Are you looking for the best Hawaiian jewelry? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know!
There are many types of Hawaiian jewelry – from those that boast Hawaiian pearls and sea glass to those that replicate ancient Hawaiian royal jewelry. So if you’re looking for a special Hawaii-inspired gift for someone else or a treat for yourself, this list of stunning Hawaiian jewelry pieces is sure to satisfy.
What Is Hawaiian Jewelry?
Before I get into my Hawaiian jewelry recommendations, it’s important to discuss the differences between Hawaiian jewelry and Hawaii jewelry.
Hawaiian Jewelry
Hawaiian jewelry has ties to the ancient Native Hawaiian people and/or the Hawaiian royal family. There are a few different styles of Hawaiian jewelry, but the most popular form of this is Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. The start of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry began with Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Queen Liliuokalani’s original engraved Hawaiian heirloom bracelet was actually a gift from Queen Victoria of England, as a symbol of friendship between the Kingdom of Hawaii and England. As a matter of fact, Queen Liliuokalani was so impressed by the bracelet that she requested that more be created for the rest of her family members!
The bracelet is the most traditional version of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, but there are also rings, pendants, and beads made in the same style. Many have names or important phrases engraved onto them.
Hawaii Jewelry
Hawaii jewelry, on the other hand, is any jewelry that is inspired by Hawaii. These pieces typically include pearls, shells, sea glass, although Hawaii jewelry does not necessarily have to contain these elements. Hawaii jewelry simply needs to be a jewelry company based in Hawaii.
This article on the most beautiful Hawaiian jewelry pieces includes both Hawaiian jewelry and Hawaii jewelry.
How Much Does Hawaiian Jewelry Cost?
The price of Hawaiian jewelry heavily depends upon the brand, materials, and type of jewelry piece that you’re purchasing. Some pieces can cost less than $100, while others are priced well into the thousands. If you’re more curious about the specifics, each of the pieces featured below also includes the price.
Where Can I Buy Hawaiian Jewelry?
There are a few jewelry stores in Hawaii that have become quite popular over the years. If you’re looking for Hawaii jewelry, Maui Divers Jewelry and Na Hoku are both well-known options.
Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, on the other hand, is a completely different market, so it has completely different sellers. A couple of the most well-known traditional Hawaiian jewelry companies include Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry and Philip Rickard.
And last but certainly not least, there are the Hawaiian jewelry small businesses. Some of the best include Rise Jewelry, Imi Jewelry, Kolohe, Nakoa Jewelry, and Keiko Jewelry.
The Best Hawaiian Jewelry
The Best Hawaiian Necklaces
24k Gold-Dipped Sunrise Shell Necklace from Rise Jewelry
Many of the most eye-catching Hawaii jewelry pieces are the ones made with sunrise shells. And while quite a few Hawaii jewelry brands make pieces with sunrise shells, Rise Jewelry may be the best.
Rise Jewelry features a wide variety of different sunrise shell necklaces, including the sunrise shell pair necklaces (which feature both halves of a sunrise shell) and the red sunrise shell necklaces (both of which are featured earlier in this article). But the 24k gold-dipped classic yellow and pink sunrise shell necklaces may be the coolest ones of all.
Price: $198-$230
Use the code BORDERS15 on the Rise Jewelry website for 15% off your order!
Island Pride Necklace from Imi Jewelry
Imi Jewelry boasts beautiful Island Price pieces, which depict each of the four main Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai). The dainty, simple look is visually stunning and is perfect for your inner minimalist.
This collection includes rings, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces, all made out of solid 14kt gold. While all of the pieces are beautiful, my favorites may be the necklaces.
Price: $325-$345
Hawaiian Fish Hook Necklace from Hawaiian Fish Hook Necklace
The Hawaiian fish hook necklace gained a lot of popularity after Disney’s Moana came out, since Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) wore one throughout the movie. As a matter of fact, many people now refer to it as the “Maui hook necklace” because of Moana’s Maui, even though the original Maui of the Hawaiian legends obviously wore the piece first.
The significance and story of the Hawaiian fish hook necklace starts thousands of years ago. In its simplest form, the Hawaiian fish hook necklace represents the ancient Native Hawaiian people’s connection to the ocean.
