Maui Made Gifts for the Holiday Season

Its that time of year again when we are all rushing about trying to find the perfect gift. Here on Maui we are blessed with some amazing local business that create some awesome products. If you'd like to gift someone a piece of paradise this season here are my top recommendations:

Ocean Vodka 

 

Ocean Vodka is an incredible spirit distilled on Maui from Organic cane sugar and deep sea mineral water. It works by itself or in mixed drinks and their new sea float inspired bottle is really beautiful. 

Adobo Loco 

 

Adobo Loco is a really cool little family run hot sauce company that sources from local farmers on the island. All of their sauces are delicious and we always keep a bottle of their Pineapple Habanero sauce in the fridge.

Maui Babe 

 

Maui Babe sun products are made using local Hawaiian ingredients and work really well. I have to say that as a very fair girl who does not tan easily their Browning Lotion works quick and well. The fact that its not a stain or dye but just stimulates natural tanning factors in the skin is a big bonus.

Maui Gold Pineapple 

 

Nothing says Hawaii like Pineapple, and Maui Gold is the sweetest pineapple I've ever tasted. You can taste these super sweet fruits for yourself by ordering from their website if you can't find them locally. Maui Gold uses Fedex 2 day air to get your pineapple to you as quick as possible and all prices include shipping. 

Island Essence Bath and Spa 

  

Island Essence spa products are a luxurious line of products made with local ingredients such as sea kelp, kukui nut oil, and noni extract. I am particularly in love with their body butters, especially in the Passionfruit Lime scent. It is sweet, light, and really unique. 

Maui Brewing Co 

 

Maui Brewing Co is our award winning local micro brewery here on the island. Their creations all use local ingredients giving them a truly unique taste. You can find their products near you using their handy Beer Finder

Maui Girl & Co

 

Maui Girl & Co is an amazing swimwear company based on Maui's North shore in Paia. They have some incredible designs and have been featured several times in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. 

Maui Soap Company 

 

Maui Soap Company makes a lovely line of handmade vegan bath products using Coconut oil. The scents are very true to life and really bring the scents of island home. 

Pandeia Sundial Watches 

 

Now I don't own one these myself because they are a bit pricey, but they are so so awesome. Each piece is handcrafted and numbered. The pieces incorporate a compass and sundial with instructions engraved on the back. I really hope these catch on and think they would make a truly unique gift for any watch lover. 

Surfer Girl Jewelry 

 

Surfer Girl Jewelry is based right in my little town of Kihei and makes some really beautiful pieces. Each piece is handcrafted and really captures the spirit of the islands. 

So I hope if you are looking to give a bit of paradise this season my list has helped. I love giving out of the box gifts that people aren't expecting, especially things from far away places. Until next time Aloha from Maui. 

My Obsession: Scented Candles and Wax Melts

I love scented candles and wax melts, like really love them. Much to my husbands frustration I tend to buy them in large quantities whenever I find them on sale. Living on a remote tropical island makes finding them locally a challenge so thank goodness for the internet. Today I'm going to share with you some scents to bring a tropical atmosphere to your home, and then later in the blog I'll share the scents I'm currently obsessing over.

Leeward Lagoon 

 This is described as a serene and tropical mixture of water lily, flowering tonka and pink grapefruit with a splash of coconut water, to me it is bright light and watery and makes me think of the beach early on a warm morning. 

Hibiscus Java 

 

This one is described as an intricate blend of the blooming white florals of jasmine and orange blossom mixed with rich espresso beans. It was warm, comforting and reminds me of drinking my coffee on my balcony when the plumaria tree is in bloom. 

Bali Island Spice 

 

This one is full of soft island fruits, papya, guava, banana with an undercurrent of pineapple, coconut, and a hint of cinnamon. Its a warm and heady scent. 

Wild Island Fruit 

 

This one is like a bowl of tropical fruit salad, full of pineapple, kiwi, dragon fruit, and mango. 

Coconut Bay 

 

This one is truly tropical mix of green island palm and coconut milk. Think Pina Colada at your favorite beach bar. 

Pink Sands 

This one is mix of bright citrus, spicy vanilla, and tropical florals. It makes me think of a walk down the beach at sunset. 

That brings us to the conclusion of our tropical scents today, now on to my current obsessions. The first four are from an amazing little shop based in Minneapolis Minnesota called Frostbeard Studio. Their scents come in both wax tart and candle forms.

Sassenach 

A mixture of lavender, basil, thyme, and herbs. It was inspired by the Outlander series and makes me think of a sun drenched herb garden, fresh, green, spicy and calming. 

Bookstore 

 

This one is described as the scent of a bookstore with timber, driftwood, coffee and leather. It is right on the money. It is fresh, clean, both cool and warm at the same time with a hint of coffee in the air and reminiscent of getting lost among the shelves and discovering new favorites. 

Sherlock's Study 

 

This one is a mix of sweet pipe tobacco, cherry wood, and fresh rain. It was warm, heady, enveloping, with a hint of intrigue. Like the man himself this leaves you dazed and wanting more. 

Oxford Library 

 

This one is oakmoss, amber, sandalwood, a hint of tobacco and leather. It is fresh, cool, full of knowledge. Like browsing rows in an underused section on a cool afternoon, it is truly the scent of a large library. 

This last scent I'm obsessing over is by Colonial Candle. I received a scent sample of it months before it was released and knew I had to have it. It was well worth the wait. 

Tobacco and Honey 

 

This is described as a mixture of tobacco leaf, amber, white patchouli, carnation, and honey. It is deep, dark, sweet  and intoxicating. It makes me think of dark raw honey and a warm fire. 

Well that's it for this post. You can be sure that many people on my gift list this year will be receiving some of these. Hope you enjoyed, until next time. Aloha from Maui.