Looking for Hawaii inspired holiday gifts? While I’m a huge about not consuming and doing what we can to help the environment, I also love giving gifts—meaningful gifts. So I want to start by saying the best gifts don’t cost money. As you may have learned with laulima, ho’okipa, or ‘ohana, the best gifts aren’t “things.” They best things are relationships, people, love, kindness, hope, faith, and so much more. This holiday season I hope we can give the gift or our attention, presence, aloha, and so much more.
And, if we want to give a physical gift, here is a list of the Hawaii inspired holiday gifts I came up with for 2021. I felt like these were meaningful gifts: things that support a cause, bring joy, or inspire positive change. I hope you enjoy browsing through this list, and be sure to watch for discount codes along the way!
Fahlo Bracelets
Do you love wildlife, specifically sharks and turtles? Want to support conservation efforts in a way that’s easy and fun? Fahlo is a company that sells affordable, cute bracelets and donates the proceeds to non-profit organizations like the Turtle Conservancy and Saving the Blue. Each bracelet comes with a shark or turtle that you can track. I love that I can wear a bracelet reminding me to mālama the earth and its animals. If the honu or mano isn’t your thing, Fahlo also sells bracelets to support polar bears and elephants!
If you want to get your own bracelet, or, even better, gift a bracelet to a wildlife loving friend, check out Fahlo.
Use my code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your order!
Aloha State of Mind
My debut novel, Aloha State of Mind, is a wonderful Hawaii inspired gift. This self help book covers 24 Hawaiian values to help you create paradise where you are. It’s an easy read, using examples from Hawaiian culture, lifestyle, language, and stories from my own life to help you bring Hawaii home.
You can’t really go wrong when you gift a Hawaii themed journal to a loved one. My “Live Aloha” Journals feature lines from Aloha State of Mind and come in both lined and unlined versions. These journals have a matte, anti-scuff finish and work as wonderful stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, friend gifts, classmate gifts, and so much more.
Start the new year right with a gratitude journal. This “Mahalo ke Akua” Gratitude journal includes scriptures, quotes, and plenty of space to record what you are grateful for on a daily basis.
This Etsy shop features a lot of awesome aloha-inspired products from shirts and hats to stickers and tote bags. Elle Chi is owned by two locals from Hawaii and everything is made with aloha, from the quality of the items to the way things are packaged and shipped. You won’t be disappointed by your purchase here, and you can feel good knowing that you’re shopping local!
Though ranging on the higher price end *due in large part to the cost of shipping!), Big Island Candies has the best chocolate dipped short bread cookies. There are other delicious chocolatiers in Hawaii, like Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut, but Big Island Candies is a whole new level. I’m also biased because I grew up in Hilo and frequenting the store was one of our favorite things to do! I highly recommend their original chocolate macadamia nut shortbread cookies (like the one pictured). I’m not an affiliate, I just love their stuff. 🙂
I have to add this because I personally think this is so pretty! My husband gave one to me on my birthday and I wear it nearly everyday. It’s classy, elegant, and has lasted a long time too. This would make a perfect gift for the Hawaii lover!
I met Karen on Pinterest and she is a wonderful artist. Her art is bright, uplifting, and tropical. Some of the scenes she paints are just so dreamy, including old, colorful plantation homes with stunning backdrops of waterfalls, mountains, and palm trees.
Learn 5 Hawaiian water words to inspire our appreciation for such a vital resource. Water is an important life force in any culture and environment, but especially in Hawaii. Growing up on the Big Island, it rained nearly everyday in Hilo, but it was never a cause to complain. Water is life. Where there is water, there is life, and it is a blessing.
It was normal to carry an umbrella anywhere we went, as well as wear slippers, because our feet got wet anyways. Whether we went to the beach, sloshed through rainy streets, or splashed into a refreshing waterfall, we appreciate water.
I hope these Hawaiian water words inspire you to appreciate the importance of water and make an effort to conserve and keep clean this vital resource.
Read to the end for some exciting news too! 🙂 MAHALO for your continued aloha and support of me and this blog!
