Made in Hawaii, Made with Aloha

Whether you’re about to return home from the Hawaiian Islands and are searching for the perfect gifts to take back to friends and family, or simply hoping to find something uniquely made-in-Hawaii for you, Hawaii is home to an abundance of exceptionally talented artisans, designers, farmers, retailers, food producers and chefs proudly creating unique homegrown products you’ll find nowhere else. Is your client a foodie on the hunt for tasty artisanal jams, seasonings, meats, snacks or baked goods? Perhaps you know a fashionista always in search of local-designer aloha wear and handcrafted jewelry, or an art enthusiast seeking Hawaii-inspired paintings or photography, or artworks crafted from koa or other local woods. Hawaii has you covered, with multiple festivals, showcases, events and farmers markets big on supporting homegrown products. You’ll find these throughout the state and throughout the year, ready to help you check off much of your shopping list.

Clients with an affinity for Kauai should check out Alakoko.com, a new online marketplace offering a wide selection of creative and unique Kauai products, including chocolate macadamia nut butter, natural beauty products and apparel. For a “shop local” itinerary, keep an eye out for the impending opening of its downtown Lihue storefront. The Kauai Made website is another source for made-on-Kauai products and where they can purchase them on island. Kauai Made’s website connects shoppers to an impressive diversity of high-quality, authentic Kauai products — from food and unique crafts, to jewelry, art and much more — and information on product creators.

Clients will love the wide range of locally designed, grown or produced items on display at Oahu’s Mahiku Farmers Market, happening every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Waikiki’s International Market Place. A favorite of visitors and residents, the market offers local produce, artwork, crafts, clothing and more from local farmers and artisans. If your client is visiting Oahu’s west side, suggest they check out Ka Makana Alii center’s collection of more than 100 stores and restaurants. Make sure they don’t miss the center’s local farmers market, happening Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Maui-bound clients will want to visit the north coast historic town of Paia and its many rustic storefronts now home to local art galleries, shopping boutiques and restaurants. Clients headed through Upcountry Maui will want to visit Makawao, a ranching town that’s also home to many working artists. It’s a great place to watch glassblowers, wood sculptors, painters and other artisans create their works for purchase. Also in Makawao, the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center is a great place for clients to take in art classes and explore local art exhibits.

Clients bound for the island of Hawaii should make sure to explore the aisles of the daily Hilo Farmers Market, one of the state’s most impressive outdoor markets, with more than 200 unique vendors on Wednesdays and Saturdays (its two biggest days). Should your clients find themselves on the island’s west side, suggest they check out Kailua-Kona town’s many local retailers, including Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, Kona Sea Salt and Kona Natural Soap Company.