Thoughtful Maui Souvenirs

Maui is one of the most captivating Hawaiian islands, and souvenirs are a wonderful way to keep the spirit of the Valley Isle alive for yourself or a loved one long after your trip ends. But why settle for the predictable t-shirts, soaps, stickers, and keychains you’ll find in every gift shop across the Hawaiian Islands? Instead, dive into the world of truly Maui-made treasures — items that capture the island’s heritage and artistry, crafted by local artisans and small businesses. We’ve already written travel guides on the best places to stay on the island, tips for family vacations, and, of course, the top spots for capturing amazing photos. Now, are you curious about the perfect gift from Maui, Hawaii? 🌴

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share their picks for the 10 best Maui souvenirs to bring home from your trip.

Get ready to dive into some culture-infused souvenir shopping! 🛍️

TLDR

• Sharpen your thinking skills with a Traditional Hawaiian Game Set
• Take the taste of Hawaii home with a Farm-to-Table Recipe Collection
• Bring the spirit of aloha with a Custom Lei-Making Kit
• Carry the sand and the waves with you in a Personalized Surf Journal
• Capture unforgettable memories with a Local Photographer
• Start a collection tradition and celebrate the past with Vintage Postcards
• Support local artists who honour Hawaiian heritage by picking up Indigenous Artwork
• Shine a little brighter with beautiful Hawaiian Cultural Jewellery
• Add a touch of beach life to your daily routine with island-inspired Home Decor Items
• Take the sounds and stories of Hawaii with you through Music & Literature

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Shiloh and family enjoy a Flytographer shoot amongst the palm trees.

1. Traditional Hawaiian Game Set

Ever wondered how ancient Hawaiians spent their time (besides soaking in all that island beauty)? They had some really cool games that tested skill, strategy, and sometimes even brute strength. 💪

Hawaiian board games are a fantastic way to bring a piece of Maui home. Take Konane, for instance: the game was originally played with coral and lava stones on intricately carved boards. Today you’ll find it played with sleek black and white pieces on rectangular boards. 

Another fascinating find is a Hanafuda card set, introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants over a century ago. The Hanafuda Nā Pua Hawaiʻi version is a special twist on the original: it replaces traditional Japanese motifs with Hawaiian plants and animals from Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and beyond. The artwork? Stunning. 🎴 ☀️

You can find some of these games in ABC Stores, like those in Kahului and Lahaina along Kihei Road. For a more unique experience, check out local swap meets and flea markets for the perfect Maui souvenirs.

Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Jeannine and family capture memories on Ulua Beach (South Shore) in Maui with a family photoshoot.

2. Farm-to-Table Recipe Collection

How about bringing home a true taste of Maui? One of the best experiences on the island is going on farm tours — some of which even offer cooking classes where you can gather authentic recipes. Many of these recipes showcase Maui’s signature ingredients like local fish, Maui onions, and tropical fruits such as lilikoi, mango, and papaya. 🍍

These cookbooks not only provide recipes, but also share stories from the farms, adding a personal touch to each dish. While you might not be able to bring all these ingredients on the plane, you can easily pick up packets of Hawaiian spices and find the rest at your local farmers’ market. 🧑‍🌾

Local tip: One of our favourites is Cook Real Hawai’i by Sheldon Simeon, a top chef who grew up in Hawaii. If you purchase his book at his restaurant Tin Roof on Maui (which we’d highly recommend!) all proceeds go to the Maui Food Bank.

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Kelly and partner soak in the beautiful nature of Maui with a couple photoshoot.

3. Custom Lei-Making Kit

Nothing says “Hawaii” quite like a beautiful lei. 🌺 🍃 Originally introduced by Polynesian voyagers and made from a variety of beautiful flowers such as plumeria, orchids, and many other fragrant blooms, lei-making is a cherished Hawaiian tradition, and symbolizes distinction, beauty, and well-wishes for good luck and health. The best part? These beautiful Maui souvenirs don’t have to stay on the islands! You can bring the experience home with a DIY lei-making kit, allowing you to craft your own leis with fresh or preserved materials.