Rain
Ua, pronounced “oo-ah,” means rain in Hawaiian. You might hear Hawaiian water words like this during a chant or hula. There are other poetic ways to say “rain” but ua is the most frequently used, at least where I grew up. According to the Wehewehe dictionary, “rain or rains may signify joy, life, growth, greenery; good fortune (light rains, mist); grief, sorrow, and tears (heavy rains); the presence of gods or royalty, beauty; hardship.”
Ocean
“Moana” means ocean in Hawaiian. We pronounce moana the same way the Disney Moana pronounces it! This is a popular name, and not only because of the Disney movie. It represents the open ocean and used in names like Moana Pākīpika, the Pacific Ocean.
Sea
“Kai” is sea in Hawaiian. When giving directions in Hawaii, locals usually give it in terms of “makai” and “mauka.” Makai refers to the direction towards the ocean, and mauka refers to the direction towards the mountains. Many Hawaiian names use the word “kai,” either as simply Kai, Kekai (the sea), Kailani (heavenly sea), Kainani (beautiful sea), and so forth.
Water
I love the word for water in Hawaiian. Wai. Doesn’t it just sound so pretty? The “w” is usually pronounced with a “v” instead of a “w” sound. So the word sounds like “vai.” Water is so important to the Hawaiians. Their whole socioeconomic systems, the ahupu’a, were established along rivers and pie-shaped wedges of land that ran from the mountains to the sea. Wai is not a commonly used word by locals, but it is one that we know and appreciate.
Wave
Nalu, pronounced “nah-loo,” is wave in Hawaiian. There’s a reason “he’enalu” means surfing, because “he’e” means “to slip, slide, or surf” and “nalu” means “wave.” People commonly used nalu as a name in Hawaii, but I haven’t heard variations on the name. I’ve only known people named “Nalu,” with nothing added to it. If you have heard of a variation on the name Nalu, drop it in the comments! 🙂
Bonus water words:
I had a hard time choosing which words to place into this article, so I decided to add a few bonus Hawaiian water words!
Waterfall – Wailele
River – Kahawai, which literally means “place of water”
Beach – Kahakai, which literally means “place of sea”
🌺 Exciting News for Naturally Aloha!
FeedSpot featured Naturally Aloha as one of the top 20 Hawaii Lifestyle blogs! I feel so honored to be a part of this list with so many other talented Hawaii bloggers and influencers! Check it out here!
Let’s hear from you!
What is your favorite Hawaiian water word? Is there one that I missed? Or is there a Hawaiian name that has to do with water that you love? I’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🙂
When people ask me what Hawaiian music I like, it’s sort of a difficult question to answer. The term “Hawaiian Music” is a lot broader than people think. For example, I like the ancient style of Hawaiian music, used in hula dancing or chanting. I also like old Hawaiian music and slack key guitar, the kind that my mom would play as I grew up. Furthermore, I truly enjoy contemporary Hawaiian music, by musicians living today that are active in the Hawaiian community. Jawaiian and local favorites are also something I enjoy listening to while I’m with my siblings.
With that said, I want to explore the different genres of music within “Hawaiian music,” because there’s simply more than just one type of Hawaiian music. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can get a better idea of what type of Hawaiian music you’re looking for, and maybe explore other categories within the bigger genre!
Ancient Hawaiian Music for Hula Dancing, Call & Response
Mele (music) has always been a huge part of the Hawaiian culture. In fact, there are two types of mele that we talk about, especially when it comes to dancing hula: kahiko and auana. Kahiko refers to the ancient music of Hawaii, involving chanting, blowing the pū, and tapping the ipu. Auana refers to modern Hawaiian music, including piano, slack key guitar, and singing.
I found a playlist that does a wonderful job of encompassing the ancient Hawaiian mele used to dance hula kahiko. As a result, you’ll hear a lot of chanting-like melodies in Hawaiian of course, by a kumuhula (hula instructor) and sometimes the dancers, as well as finger drumming on the ipu, gourd.
