This holiday season, support Big Island business! Last year we wrote about Kona-based small businesses in our post Shop Kona. This year, we want to shine a light on some awesome small businesses island wide. Even if you aren’t spending the holidays in Hawai’i, you can still shop online at many of these companies! Read on to learn where to find the best made in Hawai’i gifts from the Big Island.
Big Island Candies
Based in Hilo, this candy company has been around since 1977. Their gift boxes with delicious chocolates and sweets are inspired by the Japanese concept of “omiyage”, or gift giving with a sense of place and as an act of gratitude toward the recipient. We love their decorative boxes which are beautifully made - you’ll want to hang onto them long after their contents has been devoured! They offer chocolates, baked treats, shortbreads, mac nuts, coffee, and more.
Big Island Box
A unique subscription gift box, Big Island Box sources all their items from Big Island made companies. From local artists, to skincare, sea salt, coffee, sweet treats, and beyond…you never know what goodies will await you inside your box! Subscription boxes are $49 with free shipping and include 6-12 items. You can also order a trial box.
Pawniolo Pets
Woof! This Hawaiian-owned business makes dog treats so delicious that even humans be drooling. Made from Big Island raised beef from their ranch in Waimea, they offer treats, chews, food toppers, and even some “spaw” treatment products for your favorite pup. Starting at $10 for a bag o’ treats!
Volcano Hawaiian Sea Salt
There’s nothing like colorful Hawaiian sea salt for cooking or sprinkling over your favorite meal. This company offers a variety of salts and rubs - like their Guava smoked sea salt, or their Big Island Steak Rub, and gift boxes too! Need some inspiration in the kitchen? Check their website for a catalog of recipes.
Two Kooks Coffee
A newer coffee brand on the island. Check out Two Kooks. Their coffee is grown in South Kona by two surfers turned coffee farmers. They also have some cool merch!
Kitchen of Creation Tea
This tea company is our go-to for delicious medicinal teas. Their signature tea is the Hawaiian Mamaki tea. The Mamaki plant is unique to Hawai’i and has many health giving properties, including: improving respiratory system function (used as a remedy for VOG), lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, soothing the nervous system, high antioxidant, and more.
Wild Harvest Hawaii
Freeze dried island fruits that melt in your mouth and give your tastebuds a massive tropical KICK! Wow! We recently stumbled upon this company at the Kona Green Market - a farmers market held Sundays in Captain Cook. (BTW, check out this farmers market if you’re on island. It’s fantastic!) They ship all over the U.S. Choose from Big Island grown fruits like apple banana, sour sop, lilikoi, starfruit, and more.
Bee Boys
Based in Na’alehu, Hawai’i, Bee Boys offers a smorgasbord of bee-based offerings from honey to salves and ciders. They have holiday gift combos like their Ka’u Classic Honey Collection which includes their Mu Blue Honey, Fudgy Honey, Raw Honey, and Ginger Honey. Yum!
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company
Things are about to get nutty! Big Island grown Mac nuts are where it’s at. Try their different flavors like Chili Peppah, Butter Rum Glazed, and Island Onion, or keep it simple with light sea salt.
Big Island Made
Still craving more Big Island merch? No worries! Check out Big Island Made - a directory of all things made on Hawai’i Island to discover more awesome gift ideas.
Are we missing one of your favorite Big Island businesses? Let us know your favorite Made in Hawai’i gifts on the Big Island! Happy Holidays friends from the My Hawaii Fam to yours. :)
By M the Writer
Based on the Big Island, M is a content writer and copywriter who specializes in writing for small biz websites. Learn more at: https://mthewriter.com.