From bespoke apparel to local goodies, here are the thoughtfully recommended gifts to give this holiday season as recommended by the team that brings you FLUX Hawaii.
Our team of writers, editors, filmmakers, and designers gathered an assembly of the most giftable (and Flux-approved!) ideas for anyone on your shopping list—presents ranging from high to low, quirky to intellectual, familiar to surprising, and trending to timeless.
Browse by Interest
The items in our gift guide were independently chosen by members of the NMG Network team. However, Flux Hawaii may earn a commission on purchases through these links. Product prices and availability may be subject to change.
Citron & Date, Linen Robe
Citron & Date is known for their hand-dyed linen sheets. But if that’s too big of an investment, their house robes are a great starter gift.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Hibi, Ten Minute Incense
Made in Japan, these scented matchsticks come in seven subtle fragrances and create moments of intention throughout the day. Support local and purchase at Red Pineapple.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
JCCH Gift Shop, Unique Omiyage
Easy to miss if you don’t frequent the area, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi’s craft fairs and gift shops offer unique omiyage.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Lahaʻole Designs, Hawaiian-Inspired Decor
Support local and look good with Hawaiian-made home goods, from turkish towels to pīkake lei rolling pins.
Blake Abes, Filmmaker
Lumio, Book Lamp
Bookworms delight! Light up your nighttime reading with this book-themed lamp.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Pawniolo Pets, Pet Treats
Made using locally grown ingredients, Pawniolo Pets provides nourishing and biologically appropriate foods and treats for your pets.
Jessica Lunasco, Operations Coordinator
Sharper Image, Axis 16
Great for people who constantly work at a desk, this tower desk fan also doubles as a light.
Eleazar Herradura, Designer
South Made, Pasta Dish
For the season’s comfort foods, ceramic ware handcrafted using traditional methods by artisans in Okinawa.
Lauren McNally, Hawaiʻi Editorial Director
Umamiplant, Quirky Art Prints
These art prints mix local pop culture with quirky depictions of island flora and fauna—great gifts for interior decorators with a sense of humor.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Wallflower Hawaii, Handpressed Flowers
These framed pressed flowers transform botanicals from ephemeral to decorative. For a special gift, turn your loved one’s favorite flora into a work of art.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Ceramrap, Whimsical Ceramics
Christine Nguyen’s cowboy boot strikers went viral last year, but she’s no one trick pony. Poptart spoon rests and clawfoot tub catch-alls add whimsy to any home.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Covercraft, Custom Sunscreen
Keep your car cool with Covercraft, whose custom-fit sunshades will make sure you will never again sit in the hot seat.
Taylor Niimoto, Designer
Hyrdrobuilder, Hydroponic Garden
Great for small or large spaces. Grow your own veggies at home and use excess greens in smoothies or as gifts for your neighbors!
Rachel Lee, Junior Account Executive
Knead and Paw, Kalapawna Scratcher
A cat scratcher styled after a classic island vinyl, it lets visitors know your cat has great music taste. Stocked at Public Pet in Kaimukī.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Lomi, Classic Composter
Lomi is a luxury composter that makes it easy to do good, helping to save the planet by turning organic food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Mix & Mutt, Pet Goods
Deck your furry friend out in stylish bandanas, harnesses, and more! A great way to support local and to keep your pup looking fly.
Jessica Lunasco, Operations Coordinator
Salvage Public, Jacquard Throw Blanket
A modern take on Hawaiian kapa kuiki, these luxurious throw blankets are available in several color ways and designs.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Slowtide, Sig Zane Hand Towels
This hand towel’s design is an ode to koa, one of the most stately trees in the Hawaiian forest. A home staple that’s both functional and stylish.
Matthew Dekneef, Editor-in-Chief
Various Stores, Walis Tambo
Makes the floor shiny and clean, this is a great home piece and makes your sweeping experience exhilarating. Purchase one online or at your local sari-sari.
Will Forni, Sales Coordinator
Vive La Companie, The Ensemble
This limited-run swag bag includes a mix of everyday staples and specialty essentials, from the breezy JOMO Robe to the silky Toujours Travel Pillow Case—the perfect holiday treat for yourself or your loved ones.
