Hawaii is known for its spectacular beauty, temperate climate, magnificent resorts, flower leis, hula, ukulele music, and its warm, Aloha spirit. Hawaii is also where a number of unique products are made; things visitors may want to take back home with them on their return home.
Aloha attire most often include designs reflecting Hawaii’s connection with nature, displaying flowers, fish, palm trees, ocean, ferns, and other patterns with lots of color. Aloha shirts and muumuus are worn everywhere in the Islands for every occasion–casual or dressy.
Perhaps one of the most visible products is aloha attire, which can be seen everywhere in the Islands worn by local residents and visitors, alike. On the beach, walking around the towns, on tours, at business meetings, throughout the day and night, Hawaiian shirts and muumuus are often the clothing of choice.
Aloha attire came into its own in the 1940s as casual, everyday wear, but, today, these versatile garments can also come in the form of stylish fashions with the aloha look. Many designs reflect the Hawaiian connection with nature, displaying native plants, birds, fish, ocean scenes, and lots of color.
Original artwork of all kinds is also readily available in galleries and stores throughout Hawaii. Island artisans bring their own perspective to their works, whether their medium is paint, photography, pottery, glass or even Hawaiian quilts.
Hawaiian woodworking is one of many crafts with ancient beginnings in the Islands. Native koa wood is found nowhere else on Earth and it is cherished for its rich coloring and durability.
Wood carving and jewelry making are also prized works of art found here. Fine wooden bowls, guitars, ukuleles, and furniture are still made today with koa wood, which is native to Hawaii and nowhere else on Earth. Koa was once treasured in furnishings and building by Hawaiian monarchs due to its rich colors and fine textures. The entire main staircase in Iolani Palace is made of koa. Today, koa is in shorter supply, but still used to make valuable pieces of art sold in shops throughout the Islands.
You can also find unique jewelry made exclusively in Hawaii. Bracelets, rings, pendants and earrings created by local designers reflect the beauty of the islands. Wood, metals, and native, natural materials are used to perfection by craftspeople skilled in their arts.
Then, there are the food stuffs to tantalize the taste buds. The rich, volcanic soil of the Big Island of Hawaii produces the aromatic, robust Kona coffee known worldwide. You can visit coffee farms here and take home fresh beans.
Hawaii’s Big Island also produces much of the world’s macadamia nuts. The hard shells of the macadamia protect the tender, flavorful inner core that is wonderful as a high protein snack, dessert topping, salad add-on, and much more.
If staying at the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii, the hotel’s Activity Center can direct you to all of the Big Island attractions and shopping opportunities for products made in Hawaii. Go to www.hawaiianhotels.com for more information.