Not all kahiko songs are used to dance to hula because some are used to recite a genealogy, creation myth (such as the kumulipo), or as a call and response. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to chant an oli asking permission to enter someone’s space. For instance, in high school, my classmates and I used to chant at the beginning of the day, asking our teachers permission to enter the classrooms. They would reply with an oli of their own to accept us.
However, if we look at it anciently, when Hawaiians approached a home or even an island, they’d blow the pū, the large conch shell, to announce their arrival. Then they would chant, asking permission to enter, land, or come into the space. Those within the space would chant back their reply.
Here is a playlist of some Hawaiian mele used for hula kahiko, or as chants that tell a story, genealogy, or act as a call and response. Many of the names within this list are very popular Hawaiian singers and chanters. Enjoy!
Old Hawaiian Music & Slack Key Guitar
Hawaiian music drifted into auana (auana actually means “to drift or wander,” which is what Hawaiian music has done over time). Kanikapila is a Hawaiian word used to describe anytime a group of people get together to sing and play instruments. Growing up in Hawaii, kanikapila usually happened unplanned. Someone would bring out an ukulele or guitar, and the next thing we knew, we were all sitting in a circle and singing.
Many of the old Hawaiian songs, along with the slack key guitar, feel much like a kanikapila. They’re the songs that are most played on the radio and are beloved, and timeless to the Hawaiian culture. These songs fill me with nostalgia, as these are the songs my own mom would play. She had CDs of Na Leo, Makaha Sons, the Brothers Cazimero, and more.
There are so many hallmarks of each of these groups that I might write an article about how each one has uniquely contributed to what Hawaiian music is today. However, some of the commonalities between the old Hawaiian music is the use of the piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, and singers harmonizing. Every group or musician had their specialities though.
One popular Hawaiian singer, Lena Machado, had a particular talent of holding a note until anyone listening might think she was out of breath. However, Lena would hold the note for an extended period of time and NOT take a breath until she finished the phrase! Fun fact: Later on, Raiatea Helm continued this tradition in her music.
To sum it up, here is a list of some of my favorite traditional and old Hawaiian musicians:
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Brothers Cazimero
Dennis Pavao
Na Leo
Makaha Sons
Hapa
Amy Hanaiali’i
Lena Machado
Slack Key Guitar
Slack Key Guitar is another type of Hawaiian music. Some people sing to slack key guitar, but often it is done without singing. To clarify, slack key is simply a different way of tuning the guitar, and artists would pick and strum to well-known Hawaiian tunes. The playlist below is one of my favorite albums of slack key guitar. In addition, here is a brief list of some of the well-known Hawaiian slack key guitar artists:
Keola Beamer
Cyril Pahinui
Sonny Chillingworth
Popular TV & Movie Hawaiian Music
Hawaiian music has made appearances in popular tv shows and movies over the years. While there may be more, I’ve listed below some of the more popular songs that you might think of when it comes to “Hawaiian music.”
Elvis Presley & “Blue Hawaii”
The Hawaiian Wedding Song, Hukilau, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Blue Hawaii are some of the big hits from the movie, “Blue Hawaii,” starring Elvis Presley. I was genuinely surprised by how many of my Hawaiian friends and classmates adore this movie, because I can’t stand listening or watching it! I guess you either hate or love it!
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch
“Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” really catches the enthusiasm of the Hawaiian spirit. While I didn’t love the movie, I think they did a great job with the music, even having local artists and choirs record the songs.
Disney’s Moana
The music in “Moana” isn’t Hawaiian or spoken in the Hawaiian language but it definitely has the island and Polynesian vibe!
Braddah Iz “Over the Rainbow”
This is an iconic song featured in many movies! I really enjoy Braddah Iz’s version of this song. While strumming an ukulele, his voice is so soothing and, in many ways, nostalgic.
Recent Hawaiian singers who actively put out new music
These are the current, most recent preservers of Hawaiian music and people I admire for their creativity, knowledge, and sheer talent. From speaking fluent Hawaiian, writing their own lyrics and music, and sharing their love of Hawaii with the world, these artists are truly amazing. I appreciate their contributions to preserving and evolving the Hawaiian culture and music.