Brian McManus, Global Editorial Director
Anna Jean Kos, Cirrus Blouse
Slow fashion made locally. This top is crafted from 100 percent organic linen for an easy and breathable staple.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Crazy Shirts, Year of the Dragon
Usher in good luck with this regal dragon design that commemorates 2024’s lunar zodiac.
Tacy Bedell, Director of Sales
Florence Marine X, Boardshorts
Florence makes great activewear and has a fun style, like these shorts incorporating the Hawaiʻi flag.
Joe Bock, Hawaiʻi GM
HIE, Modern Heirloom Bracelets
Gift a special family heirloom that perpetuates the tradition of inscribed gold Hawaiian jewelry in a gentle modern style.
Taylor Kondo, Producer
In4mation, HI Script Snapback
Having recently celebrated 20 years, In4mation stands as testimony to Hawaiʻi’s unique surf, skate, art, music, and design community. The HI script hat is a classic fan favorite.
Rae Sojot, Senior Editor
Kahulaleʻa, Alohawear for All
This Hawaiian luxury clothing brand creates prints in a variety of styles, so you can match as a couple or dress the whole family.
Blake Abes, Filmmaker
M33MS, Handcrafted Jewelry
Timeless pieces that can be worn everyday. Customization is always fun as she loves to source rubies and gems for an extra special touch.
Rachel Lee, Junior Account Executive
Maris Pearl Co., The Ariel Pendant
Every pearl is hand-selected by a certified pearl specialist, harvested for a shape and luster that has become Maris’ trademark.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
MoMA x Solgaard, Carry-On Closet Suitcase
Unsure if this carry-on’s built-in closet feature is beneficent or a mere gimmick, but surely the organized giftee on your list would love to find out!
Matthew Dekneef, Editor-in-Chief
Okbet, Layered Tie Vest
Wearable art pieces dyed with locally foraged materials and food waste. Wear it individually or layered for a maximalist look.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Roberta Oaks, Retro Aloha Shirts
Designed locally, Roberta Oaks’ shirts are a taste of retro Hawaiiana. Her November drop features funky new colorways for that New Year refresh.
Jason Cutinella, CEO
Shinola, Canfield Classic Holdall
Made from durable navigator leather, this holdall will be an instant signature in any closet and withstands the test of time.
Gary Payne, VP of Accounting
Slowtide, Changing Poncho
Perfect for the surfers in your life as it’s a treat that many wouldn’t spend on themselves. After using changing capes, you never want to use a basic towel again.
John Hook, Senior Photographer
The Pineapple Collective, The Aloha Tote
An all-purpose tote, made in Hawaiʻi and available in several colors. Built-in interior dividers pair form with function.
Mike Wiley, VP of Sales
Vive La Compagnie, The Vif Tote
Seamlessly blend style with functionality with this spacious tote. Its waterproof nylon in a vibrant, colorful design is ideal for festive adventures and daily pursuits.
Brian McManus, Global Editorial Director
At Dawn, Agmes Small Astrid Cuff
A statement piece that adds the right amount of glimmer and zhuzh.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Crystal Rose, Rice Bag Shorts
Made-to-order unisex shorts that are sure to get at least three compliments.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
For Simple Sustainability, Tails of Hawaiʻi Tee
For the fisherman in your life, this sustainably printed tee offers a quick and aesthetically pleasing guide to ethical fishing.
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
Illikoi Goods, Custom Hats
Find a meaningful fabric owned by your loved one and send it to Anthony Duong for a one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn hat.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Jo Malone, Unisex Fragrances
Although this English Oak & Hazelnut cologne leans more masculine, it’s not overpowering. A great, balanced everyday scent.
Joe Bock, Hawaiʻi GM
Kiholo Kai, Island-Inspired Fits
Look dashing in these tailored shirts of island-inspired jacquard overlaid with minimalist floral designs.
Simone Perez, Advertising Director
Manaola, Aloha on the Green
The wrinkle-free fabric is designed to be breathable and cooling, making it the perfect aloha shirt for when it’s hot out.
Gerard Elmore, VP of Film
Mohala Eyewear, Sunglasses
All profits from this collection of Mohala Eyewear go toward wildfire recovery efforts on Maui via HCF’s Maui Strong Fund.
