Our Top Hawaii Gift Recommendations
Giving someone a unique, special gift is a great way to show them you care. In fact, some people’s love language is gift-giving, meaning that’s how they feel the most loved. It can seem like a daunting task to find that perfect present, but it doesn’t have to be.
Integrating history and culture into gifting is the perfect way to step up your present game. Instead of just another generic candle, hand towel, or coffee mug, why not give something that comes with hidden meanings, a piece of history, and even some luck?
Hawaiian gifts are the answer! A Hawaiian gift is a perfect solution for anyone – even those who seem impossible to shop for. Here’s why we think Hawaiian gifts are a fit for even the pickiest of recipients, from the young collector to a jewelry lover or the person who has everything.
Hawaii’s Rich History
We can’t talk about how special Hawaiian gifts are without acknowledging the rich history behind them! Hawaii is the 50th state, making it the most recent addition to the United States. Despite that, Hawaii has a long history full of discovery and conflict as well as peace and aloha.
Around 1,500 years ago, Polynesians discovered the Hawaiian Islands. Since then, there have been many battles and conflicts to determine the ruler of the islands, with many Native Hawaiians still peacefully striving for sovereignty today. The various isles were not always on the same team, though; they once battled against each other to fight for resources and land.
As history progressed, the climate in Hawaii evolved into the islands we experience today. With an industry that relies on tourism, Hawaii’s largest draws include crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and easygoing vibe.
Why Should I Give a Hawaiian Gift?
A Hawaiian gift is a way to connect with nature and to show someone that you care deeply about their physical and emotional health. Hawaiian culture has always been powerfully bonded to nature.
Many Hawaiians believe that nature possesses healing powers and that utilizing the gifts from Mother Nature can help us live fulfilled, healthy lives. Any recipient will be thankful for a meaningful, unique Hawaiian gift; once they learn the benefits of their gift, they will love it even more!
What Are Some Hawaii Gift Options?
Whaler’s Locker has dozens of different options for gifts from Hawaii; your possibilities are endless, and anyone can find something within their budget. Five of our favorite collections are:
What Kind of Shark Tooth Jewelry is Available?
Shark tooth jewelry has a wide range of options and can be appealing to jewelry wearers and nature lovers of all ages! Shark tooth jewelry has a distinct meaning in Hawaiian culture. For generations, wearing shark tooth jewelry has been known to offer protection.
Wearing shark tooth jewelry is a sign of respect for nature and for the history of the ocean. Shark tooth jewelry is an integral part of Hawaiian gift-giving, and there are many ways to gift and wear it!
About Shark Teeth
Sharks can lose up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetime. Sharks have white teeth like humans, but you’ll notice that many pieces of shark tooth jewelry have grey, brown, or black teeth. The teeth found in shark tooth jewelry are often fossilized, which is what makes them a different color.
Who Might Wear Shark Tooth Jewelry?
Though we think shark tooth jewelry could be a great gift for anyone on your list, there are probably people in your life who would enjoy it the most.
Our favorite folks to gift with shark tooth jewelry are:
- Fishermen
- Kids who love sharks
- Unique jewelry collectors
Fishermen Love Shark Tooth Jewelry
Shark tooth jewelry holds two very important meanings to fishermen: protection from sharks and luck for their bounty. Protection from sharks is imperative for being out at sea all day.
Shark tooth jewelry also offers protection for your catch; it is said that if you wear shark tooth jewelry while fishing, you will be blessed with large fish in plentiful numbers.
Young Shark Enthusiasts
Children tend to think sharks are fascinating, and we can’t help but agree! A piece of shark tooth jewelry is the perfect way to pique their interest and get them to want to learn more about ocean life. For kids who are just starting their shark tooth jewelry collection, we love this Moving Jaw Shark Tooth Necklace or this Bull Shark Tooth Pendant!
To elevate this option even more, consider adding a book or movie about sharks to the gift bag! Little ones make great connections when there are physical elements to go along with the media they consume.
Jewelry Connoisseurs
Those who love unique jewelry will love a piece of shark tooth jewelry with some gorgeous inlays. The inlay process allows us to mix precious stones or healing crystals into the piece, making stunning statement jewelry that will wow anyone.
Healing Crystals as Great Gifts from Hawaii
If shark tooth jewelry isn’t your thing, we have tons more options for Hawaii gifts available! Healing crystals are beautiful, meaningful gifts that can help attract positivity, health, and wealth to the person who uses them.
Whether someone chooses healing crystals for meditation, wearing, or even just as a pretty decoration, they can rest easy knowing that their healing crystals will bring them all sorts of good vibes.
What Can Healing Crystals Do?
Healing crystals are powerful forces of nature that can help heal physical ailments, mental health troubles, and spiritual confusion. It’s important to understand what kinds of powers each type of healing crystal holds.
Our 3 Favorite Healing Crystal Products for Beginners:
- Black Tourmaline Polished Pebbles
- Apatite Heart Stone
- Baltic Amber Heart Earrings
Black Tourmaline for Spiritual Protection
If you’re unsure how to start gifting healing crystals, black tourmaline is a great place to start. Black tourmaline helps protect against negative energy; when meditating with black tourmaline healing crystals, one can push out the bad vibes and welcome positive spiritual energy into their heart and home.