Of course, this keepsake becomes even more special if you take a lei-making class while in Maui. Just remember — fresh flowers aren’t ideal for air travel, so consider double-checking your kit for airport-friendly materials! 🛫

Photo: Flytographer in Maui. Adeline and family capture memories in Maui all wearing traditional Lei’s on a family photoshoot.

4. Personalized Surf Journal

Is a surfing lesson in Paia on your Maui bucket list? 🏄  Imagine this: after catching some waves, you get a waterproof journal to record the wave conditions, surf spots you visited, and techniques you picked up along the way. To make it even more special, you can decorate its pages with pressed beach flowers and leaves, or even add a sprinkle of sand art from the beaches you surfed. 📓 

It’s like taking a piece of the beach with you — a keepsake you can revisit years later to relive the thrill of those Maui waves. It’s a unique way to capture the essence of your adventure in a souvenir that’s as memorable as the experience itself. 🌊

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Malayna and partner pose for their babymoon photos during their Flytographer shoot.

5. Memories Captured by a Local Photographer

Here’s a souvenir you’ll cherish forever: incredible photos of your best moments in Hawaii. Connect with a local Maui photographer for a photoshoot that captures Maui’s breathtaking beauty. This is the ultimate personal reminder of your experiences. 📸

Photos are tangible stories that capture the emotions of special occasions. Through them, you can always relive the sights, feelings, and special moments in Hawaii or anywhere else long after your trip has ended. You can turn your photos into albums, framed art, or personalized gifts, creating new ways to evoke memories instantly whenever you look at them.

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Brie and family take photos on Po’olenalena Beach (South Shore) on their Flytographer photoshoot.

6. Graphic Postcards

They say “Old is Gold,” and vintage postcards truly capture that sentiment. They provide a glimpse into Maui’s culture and heritage, with some even showcasing stunning hand-coloured photographs and classic graphic styles. Browsing and picking out your favourites can feel like a trip back in time. 💡 Here’s an idea: Why not start a postcard collection and make it a tradition for future travels?

Postcards are not only more affordable than many other souvenirs, but they’re also lightweight, easy to pack, and versatile. You can even frame them as wall art to create a even more special Maui souvenirs — pairing your favourite vintage or modern graphic postcards with a few photos from your Maui photoshoot for a personalized, meaningful display.  🖼️  ♥️

Photo: Flytographer in Maui. Martha and partner cruise around Maui in their vintage car on a couples photoshoot.

7. Indigenous Artwork

Often inspired by elements such as the lushness of Hana, the majesty of the Haleakalā volcano, and the sea turtles that symbolize marine life, Indigenous art is more than just a souvenir; it’s a conversation piece with a story! 🐢 🌋

Traditionally used for local craftsmanship, koa wood items make for truly unique Hawaiian souvenirs — and since koa trees only grow in Hawaii, these items are distinctly Hawaiian! Look for: carved bowls or jewellery boxes, picture frames, and musical instruments like a small koa ukulele. 🪕

You can also look for some textile treasures, like traditional pieces like kapa (tapa) cloth, lauhala (woven pandanus leaves), and Hawaiian quilting patterns — each crafted with cultural stories woven right into the fabric.

Fly Tip: When buying these items, seek products certified for sustainable harvesting or made from reclaimed materials, especially with wood. This supports eco-friendly practices while allowing you to bring home a meaningful piece of Hawaii. 🌞

Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer. Karen and partner walk through a beautiful forest in Maui for their Flytographer shoot.

8. Cultural Jewellery

Another exquisite example of Maui’s artistic craftsmanship is the island’s cultural jewellery. 💎 And if you thought leis were only made of flowers, think again. The Niʻihau Shell Lei is one of Hawaii’s most treasured jewellery pieces, crafted from tiny, rare shells found only on the island of Niʻihau. These stunning pieces are often found in the luxury resorts of Wailea and Kaanapali. They are costly but understandably so — they’re true masterpieces and the perfect Maui souvenirs! 🐚

For something more accessible, consider hand-carved bone or wood pendants, which you can find in many shops across Maui. Traditional fish hook necklaces, or makau, are especially popular and carry symbolic meaning tied to Hawaiian culture.