I didn’t attach any playlist here, but the playlist in the “Traditional Hawaiian Music” section features many of these artists. So definitely give it a listen! 🙂
Kuana Torres Kahele Hawaiian Music
Kuana has become my favorite artists in all of Hawaiian music over the years. In each of his albums he features a different Hawaiian island or location. He also has a few holiday albums and sang the song “Lava” for Pixar’s short film. He loves making lei and dancing hula, and occasionally does live streams on Facebook. Can’t recommend Kuana enough!
Raiatea Helm
Raiatea is a lot like Lena Machado in style and ability to hold her breath for a long time. However, Raitea’s music is still her own: fun, upbeat, and quite traditional. Highly recommend!
Keali’i Raichel
If you’ve never heard “Kawaipunahele” can you say you’ve listened to Hawaiian music? 😛 This song is played at nearly every big event—weddings, graduations, may day, etc. It’s a classic song for a woman to dance to alone. I can’t even say how many times I’ve heard this song. Keali’i is very talented, and continues to put out new music here and there. Growing up, my mom would play the album “Kawaipunahele” so I recommend that one if you’re just learning about Keali’i!
Weldon Kekauoha
Weldon and I are related somehow haha. I grew up listening to the CD “Hawaiian Man” so that will always be my favorite album of his. He has continued to write music in recent years that is still heartfelt and both in Hawaiian and English. His voice is soothing and the music is relaxing.
Henry Kapono
I’m not as familiar with Henry as my own readers and followers, but he is very active on social media, does a lot of covers, and has a very happy, upbeat personality. Henry does live shows at Duke’s on Oahu, which is awesome considering so few artists go live anymore!
Kalani Pe’a
Kalani has won a Grammy award for the best regional roots music album. His music is both traditional and sometimes contemporary. All his music is in the Hawaiian language too.
Jawaiian or Local Hawaiian Music
There is a category under Hawaiian music called “Jawaiian.” Jamaica (reggea) + Hawaiian = Jawaiian. That’s probably the easiest way I can explain it. Many local artists in Hawaii have captured the beat, rhythm, and vibe of Jamaican reggae music but have mixed it either with Hawaiian language, Pidgin English, or local island culture.
This is the sort of music played on the radio in Hawaii. It’s not quite reggae, but not quite Hawaiian so it’s a mix of both! The playlist below covers it all really well. I enjoy listening to this music when I’m with my siblings, but because the radio and locals seem to play the same songs for years, I’ve gotten sort of burnt out. While I don’t love this type of music anymore, it still carries nostalgia.
Here is a list of some popular Jawaiian artists. Not all of them fit perfectly but these all have the same vibe and would usually perform at local ho’olaule’a performances in the park.
Anuhea
Keahiwai
Kolohe Kai – Cool Down
Ehukai
Opihi Pickers
Rebel Souljahz – Nothing To Hide
J Boog
Common Kings
Sammy Johnson
The Green
Maoli – No One is one of their most popular songs.
Sean Na’auao
Reggae Music
Reggae music originated in Jamaica and is mostly represented by Bob Marley. Many locals enjoy listening to Bob Marley, so I thought it was only fair to feature his work here! This playlist also features some other Reggae artists.
Other Artists Beloved by Hawaiian Islanders
Jack Johnson – A lot of locals have spotted Jack around town and have said he’s really nice. With that said, his music is really great too!
Colbie Caillat – I’m not sure if she’s from Hawaii, but Hawaiians and locals love her music. It’s chill, simple, and meaningful.
Notable Ukulele Players (mostly from Hawaii)
Here is yet another little genre of music in Hawaii: ukulele music. While some ukulele players write their own music, others do covers of music. Either way, they’re all quite talented!
Jake Shimabukuro
Kalei Gamiao
Kris Fuchigami
Taimane
Let’s hear from you!
What is your favorite kind of Hawaiian music? Is there a Hawaiian artist that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
Reef safe sunscreen protects Hawaii’s beautiful coral reefs and ecosystems from harmful chemicals that cause bleaching and other effects.
Hawaii sees millions of visitors and tourists every year. They hit up the beach, lathering on sunscreen to protect from the warm sun rays.
