’s twice distilled in vintage copper pots.

Some of their specialty rums include Kauai Coconut Rum, Kauai Spice Rum, Kauai Coffee Rum,

Pick up an extra bottle to enjoy cocktails on your lanai (or spike your shave ice!)

For an extra special treat, bring home a bottle of their already mixed best Koloa rum cocktails, including Koloa Hawaiian Mai Tai, Koloa Hawaiian Rum Punch, or Koloa Hawaiian Pineapple Passion Rum Cocktail.

14. KAIKINI BIKINIS

Have you ever wanted a custom-made bikini? Kaikini Bikinis on Kauai can do that for you. They even offer Mommy & Me bikini sets!

These custom bikinis are handmade by women on Kauai, so you’re supporting the community.

They also sell pre-made bikinis in a variety of styles and prints. You can find Kaikini Bikinis at Shipwrecked Kauai, The Bikini Room, and A.Ell Atelier.

What’s awesome about buying a bikini as your Kauai souvenir is that it’s something you can use immediately on your trip to Kauai and future vacations anywhere near the ocean or pool.

Plus, everyone has room to pack a bikini!

15. ANAHOLA GRANOLA

Lastly, something that has been one of the most classic Kauai souvenirs for decades is the world-famous Anahola Granola. It’s the original Hawaiian granola, and it’s so tasty!

Top 15 Best Kauai Souvenirs featured by top Hawaii blog, Hawaii Travel with Kids: https://hawaiitravelwithkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/24ozOriginal_nquu-qg.jpg
Original Anahola Granola. Photo credit: Anahola Granola

They come in Original, Tropical, Mango Ginger, and Trail Mix. It’s a solid breakfast cereal, or you can sprinkle it on top of yogurt or simply eat it right out of the bag.

They also sell granola bars in Original, Chocolate Chip, Tropical, and Mango Ginger. Perfect for eating as you explore Kauai or on the plane ride home.

You can find Anahola Granola in any Kauai grocery store, resort gift shop, and even Costco!

What Are the Most Unique Hawaiian Gifts on Kauai?

When it comes to gifts from Hawaii, you may be wondering what the most unique gifts out there are. There are Hawaiian gifts out there, like leis and music, that are so traditional and fun.

Really, anything that you buy from Kauai that is unique will be a great gift.

Be aware, though, that there are places that mass produce Kauai souvenirs, and sometimes these aren’t as special. But if you see something you really want, go for it!

Read my full post on amazing Hawaiian gift ideas.

Best Kaui Souvenirs Wrap-Up

These are just some of the best souvenirs from Kauai that would make great gifts for yourself or your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for Hawaiian shirts, locally made jewelry, artisanal treats, or eco-friendly products, Kauai offers a wide selection of items to suit every taste.

While there aren’t as many large Kauai shopping centers compared to other Hawaiian islands, the smaller boutiques, craft fairs, and local artisans make shopping on Kauai a unique and rewarding experience.

Remember to explore the island’s diverse offerings, and don’t miss out on these popular souvenirs that reflect the island’s charm, culture, and natural beauty. Each piece or product carries a story that will remind you of your unforgettable Kauai vacation.

Love this post about gifts from Kauai? Find out my top Hawaii souvenirs, cutest pineapple gift ideas, best souvenirs from Oahu, best kids ukuleles, and gifts for surfers!