Yes, there are many gift card options available in Hawaii. Gift cards are a popular gift choice for those vacationing in or traveling to the Aloha State. Major retailers, restaurants, activity operators, and more offer gift cards that can be used throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Major Retailers
Many major retail chains that have locations in Hawaii also offer universal gift cards that can be used at any of their stores. This includes large department stores like Macy’s and Sears, as well as clothing retailers like Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. There are also retail chains like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Target that sell gift cards usable at any of their Hawaiian stores.
Gift cards from these major chains allow the recipient to purchase a variety of items, from clothing and accessories to home goods, groceries, beauty items, and more. They can be great options for those who aren’t exactly sure what the gift card recipient would like or could use while in Hawaii.
Major Retailer Gift Cards Available in Hawaii
- Macy’s
- Sears
- Gap
- Banana Republic
- Old Navy
- Ross
- TJ Maxx
- Target
Grocery Stores
Grocery store gift cards are another versatile option for those spending time in Hawaii. Major chains with locations throughout the islands include Foodland, Safeway, Times, and Costco. Gift cards from these stores allow visitors to purchase food, drinks, snacks, toiletries, sunscreen, and any other essentials they may need during their stay.
For those who plan to cook some of their own meals while visiting a vacation rental property or timeshare, grocery store gift cards can definitely come in handy. They offer flexibility without being limited to just one restaurant or activity.
Grocery Store Gift Cards in Hawaii
- Foodland
- Safeway
- Times
- Costco
Restaurant Gift Cards
Gift cards to popular restaurants are always a safe bet for those visiting Hawaii. With delicious dining options across the islands, restaurant gift cards give recipients the flexibility to enjoy a meal at whichever restaurant they choose on whichever island they happen to be visiting.
Some restaurant chains like Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, and Red Lobster have locations on multiple islands. Meanwhile, other dining gift cards may be for restaurants that only have a presence on one specific island. Either way, restaurant gift cards allow visitors to sample the excellent local cuisine Hawaii has to offer.
Restaurant Gift Card Options for Hawaii
- Outback Steakhouse
- Chili’s
- Red Lobster
- Roy’s
- Duke’s
- Hula Grill
- Monkeypod Kitchen
- Matteo’s Osteria
- Cafe O’Lei
Activity Gift Cards
As an alternative to restaurant gift cards, consider getting a gift card for a popular Hawaiian activity. This allows the recipient to have a memorable experience on their Hawaii trip. Activity gift cards range from ocean adventures like snorkeling and boat cruises to cultural experiences like luaus and hula lessons.
Some popular Hawaiian activity gift card options include:
Hawaiian Activity Gift Card Ideas
- Snorkel boat cruise
- Submarine ride
- Luau show
- Surfing or stand-up paddleboard lesson
- Helicopter tour
- Zipline tour
- Manta ray night snorkel
- Hawaiian hula dancing lesson
- Horseback riding adventure
- Parasailing flight
Spa and Massage Gift Cards
For the ultimate relaxation, you may want to gift a spa or massage experience. Hawaii is home to world-class spas and massage therapists offering indulgent treatments. Give the gift of rejuvenation with a gift card to a Hawaiian spa or massage provider.
Some top spots for spa and massage gift cards include:
Recommended Spas for Gift Cards
- SpaHalekulani (Waikiki)
- SpaSuite (Wailea)
- Hualalai Spa (Kona)
- Nalu Kinetic Spa (Princeville)
- Spa Luana (Wailea)
Online Gift Cards
In addition to physical gift cards sold in Hawaii, there are some online gift card options that can also be used on the islands. These include major credit card gift cards like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The recipient can use the gift card anywhere that takes credit cards.
There are also online services like Restaurant.com that sell gift certificates valid at participating restaurants nationwide, including Hawaii. This allows you to purchase a gift card good for locations on multiple islands.
