Top Things Made in Hawaii
(Updated Guide)

Hawaii is the only state in the United States that produces its own commercial coffee, a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. Kona coffee is world famous for its smooth profile and balanced acidity, and it is grown in rich volcanic soil on the Big Island’s western slopes.

Hawaii’s craft beer scene has expanded significantly in the last decade. Breweries like Kona Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company and Kohola Brewery produce beers that reflect local flavor profiles, from tropical ales to coconut-infused porters.

Maui Babe’s Original Browning Lotion is one of the most recognizable products made in Hawaii. The Wailuku-based family business started in a home kitchen before becoming an international brand. Their products incorporate local ingredients like kukui nut oil, aloe, and coffee extract.

Honolulu Cookie Company is known for its pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies that celebrate Hawaii’s symbol of hospitality. Founded in 1998, the company produces fresh, hand-packed cookies flavored with ingredients like lilikoi, Kona coffee, mango, pineapple, and macadamia nut.

Hawaii’s distilling industry is young but growing quickly. Many distilleries produce spirits using local sugarcane, pineapple, and deep ocean mineral water.

North Shore Goodies is a beloved family business best known for its two-ingredient Coconut Peanut Butter, made with only coconuts and peanuts. The company started at Oahu farmers markets and now produces more than 50 items, including flavored peanut butters, jams, dressings, syrups, and sauces.

Surfing is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, and the islands remain a global center for surfboard shaping. Across Hawaiʻi, board shapers and family-run workshops continue to define the surf industry, blending long-standing traditions with modern craftsmanship. Brands like Town & Country, Kazuma Surfboards, and SOS Shapes continue the tradition of handcrafted boards.

Hawaiʻi’s pineapple legacy is carried forward by growers and small producers who maintain the island’s longstanding connection to this iconic crop. The pineapple industry shaped Hawaii’s economic landscape throughout the 20th century. While production has scaled back from its peak, Maui Gold Pineapple and Dole Plantation (the second most visited attraction in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor Memorial) continue to grow sweet, low-acidity varieties.

Hawaii is one of the largest producers of macadamia nuts in the world. Most orchards are located on the Big Island, where the climate supports year-round production.

Hawaiʻi’s creative community extends far beyond food, with local artisans producing small-batch wellness products, soaps, candles, and handmade goods rooted in island traditions.

Beyond the well-known items above, Hawaii is home to countless artisans who create unique gifts and goods. These include handmade soaps, spa products, candles, honey, jams, bikinis, skincare lines, and island-inspired jewelry.

Hawaii’s volcanic soil, rainfall patterns, and diverse microclimates make it ideal for growing a wide variety of crops. Organic farming has expanded significantly over the past two decades, with many small farms focusing on regenerative practices, heirloom varieties, and fruit grown without synthetic inputs.

Maui’s fertile slopes produce a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables, and family-run farms help preserve the island’s agricultural traditions. Ono Organic Farms in East Maui has grown tropical fruit for more than 40 years, harvesting apple bananas, lilikoi, rambutan, cacao, and Arabica coffee in small batches. Their fruit tastings and roadside market offer a hands-on way to experience seasonal crops.

Hawaii’s microclimates support an incredible spectrum of tropical fruit, including pineapple, papaya, mango, guava, lilikoi, lychee, rambutan, soursop, avocado, and breadfruit. Many fruits are grown on organic or naturally managed plots, and availability changes throughout the year.

Small grocers and community markets help keep Hawaii’s food systems thriving. Stores like Mana Foods, Down to Earth, and Foodland Farms highlight locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, and specialty packaged foods.

Many Hawaiʻi-made items can be taken home with minimal preparation, and most travelers find the process easy as long as they follow a few simple guidelines:

• Packaged foods such as coffee, nuts, cookies, and chocolates can usually be carried on or checked.
• Fresh fruit must pass agricultural inspection. Pineapples and certain approved items are pre-cleared for travel.
• Liquor should be packed securely in checked luggage or purchased after security where allowed.
• Seeds and plants may require permits.
• Many vendors offer direct shipping, which helps avoid airport handling concerns.

Most visitors bring home items like pineapple, macadamia nuts, roasted coffee, and packaged treats without any trouble using these steps.