Lauren McNally, Hawaiʻi Editorial Director
Noa Makaha, Plumed Hatbands
Fashioned by Miwako Mulder, a progeny of master featherworkers, these intricately crafted humupapa (hatband) are sure to become treasured heirlooms.
Lisa Yamada-Son, Contributing Editor
Olukai, Kāmola Slides
These leather slides check all the boxes: stylish, comfortable, and durable. Great at keeping their shape for years, it’s definitely worth the investment.
Lisa Yamada-Son, Contributing Editor
Salvage Public, Dolphin Swim Shorts
Cool shorts featuring sports photography from our friend and NMG senior photographer, the legendary John Hook. What’s not to love?
Gerard Elmore, VP of Film
Sig Zane, ʻĀina Aloha Hula Longsleeve
Features designs inspired by the work and legacy of cultural practitioner Edith Kekuhi Kanakaʻole, the grandmother of founder Kuhaʻo Zane.
Jason Cutinella, CEO
Splash! Hawaii, Aloha Hat
This dad hat is the perfect addition to any daytime outfit. Understated yet chic in the details, you’ll want to get one in every colorway.
Tacy Bedell, Director of Sales
Tori Richard, Silk Banana Leaf Shirt
This aloha shirt definitely pops! Banana leaves in vibrant colors add a tropical flair to your wardrobe.
Gary Payne, VP of Accounting
Kahala x Bar Leather Apron, A Pau Hana-Inspired Fit
Kahala’s meticulous textile work meets Bar Leather Apron’s pau hana flair in this aloha shirt collaboration between two beloved local institutions. Snag the limited-edition shirt at their December 8 launch.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Graza, “Drizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Is avocado toast over? Not in my house. I love using Graza’s “Drizzle” Oil to top my homemade avo toasts and salads. Fun fact: Sophia Roe does too!
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Glazer’s, Gift Card
A staple local coffee shop for townies. Many regulars have been here since their college years. It’s the perfect place to work or talk story with Sam, the owner.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Liko Lehua, Lilikoi Butter
I give these out every year to my friends on the mainland. It can be used on almost anything and is even great by itself. I love it with malasadas.
Gary Payne, VP Accounting
Mānoa Chocolate, Flavors of Hawaiʻi
This collection honors the traditional tastes of Hawaiʻi, blending them with the finest cacao for a flavor experience unique to the islands.
Tacy Bedell, Director of Sales
SweetiE Wagashi, Japanese Sweets
Get your sweet fix with locally-made wagashi (Japanese sweets) at SweetiE. With their rotation of seasonal flavors and designs, buyers beware: The treats are almost too cute to consume.
Rae Sojot, Senior Editor
Local Joe, Hawaiian Hamakua Coffee
With our coffee farms under attack by invasive beetles, support sustainability by buying local. These beans are roasted perfectly by owner Charles—a fellow African immigrant!
Sabrine Rivera, Operations Director
Kai Coffee, Kai Cups
Kai Cups are single-serve pods perfect for Keurigs. Made with 100% Hawaiʻi grown, harvested, and roasted coffee beans, they make a delicious cup.
Sarah Burchard, Contributing Writer
Āhualoa Family Farms, Macnella
Dip, drizzle or lick your way to cocao paradise. Their Honey Macadamia Nut Spread is a close second—you may need to buy the set!
Simone Perez, Advertising Director
Choya, Uji Green Tea Umeshu
If you love green tea cold brew, you will love this umeshu. It’s refreshing with a subtle sweetness. Find it locally at Don Quijote.
Eleazar Herradura, Designer
Material, The Salt Sphere
I have had a salt container on my list for months. It needs to be perfect: beautiful enough to grace the countertop each day, swivels, and wooden. Et Voila! Add to cart.
Kristine Pontecha, Client Services Director
Baumkuchen Farm, Baumkuchen Cake
Unusual to find in Hawaiʻi, these traditional German cakes are baked on a stick with tropical fruits from across the island. Made by a family business on Hawaiʻi Island.
Simone Perez, Advertising Director
Mānoa Honey & Mead, Bees To Mead Tour
Take a drive out to Wahiawa’s Honey House to see the full process of how your honey and mead are made. It’s a fun learning experience while tasting fermented honey in the beautiful country.
