‘Ono Omiyage: Hawai‘i’s Sweet Gift-Giving Tradition

Whether it’s a trip to another island, the continental U.S. or abroad, locals like to bring home omiyage to share pieces of their travels with family and friends.

The Japanese term omiyage generally refers to souvenirs or gifts—but it’s more than that. In Hawai‘i, it’s an endearing practice meant to express appreciation and aloha.

The tradition of giving omiyage in Japan is believed to have originated centuries ago when people made long pilgrimages to Shinto shrines. Travelers would typically return from shrines with small religious tokens for family and friends. Over time, giving omiyage became a customary gesture of connection and gratitude in Japan, extending beyond religious pilgrimages to include all types of travel. Today, gifts can range from regional treats to traditional crafts and beyond. These tokens, often neatly packaged, are specific to the destination and generally difficult to find anywhere else.

Like many of Hawai‘i’s traditions that span cultures, this gift-giving practice can be traced to the Islands’ plantation era and the immigrant laborers from Japan who carried on the custom.

Nowadays in Hawai‘i, omiyage is closely connected with edible gifts—especially when traveling to another island, regardless if it’s for leisure or work. Depending on the interisland flight, you might see passengers carrying boxes of manapua from Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery on O‘ahu; mochi from Maui Specialty Chocolates on the Valley Isle; sweet potato chips from Taro Ko Chips on Kaua‘i; or Mrs. Barry’s Kona Cookies on Hawai‘i Island.

So if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts from the Islands, you can’t go wrong with any of those things. Or you could opt for a box of macadamia nuts, candy from Noms, dried fruit dusted in li hing powder, treats from Honolulu Cookie Company or 100% Kona coffee.

This story was originally published in our FALL/WINTER 2025 issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.

Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.