10 Great Gift Ideas for Hawaii Graduates
Graduation is a monumental achievement, and in Hawaii, it's a celebration like no other. From the moment they walk across the stage, graduates are showered with an abundance of love, support, and, of course, leis. But what do you get the graduate who already has a neck full of flowers?
If you're looking for a special way to say "congratulations" and give a gift with a taste of the islands, we've compiled a list of 10 of the best Hawaiian graduation gift ideas. Whether they're heading to the mainland for college or starting their career right here in the 808 State, these unique gifts will help them celebrate their big moment and always remember where they came from.
1. Leis. Lots and Lots of Leis
Lots and lots of leis. Flower, candy, or money, just make sure your graduate can barely see and breathe. If you can't be with them in person, you can still mail them one!
No Hawaiian graduation is complete without leis. They are the ultimate symbol of love and congratulations. While fresh flower leis are a beautiful tradition, you can get creative with candy, ribbon, or money leis. If you can't be there in person, consider mailing a non-perishable lei or even a gift card for a local florist so they can pick one out themselves. For mainland-bound graduates, a kukui nut or maile-style ribbon lei will be a lasting reminder of home. 
2. Suitcases and packing cubes.
Your graduate is about to embark on college or real life. Either way, they’ll need luggage to get there and packing cubes will help keep all their gear and gifts organized.
For many Hawaii graduates, this milestone means a new adventure away from the islands. Help them prepare for their journey with a new set of luggage. Packing cubes are a game-changer for organizing clothes and keeping all their gear and gifts organized. It’s also a perfect way to help them transport some of their favorite local snacks and keepsakes back to their new home.
3. MONEY!
Let's be honest—cold, hard cash is a gift every graduate appreciates. Life is expensive, especially for a new college student or young professional. From textbooks and electronics to gas and groceries, money comes in handy for everything. To make this classic gift feel more special and Hawaiian, present it as a beautiful money lei, or tuck it inside a greeting card with a personal message. 
4. Noise cancelling headphones
Dorm life can be loud and unpredictable. Noise-cancelling headphones are a thoughtful and practical gift that will help your graduate focus on studying without being distracted by a roommate’s snoring or a noisy neighbor. They’re also perfect for long flights back home or for enjoying their favorite music or movies in peace.
5. Amazon Prime
Seriously, is there anyone who wouldn’t want to be gifted a year of Prime? If your grad is staying in the islands, he or she will thank you for helping them save an arm and a leg, the usual cost of shipping items to Hawaii. Prime also includes free streaming movies and music, and discounts on ebooks.
This is a gift that keeps on giving. For a student living away from the islands, a year of Amazon Prime is a lifesaver. The free two-day shipping is invaluable for everything from textbooks to dorm supplies, especially when shipping costs to Hawaii can be astronomical. Plus, it includes free streaming movies and music, which is great for unwinding after a tough day of classes.
6. Rice Cooker
If you can cook rice, you will never starve. It’s a basic life skill anyone from Hawaii should have. A small three-cup cooker is perfect for making spam musubis in your dorm. If you’re desperate enough, you can also make saimin and a number of other surprising things in your rice cooker.
7. Gold jewelry
Mark this important life event with a timeless piece of gold jewelry. In Hawaii, gold bracelets and pendants are often passed down through generations to commemorate special occasions. A bracelet or pendant with a personal message or their graduation date engraved on the back makes for a perfect, heartfelt memento that they’ll cherish for years to come.
8. Gift cards
Give your graduate the gift of choice! A gift card to their favorite coffee shop (like Starbucks), a big box store (Walmart or Target) for dorm essentials, or an online retailer is always a safe bet. Don't forget to include a gift card to Snack Hawaii so they can stock up on their favorite local treats whenever they get a craving for home.
9. Local clothing
Help your graduate represent the 808 State in style. Gifting local clothing, such as a comfortable t-shirt with a cool local design, a hat, or a new pair of Locals Only slippers, will give them a piece of home to take with them. Their slippers will also serve as a beacon to help other Hawaiian students find them on a crowded mainland campus!
10. Yummy Gummy- A Homesick Care Package
This gift is perfect for giving to a graduate on the mainland mid-year, just as they're starting to get the homesick blues. A care package filled with a variety of their favorite local snacks—from li hing mui gummy bears to crack seed and tropical cookies—will give them a boost to make it through the rest of the semester. It's a taste of home in a box, and a reminder that their family and friends are always thinking of them.
Conclusion
Graduation is a time to celebrate a new chapter, but it’s also a time to reflect on all the memories and the people who helped them get there. No matter which gift you choose, the most important thing is the thought behind it. A heartfelt message and a gift that reminds them of home will mean the world to any Hawaii graduate.
What's the best graduation gift you've ever given or received? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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