These healing crystals are also very small and portable, making them a wonderful Hawaii gift for just about anyone. Having travel-friendly healing crystals to stick in your pocket or purse is important to keep good energy with you wherever you go!
Apatite for Reducing Anxiety
Apatite is the ultimate healing crystal to calm someone and reduce anxiety! Apatite is said to cleanse the air and welcome positive energy. This is the perfect Hawaii gift for someone entering a new phase of life. They can display their beautiful healing crystal in their home and calm any worries that arise!
Apatite is also one of the best healing crystals for pets. Many pets suffer from separation anxiety and fear of things like storms or new people. Consider placing an apatite healing crystal near your pet’s kennel or sleeping place to help them rest effectively and remain peaceful.
Baltic Amber for Aches and Pains
Baltic amber is arguably one of the most powerful healing crystals available. Like the other healing crystals mentioned above, Baltic amber can help ward off negativity and bring good vibes to you. Additionally, Baltic amber has extra attributes once it becomes warm, making it a more powerful healing crystal than you could have ever imagined.
When warmed, a substance called succinic acid is released from this healing crystal. Succinic acid has natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a versatile healing crystal for all ages and ailments. Baltic amber also comes in many forms, including many beautiful jewelry pieces. Consider Baltic amber the perfect Hawaii gift!
Maui Hook Necklaces
Maui hook necklaces are another example of a Hawaiian gift that could please anyone. All of our Maui hook necklaces available are hand-carved using different materials that are typically found on or near the Hawaiian Islands. These are extremely special Hawaiian gifts; your purchase supports local artists and brings a valuable piece of history to the gift recipient.
What Are Maui Hooks?
Maui hooks were originally weapons and used as actual fishhooks, but throughout history, their meaning has evolved into so much more. The first Maui hook was said to have been given to, you guessed it, Maui himself!
Maui is a notorious figure in Hawaiian culture. Maui is not a god or deity but rather more of a folklore character considered to be a demi-god. The significance of Maui varies in different areas of the Hawaiian Islands, but most agree that he was a bit of a chaotic trickster. Despite that, he is well-loved among the Hawaiian people.
Maui hooks are rarely used as fishhooks today but are given as symbolic gifts. To gift or receive a Maui hook necklace is an extreme honor.
What Do Maui Hooks Symbolize?
Maui hooks symbolize strength, prosperity, and good energy. Additionally, they are thought to provide protection to those who wear them. Maui hooks are wonderful family heirlooms, as well.
It is believed that the person wearing the Maui hook lends a bit of their spirit to the necklace. Upon being passed down through generations, it connects family members and their ancestors.
Fossil Gifts
Another Whaler’s Locker specialty is fossils! Fossils make phenomenal Hawaii gifts because they perfectly integrate style, history, and nature. Ammonites and trilobites are two of our most popular fossil options for nature lovers and explorers of all ages!
What Are Ammonites?
Ammonites are recognizable by their swirled shape. Someone who comes across an ammonite in the wild might just think they have discovered a cool shell, not realizing it’s a fossil that’s from millions of years ago!
Ammonites are the fossilized shells of cephalopods. Cephalopods were predators of their time, despite many of them being small in stature. They come in many different sizes, and some are even made into jewelry, like these Small Ammonite Pendants.
Fossils are wonderful learning tools and would make a fantastic gift for a little one who is interested in science. Ammonite fossils can teach them valuable information about past marine life and spark their curiosity to want to learn more about the ocean and its inhabitants today.
What Are Trilobites?
Trilobites are another type of fossil perfect for gifting to the aspiring paleontologist in your life! Those who love knick-knacks and things to display in their home would love a trilobite fossil.
Trilobites, like ammonites, are ancient marine animals but differ in that they are a part of the arthropod family. As they grew, they would shed outer layers of their exoskeleton and leave them behind, which is what is responsible for the fossils we have today!
These fossils offer the ability to take a step back in time and learn about different parts of the world. Trilobite fossils are found globally, but many are found in Morocco, like this Phacops Trilobite Fossil.
Best Occasions for Hawaii Gifts
We think Hawaii gifts are appropriate all year around but, of course, there are some occasions where they check all the boxes even more. All of the gifts mentioned above are great for all ages, so birthdays are a wonderful opportunity for gifting a special piece of jewelry, fossil, or healing crystal.
Anniversaries are another very special opportunity for these gifts. Gifting your significant other something that brings them peace and good energy is good for them but even better for you! Having some of these pieces in your home will help you as a couple to manifest all sorts of wishes and maybe even spread some aloha.
Finally, travel lovers are perhaps the best group to receive Hawaiian gifts! If they have visited Hawaii, it can be a reminder of a beautiful, special trip. If they haven’t been to Hawaii just yet, one of these gifts can provide valuable insight to the state’s history, culture, and wildlife.
The Bottom Line on Hawaiian Gifts
Everyone deserves to learn Hawaiian history and feel the special vibes of Hawaiian culture. Giving a Hawaiian gift doesn’t have to be difficult, but we can assure you that it will be very special!