Maile-style silver bracelets are another favourite, known for their elegance and symbolic leaf designs. Whichever piece you choose, you’ll carry a bit of Maui’s warmth and spirit with you when you head back home. ✨

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Rachel and family run along the beach wearing traditional leis on their family photoshoot.

9. Home Decor Items

How about bringing a little aloha spirit into your home decor? Whether you’re in a warm or cold climate, a touch of beachy vibes brings sunshine into any space. 🩴 ⛱️

Consider a Ti-dried leaf lei or a kapa cloth wall hanging to add a graceful touch to a special corner. 🌿 Woven beach mats look fantastic on porches and are equally great to take along for a picnic in the park. 

And it’s not just decorative stuff — Hawaiian Salt Collections, for one,  are stunning with their variety of colours and textures, perfect for display and use in the kitchen. Wooden calabash bowls, with their unique grains and patterns, are lovely as salad bowls or for serving up whatever delicious recipes you’re inspired to try. 🍜

Traditional Hawaiian gourds, or ipu, artifacts used to keep rhythm in hula dancing, also add a special cultural touch to any room. With one of these, what’s your excuse not to throw your own luau? 🤷

Photo: Taena in Maui for Flytographer. Kathleen and partner enjoy a babymoon photoshoot on Po’olenalena Beach.

Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Kelsey and family take photos in Lahaina Town on the West Shore.

10. Music & Literature

Speaking of hula rhythm, not all souvenirs need to be material. Sounds are powerful triggers for memories — especially the good ones. 🎶 😃 Maui has a rich musical heritage that spans traditional Hawaiian tunes to reggae. The local music scene is thriving, and exploring it is a great way to not only enjoy your time on the island but also to bring home some favourite tunes.

If you have any musical ability — or know someone who does — sheet music for traditional songs makes for a thoughtful gift. 🎹

Literature is another wonderful way to bring a piece of Hawaii home. Books by Hawaiian authors and in the Hawaiian language let you dive into local culture, making your experience richer during and after your trip and bring home super unqiue Maui souvenirs. Plus, who doesn’t love exploring a new bookshop? 📚

Here’s an idea: why not go vintage and pick up some local music CDs and books by Hawaiian authors? Don’t you miss those pretty CD covers? 💿

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Kimberly and partner dance on the rocks at Kapalua Ironwoods beach on a couple photoshoot.

FAQ

What souvenir is best from Hawaii?

That depends on the person you’re buying for and your personal taste, but we’d recommend something that truly represents local crafts, exudes Hawaiian heritage and culture, and supports local businesses.

What food should I bring back from Maui?

If you’re flying back to the U.S. mainland and have room for just one treat, make it the Maui Gold Pineapple — a.k.a. the sweetest pineapple in the world. Macadamia nuts are another popular edible souvenir, as are jams made from Maui’s tropical fruits. Coffee lover? Consider grabbing some Maui coffee or Kona coffee (from the Big Island but widely available on Maui).

What can you not bring back from Hawaii?

There’s a long list of restricted items, including most fresh fruits and vegetables (with a few exceptions like the Maui Gold Pineapple), plants, and fresh flowers. Be sure to double-check anything you’re unsure about, as fines can be fairly hefty!

Photo: Sara in Maui for Flytographer. Savannah and family capture memories their Flytographer shoot in Kapalua Ironwoods.

Capturing Memories in Maui

With so many cool ideas, why not stock up on a few extra gifts for the holidays and other occasions? The best Maui souvenir, though, is truly the unforgettable memories you make on your trip. 🙂 And while you’re at it, connect with our local photographers — they’ll capture every magical moment of your adventure, so you can relive it for years to come! 💙 📷