Naturally, all that sunscreen washes off in the water, impacting the beautiful corals and reefs. Especially with so many tourists coming to the waters everyday in Hawaii, the impact can be devastating.
Just google “bleached coral” to see the effects of tourism and chemical sunscreens.
But we can each play a part in protecting the marine life and ocean by using reef safe sunscreen.
There is a Hawaiian value called malama, which means to care for and protect. It is our duty to mālama ke kai, protect the sea. As we shift to eco-friendly products, we can make a huge difference. Even educating others on the effects of chemical-based sunscreens cane do so much for our oceans.
Save this image to share on social media!
Hawaii created a new law, effective January 1, 2021, that bans any sunscreens with two ingredients: oxybenzone and octinoxate.
What does oxybenzone and octinoxate do to coral reefs?
According to Dr. Craig Downs, executive director of the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Clifford, Virginia, oxybenzone and octinoxate prevents the growth of baby corals, causes coral bleaching, and may even affect some marine animals like shrimp and clams.
Here are some things you can do to keep the reef safe:
-Choose sunscreens that do not include oxybenzone and octinoxate in the ingredients. You must check carefully because some companies claim their sunscreens to be “reef safe” when they’re really not! Read the list of ingredients thoroughly.
-Avoid sunscreens with other reef-harming chemicals, like nano particles, avobenzone, octocrylene petrolatum (aka mineral oil), and homosalate. These harm the coral and reefs too.
-Avoid sunscreens (and products in general) with parabens in them.
-Avoid aerosol sprays. Harmful particles can get into the air.
-Especially for those who burn easily, reduce the use of sunscreen by covering up as much as possible: use a straw hat, rash guard, or stay in the shade.
-Choose snorkel or boat tour companies that require the use of reef-safe sunscreens. Some tour companies even provide reef-safe sunscreens.
-Plan ahead of time: I’ll list below the best reef-safe sunscreen you can order and pack before your trip to Hawaii!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here. Mahalo!
The Best Reef Safe Sunscreens
Here are the best reef-safe sunscreens you can get for your next Hawaii trip! Some of these are from local businesses in Hawaii, so be sure to check them out!
The biggest takeaway from this sunscreen is that little goes a long way. Even though this sunscreen comes in little 3 oz tubes (perfect for traveling), it should last a good couple of days!
Sun Bum finally came out with their reef-safe sunscreen! I double checked the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. It also comes in SPF 30 and SPF 15.
Another local company based out of Maui, Raw Love is a non-nano sunscreen with all natural ingredients. When you can actually read and identify the ingredients, you know it’s good!
Support a local Maui business by purchasing Mama Kuleana sunscreen. Made with all natural ingredients and packaged in a biodegradable container, this sunscreen smells great and won’t harm the ocean life.
This non-nano sunscreen glides on smoothly. It comes in a biodegradable package and uses zinc oxide as its base ingredient to protect your skin from burning.
These are the easiest Hawaii gifts for him! Guys are honestly kind of hard to shop for, but with this list, you should know what to get him in a jiffy. Especially if your man loves Hawaii, these are the perfect Hawaii gifts for him! With a variety of prices and items, you’ve got a lot to choose from here. From surfer themed items to more traditional Hawaiian goodies (even food!), your man is going to LOVE the gift you get him! Whether it’s his birthday, achievement, holiday, or just because, these Hawaii gifts will delight and remind him of Hawaii!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here.
Under $20
These budget-savvy items are sure to bring a little more Hawaii into his life and home. A bonus is that the keychains come in a pack of 12! Give it to all your Hawaii-loving friends, use as stocking stuffers, or just get them for yourself!
Fahlo is a company that makes bracelets and donates part of the proceeds to wildlife conservation efforts for sea turtles, sharks, polar bears, and elephants. Use my link or use code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your Fahlo order! Read more about the bracelets here!
E komo mai! 🌺 I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
Get my debut novel, “Aloha State of Mind”
Create paradise wherever you are with my debut novel, available for purchase on Amazon and more!
Check out my Hawaiian Epic Fantasy, “Rise of the Manō”