Some other online gift card options include:
Online Gift Card Ideas for Hawaii
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Restaurant.com
- Hotels.com
- Hawaiian Airlines
Where to Buy Gift Cards in Hawaii
Wondering where you can actually purchase gift cards once you’re visiting Hawaii? Here are some of the top places to shop for gift cards while in the islands:
Gift Card Purchase Locations in Hawaii
- ABC Stores – souvenir, food, and activity gift cards
- Foodland – grocery and restaurant cards
- Longs Drugs – retailer and restaurant cards
- Gift shops – activity and restaurant cards
- Hotels – spa, restaurant, and activity cards
- Surf shops – activity cards
- Luau ticket offices – luau gift cards
Many individual businesses and tour operators will also sell their own gift cards directly for use on their services and products. Check out the official websites of any experiences you want to gift to see if they offer digital or physical gift cards for purchase.
Are Gift Cards Popular Gifts in Hawaii?
Absolutely! Gift cards make excellent gifts for those visiting or traveling to Hawaii. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, gift cards remain one of the most popular gift items requested by both adults and teenagers. 62% of respondents said they would prefer a gift card as a gift.
Gift cards are also popular souvenir gifts from Hawaii for loved ones back home. The gift recipient doesn’t have to join on the Hawaii trip to enjoy gifts of Hawaiian food, activities, and experiences.
Below are some key benefits that make gift cards a top gifting choice in Hawaii:
Why Gift Cards Make Great Hawaii Gifts
- Allows flexibility for the recipient to choose their own activities, dining, etc.
- Useful for recipients who are traveling to or within Hawaii
- No need to guess shirt sizes, favorite colors, etc. One card size fits all!
- Excellent options for food lovers who want to sample Hawaiian cuisine
- Gives the ability to enjoy Hawaii experiences even if unable to visit
- Handy to have available spending money already on a card
Common Hawaii Gift Card FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about purchasing and using gift cards in Hawaii:
Hawaii Gift Card FAQs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Do Hawaii gift cards expire? | Expiration varies by merchant. Branded gift cards (Visa, etc.) typically expire after 5-7 years. Retailer cards usually expire 6-24 months after purchase if unused. |
Where can I buy discounted Hawaii gift cards? | Check sites like Raise.com, GiftCardSpread.com, and GiftCardGranny.com for discounted gift cards. |
Can I purchase Hawaii gift cards online? | Yes, many merchants sell digital Hawaii gift cards that can be emailed or virtually delivered. |
Are there Hawaii gift card deals or packages? | Some hotels and activities offer gift card bundles with deals like get $500 worth of cards for $400. paradise-point.com example. |
What’s the best Hawaii gift card for souvenirs? | ABC Store or mall gift cards allow recipients to shop for their own Hawaiian souvenirs like shirts, art, crafts, and food. |
Fun Hawaii Gift Card Ideas
Looking to give a fun, unique Hawaiian-themed gift card? Here are some creative gift card ideas for Hawaii:
Unique Hawaii Gift Card Ideas
- ukulele or hula lesson
- outrigger canoe experience
- helicopter volcano tour
- surfboard or stand-up paddleboard rental
- snorkel and sea turtle encounter
- Hawaiian luau show and dinner
- shave ice treats
- sunset catamaran cruise
- Polynesian Cultural Center admission
- glass bottomed boat ride
You could also create your own personalized Hawaiian gift card or certificate for services like a massage, manicure, hike tour, or other experience if you want to get really creative!
Best Practices When Gifting Hawaii Cards
Follow these tips to give the most thoughtful and useful Hawaii gift cards:
How to Choose the Best Hawaii Gift Cards
- Match it to their interests – Give surf lessons for water sports lovers, luau for the culturally curious, etc.
- Consider where they are staying – Pick a card near their hotel or vacation rental area.
- Get multi-island cards – For travelers hopping between islands, choose cards valid statewide.
- Add custom flair – Pair the card with Hawaiian treats, products, or souvenirs.
- Include receipts – Let the recipient know the card’s purchase date, value, and policy details.
Conclusion
Gift cards make excellent hassle-free gifts for visitors to the Hawaiian Islands. Major retailers, popular restaurants, activity operators, spas, and more offer convenient gift card options. Cards can be purchased online or at many shops across Hawaii. Gift recipients are sure to appreciate the flexibility and utility of Hawaii gift cards that allow them to dine, play, and relax across the islands.