A piece of Hawaiian jewelry makes a good gift because it means something. Every motif carries a meaning, many pieces can be engraved with a name, and the best of them are made to be handed down. The hard part is choosing. This guide walks through it: who the gift is for, which design fits, silver or gold, and how to get the size right.
Start with the meaning
The quickest way to choose is to match the motif to the moment.
- A new beginning (graduation, a new job, a move, a new baby): plumeria, the flower of welcome and new beginnings. Shop plumeria jewelry.
- Safe travels, protection, or a long life: the honu, or sea turtle, a symbol of protection and good luck. Shop honu jewelry.
- Love and anniversaries: hand-engraved scroll, the heart of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, often with a name or initial. Shop scroll jewelry.
- Someone who loves the islands: the hibiscus, Hawaiʻi's state flower. Shop hibiscus jewelry.
- A beach lover or ocean person: turtles, dolphins, starfish, and shells. Shop sea life jewelry.
- Someone who would rather laugh: the island slipper. Nobody in Hawaiʻi calls them flip-flops. Shop slipper jewelry.
Want the full story behind these designs? Read the history and meaning of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, or our plumeria symbolism and style guide.
Gifts by occasion
Graduation. A classic time to give Hawaiian jewelry. A plumeria pendant for a new beginning, or an engraved initial piece they will keep for years.
Anniversaries and weddings. An heirloom scroll bangle or ring, in solid 14K gold if it is meant to be passed down. Many of our scroll rings include a personalized initial.
New baby. Our Hawaiian Bangle Collection includes baby bangles, a traditional first piece of jewelry.
Birthdays and just because. A pair of plumeria studs or a small honu pendant, easy to wear every day. Browse earrings and pendants.
For him. Heavy scroll bands, makau (fish hook) pendants, and tungsten rings with koa wood or opal inlays. Browse men's Hawaiian jewelry and tungsten rings.
Sterling silver or 14K gold?
Solid .925 sterling silver is the easy gift: the same island designs at a lower price, and many pieces under $50. It is nickel-free and safe for sensitive skin. Shop Hawaiian sterling silver.
Solid 14K gold is the heirloom gift. It will not tarnish or fade, it is safe in the ocean, and it is made to be handed down. Shop Hawaiian 14K gold.
Everything we sell is solid .925 sterling silver or solid 14K gold, stamped for authenticity. Plated and two-tone pieces are plated over solid sterling silver, never brass.
Make it personal
A name or initial turns a nice gift into their gift. Our Hawaiian Engraved Jewelry Collection includes initial pendants, rings, and earrings. Add your letter choice in the order notes at checkout. Need a different size, karat, or engraving? Start with a custom order.
Get the size right
- Pendants need no sizing, but most are sold without a chain. Add one from our chain collection.
- Rigid bangles have to fit over the hand, so the hand size matters more than the wrist. Use our bangle, bracelet, and anklet sizing guide.
- Rings come in a wide range of sizes, including half sizes on many designs. If you are not sure of their size, a pendant or earrings are the safer choice.
Please check sizes before ordering. All sales are final, and every piece is covered by our one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Shipped from Oʻahu
We are a family-owned shop on Oʻahu, sharing Hawaiian heirloom jewelry since 1994. Every order is hand-packed here and shipped USPS Priority Mail with tracking, with free US shipping on orders over $100. Questions about a gift? Get in touch, because we answer every message ourselves. Or browse the full Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry Collection.