Rachel Lee, Junior Account Executive
Webs Banana Bread, Ube Flavor
Chill local guy that makes banana bread in delicious flavors. Order via his Instagram or find him at local fairs.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Hawaii Candy Factory, Noms Candy
So good, obviously. The perfect gift for friends on the mainland.
John Hook, Senior Photographer
ʻiliʻili Cash & Carry, Curated Wine
Everyone knows them for their delicious Sicilian pizza, but the curated wine section always features light and refreshing options perfect for Mānoa birthday BBQs and beach days at Kaʻalawai.
Sabrine Rivera, Operations Director
Tay and Tholi, Turmeric Tonic
Made with 100% locally sourced ʻolena, ginger, raw honey, fresh green peppercorns, lemon, orange and Laiʻe vanilla. I do a shot every morning for inflammation and digestion—obsessed!
Sarah Burchard, Contributing Writer
Lupicia, Earl Grey Tea
Tea is a nice way to wake up in the morning without the crash in the afternoon. I like the earl grey blend as it can drank by itself or flavored with milk.
Eleazar Herradura, Designer
Aloha Elixir, Intentional Room Sprays
Perfect for the witchy person in your life, these sprays are specially crafted for manifestation and double as a refreshing room fragrance.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Bala, the Resistance Kit
This workout kit includes super aesthetically pleasing weights and mats. Looks great on a shelf, and looks great on you.
Brigid Pittman, Digital Content Manager
Hanni, Splash Salve
An amazing, luxurious in-shower moisturizer for all bodies. It removes the need to moisturize after showering, completely eliminating the mess that comes with using lotion.
Brigid Pittman, Digital Content Manager
Indie Lee, Discovery Kit
It’s a perfect gift for any traveler who cares about quality skincare but is low maintenance. It also doubles as a great stocking stuffer!
Brigid Pittman, Digital Content Manager
Keep It Simple, Car Freshener
A reminder that fragrance brings joy to life—especially if you have a child who spills milk in the car or a dog who loves frequent car rides.
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
Koa, Body Mineral Sunscreen
Koa’s face sunscreen is a must-have for me. And with a recently launched body line, their waterproof, reef-safe sunscreen now gives all-over protection.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Sea Salts of Hawaii, Mineral Spa Bath
Made with hand-harvested Hawai’i sea salts, it’s filled with minerals and nutrients with therapeutic benefits. It’s the perfect gift to wind down after a stressful holiday season!
Simone Perez, Advertising Director
Volcanic Rock Gym, One Month Membership
Tired of your run-of-the-mill gym filled with sweaty lifting equipment? Try Volcanic Rock Gym—a fun way to get a workout either solo or with friends.
Joe Bock, Hawaiʻi GM
Art Flow Studio, Gift Card
Give the gift of stylish nails with an Art Flow Studio gift card. It’s the perfect excuse to get their nails done by artist Ai Iwasaki.
Taylor Kondo, Producer
Eagle Nest Outfitters, DoubleNest Hammock
The gift of quality time, the DoubleNest is perfect for enjoying casual sunsets with a partner, whether at Makalei Beach Park or deep in Kalalau.
Taylor Niimoto, Managing Designer
ʻIli Hawaiʻi, Coffee Scrubs
Handmade on Kauaʻi, these luxurious body scrubs made from upcycled coffee will leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Kapa Nui Nails, Non-Toxic Polish
Say goodbye to toxic, damaging nail polish. This water-based option is long-lasting, safe, and, not to mention, super cute.
Sarah Burchard, Contributing Writer
Kelsen, After the Sun Balm
This balm removes even the most stubborn zinc sunscreen in one easy pass, leaving skin feeling nourished and moisturized. It’s always in my bag.
Rae Sojot, Senior Editor
Oura, Smart Ring
I have bid clunky smart watches adieu in favor of the Oura ring. Waterproof, accurate, and goes with everything—I never take it off!
