When you travel, do you practice Omiyage, or the Art of Gifting? Omiyage is a Japanese tradition where people who travel on a trip--which can be for business, pleasure or both--bring back a little gift or souvenir for their friends, family, and sometimes neighbors and co-workers.
The Omiyage custom is very strong in Hawaii and is practiced by many people, not just those of Japanese ancestry. I mean, who doesn't likes to give and receive presents?
Omiyage does not have to be expensive, it is the thought that counts. Bring back a little gift for the neighbor watering your plants, the friend taking you to and picking you up from the airport, the colleagues covering the extra work load while you were gone...
With local people, visiting a neighbor island also counts as a trip worthy of bringing back omiyage, usually a unique specialty food item that the island is famous for.
When friends and family visit us on the Big Island of Hawaii, the two must have omiyage places we stop at are Big Island Candies, and Two Ladies Kitchen--famous for their beautiful and fresh mochi, a sweet Japanese confection. Another attraction is going to the Hilo Farmer's Market and buying tropical flowers. The majority of beautiful anthuriums, orchids, and other exotic Hawaiian flowers are grown on the rainy Hilo side of the Big Island, and are cheaper than buying them in a Honolulu flower shop.
To save time and have less hassle and stress, we have had people from the mainland visiting Hawaii, order our unique Hawaiian gifts and have us ship it to their home address. That way they don't have to fill their suitcases and carry ons with gifts that they may not have room for. One organized customer ordered everything before her trip to Hawaii, and timed it for delivery when they got back home. Another customer ordered from us because she did not buy enough Hawaiian omiyage gifts when she was in Hawaii!
If you need Hawaii omiyage gifts such as Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, Hawaiian candies, Hawaiian tropical flowers, Hawaiian scented candles, soaps and more, please visit our Hawaiian Gifts online store.
What is your favorite omiyage gift to give and receive, and where does it come from?
Yes, we always bring back small gifts to thank people for watching our cat or just as a souvenir. Hawaii always has good choices!
Posted by: Mauigirl52 | October 27, 2007 at 08:37 AM
I am sure all of the people enjoyed receiving your omiyage gifts from Hawaii:)
Posted by: HawaiiVacationGifts | October 28, 2007 at 03:32 AM
sometimes I practice giving souvenir to my friends and family members.I wanna show my care and appreciation to them even in a little things like this.Like what you have said,it doesn't have to be expensive, it is the thought that counts..I love your post!
seth
Posted by: online shopping in the Philippine | August 24, 2009 at 10:05 PM
It sounds great!
~Ashley
Posted by: florist Philippines | January 14, 2010 at 08:03 PM