One may imagine that a tropical island could be lacking in holiday cheer. But from the decorations and events to the island style and locally produced gifts, the Honolulu area has it all. Shopping on the island of Oahu results in unique finds year-round, but during the holidays, local crafters boost their creations. This means there's an abundance of knickknacks, clothing and jewelry that exudes island style.
Ala Moana Shopping Center is the largest shopping mall in all of Hawaii. So as one may expect, the huge open-air shopping center becomes adorned with decorations, and the shops stock their shelves with Hawaiian-style holiday gifts.
Shop Hawaiian styles in Honolulu — Photo courtesy of Prayitno Photography
Macy's becomes the best resource for island-themed ornaments, which make great memories for locals and visitors alike. Martin & MacArthur, a shop featuring locally crafted hard woods for furniture and jewelry, expands their high-end selection greatly.
Out in historical Haleiwa town on the North Shore, Global Creations puts the most islandy spin on holiday gifts. Those looking for ornaments will find clear glass balls filled with North Shore sand and shells. Textiles like dish clothes, pot holders, and table runners boast Christmas colors and the saying Mele Kalikimaka, which is Hawaiian for "Merry Christmas."
Down the street at the Growing Keiki, the shop stocks their shelves with books and toys Hawaiian and holiday themed. A huge array of books written by local authors tell island-style holiday tales, and locally made children's jewelry, clothing and room decor deck the shelves with holiday style.
Two of the best places on Oahu for outdoor holiday shopping are the Haleiwa Farmers Market and the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.
At the former, an abundance of local crafters sell their goods on the tropical lush grounds of Waimea Valley, a cultural preservation area. From locally grown fruits turned into snack to North Shore-made cosmetics and jewelry, this is one of the best places to find unique holiday gifts.
At the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Central Oahu, shoppers can get lost for hours in the numerous booths that sell the most varied array of goods. This shopping area sells everything from aloha print luggage to imported purses and shells to pandanus leaf clutches to home decor.
Also at the swap meet are perhaps the best holiday gifts and hand-crafted ukuleles. As the Hawaiian version of the guitar, the ukulele features different chords and tuning range, which is the basis of traditional Hawaiian music.
Hawaiiana, as the island style here is called, is different than anything found anywhere else. So whether you're gifting to locals or those back at home, be sure to find the most unique and eclectic island gifts on Oahu.