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Ua Body, Natural Skincare
From lightweight body oils to botanical creams, Ua Body offers a range of products for any skin type. Everything is locally handcrafted in small batches.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Yoga Room Hawaiʻi, Five Class Package
They offer a variety of yoga types, whether you’re looking to break a sweat in their heated sessions or unwind with yin stretches.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Getaway by Orion Sun
The album I heard the most this year, whether being played in the NMG office, or spilling out of the bars on Hotel Street.
Sabrine Rivera, Operations Director
I Could Not Believe It: The 1979 Teenage Diaries of Sean DeLear
A time capsule of queer, black, and underground culture in Los Angeles. Sean was brilliant, and this collection is a beautiful way to remember his laugh.
Sabrine Rivera, Operations Director
Lo—TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism by Julia Watson
Four hundred pages of design inspiration for our current time of climate crisis that draws on indigenous knowledge from eighteen countries around the world.
Matthew Dekneef, Editor-in-Chief
softscars by yeule
My album of the year. Blending shoegaze with hints of glitch pop, it’s a standout piece for any music library.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Bishop Museum, Family Membership
Gift a gift that lasts all year! Members enjoy the extraordinary history, culture, and environment of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Simone Perez, Advertising Director
Hawaiian Airlines, Gifted Miles
Give the gift of travel! You can’t go wrong with airline miles.
Mike Wiley, VP of Sales
Manukai Handboards, Malolo 2.0
Who doesn’t want to glide atop the water and catch longer rides? This board is perfect for all sizes of waves and levels of expertise.
Sheri Salmon, People & Creative Services Director
Mubi, 1-Year Subscription
For the cinema lovers in your life. With a great curation of recent foreign releases, Mubi is like the Criterion Collection’s younger sister.
Eunica Escalante, Managing Editor
Native Books, Moon Phase Cards
A handy guide about Hawaiian moon phases, it’s perfect for learning alongside little ones. I want these for Oleanna and I!
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
Paint with Numbers, Paint Kits
A fun and easy way to create art. Choose from a variety of designs, then frame for a DIY gallery wall piece.
Jessica Lunasco, Operations Coordinator
What Are the Fronds For? by Wendy Arbeit
I came across this at the library and am obsessed — I don’t want to give it back! Yet another reminder of what an amazing resource the coconut tree is.
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings by Mary Kawena Pukui
The most comprehensive collection of Hawaiian proverbs and sayings, it gives readers an understanding of the essence and origins of traditional Hawaiian values.
Sheri Salmon, People & Creative Services Director
Kokoro by Natsume Sōseki
A great book on the human condition. It’s one of those reads that can change your perspective on everything.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Save the Cat!® Beat Sheet Workbook: How Writers Turn Ideas Into Stories
For aspiring film and TV writers, this book will help get the creative juices going.
Gerard Elmore, VP of Film
Ke Kumu Aupuni by Samuel Mānaiakalani Kamakau
Translating the first third of Samuel Mānaiakalani Kamakau’s original series encompassing Hawaiʻi’s monumental history, this book quickly sold out upon first publication and is back for its second reissue.
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
Bose, QC35 II
In my opinion, these are the best headphones at this price range. Superior noise-cancellation makes it perfect for office work days or diving into a new album.
Coby Shimabukuro-Sanchez, Designer
Isa Catto, Bird Flight Notebook
In honor of NMG’s Aspen channel, Après: notebooks featuring artwork by Colorado artist Isa Catto, whose designs were inspired by the flight patterns of local birds.
Lauren McNally, Hawaiʻi Editorial Director
McCully Bicycle & Sporting Goods, Gift Card
Find everything from bike tools to swim goggles. Let your giftee shop for an existing healthy habit or, even better, inspire a new one.
Taylor Niimoto, Managing Designer
Native Books, Limu Guide
A classic book by the first lady of limu, Isabella Aiona Abbott. It’s great anyone who wants to know more about our ocean world.
Anna Harmon, Contributing Writer
Over Under, The Original Set
These mask and snorkel combos come in fun colors with keiki and adult sizes. Perfect for your under the sea explorations.
Sheri Salmon, People & Creative Services Director
Royal Hawaiian Catamaran, Private Charter
Two hours to enjoy Waikīkī from a different perspective. A big gift or a way to finally pay back mom and dad.
John Hook, Senior Photographer