But the popularity of the Hawaiian fish hook primarily comes from the Hawaiian legends that feature fish hooks. This includes one legend in which a fish hook catches a huge aku (skipjack tuna) and another in which Maui uses to fish up the Hawaiian Islands. (Yes, that part of Moana is accurate.)
Today, the meaning behind the Hawaiian fish hook has shifted slightly. It now represents strength, abundance, and prosperity.
If you want to purchase one of these important necklaces, I recommend checking out Hawaiian Fish Hook Necklace. Crafted by a local, Native Hawaiian artisan, these fish hooks are made from bone, tusk, or wood (depending on your preferences). You’ll even get to choose between slightly different styled and shaped hooks!
Price: $85-$950
Large Shaker Necklace with Starfish from Catherine Weitzman Jewelry
Catherine Weitzman Jewelry is one of the coolest Hawaii jewelry companies. It has been featured in huge publications, like Marie Claire, O Magazine, and Glamour Magazine.
While Catherine Weitzman Jewelry offers a wide variety of products, this large shaker necklace with a starfish may be one of the most eye-catching pieces. It’s interactive, it’s well-made, and it reminds you of Hawaii. What more could you ask for?
Price: $158-$183
Gold Choker and Pearl Necklace Set from Kolohe
Kolohe is one of the newest additions to the Hawaiian jewelry scene. Started in 2019, Kolohe has since grown exponentially! While its most popular service is the ability for in-person clients to design custom-jewelry on the spot, their pre-made jewelry is gorgeous as well.
One of Kolohe’s best-selling products is the gold choker and pearl necklace set. This two-layered design includes two 14k gold-filled chains and five small freshwater pearls.
Price: $130-$150
Baroque Tahitian Pearl Strand from Maui Divers Jewelry
Maui Divers Jewelry is one of the most prestigious Hawaiian jewelry stores in the islands. It is primarily known for its pearl pieces, more specifically its Tahitian black pearl pieces. So it’s no surprise to find out that this Baroque Tahitian Pearl Strand is one of its most popular sellers! With dozens of rare pearls strung together, this piece is sure to make a statement.
Price: $3,145
The Best Hawaiian Bracelets
Custom Hawaiian Heirloom Bracelet from Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry
Many of the most traditional types of Hawaiian jewelry come in the form of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. These Hawaiian gold bracelets range in width, design, and sometimes even material. Add the engraving to that, and there are so many aspects to customize! Your piece will be one-of-a-kind.
This particular custom Hawaiian heirloom bracelet from Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry boasts many beautiful, island-inspired patterns to choose from. Opt for anything from plumerias to long leaf to even playful dolphins. Then, choose between 14k yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and sterling silver for the material. And don’t forget to engrave your name onto it as well!
Price: $192-$1,534
Old English Bangle from Philip Rickard
Like Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, Philip Rickard is known for its high-quality Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. There are many different Hawaiian heirloom pieces available for purchase and customization, but the Old English Bangle is the one that caught my eye. With a personalized engraving and a plumeria pattern, it’s definitely a special piece.
As an added bonus, this Philip Rickard piece is available in a wide variety of materials, including 14k pink gold, 18k white gold, 18k green gold, and platinum.
Price: $7,299-$14,990
Eternity Koa Cuff Bracelet from Pono Woodworks
But not all Hawaii bracelets are Hawaii heirloom jewelry pieces. For example, there’s this gorgeous eternity Koa cuff bracelet from Pono Woodworks. Made from rare Koa wood and prismatic abalone, this Hawaii bracelet is a simple, yet eye-catching piece.
Price: $110
AAAA Edison Pearl Bangle from Keiko Jewelry
If you’re looking for a Hawaiian bangle with a beautiful pearl, look no further than this AAAA Edison Pearl Bangle from Keiko Jewelry. As any jewelry aficionado will tell you, AAAA pearls are the highest quality freshwater pearls you can find. With a round shape, enchanting shine, and no blemishes, it’s picture-perfect.
As if the high-quality nature of the pearl wasn’t enough to convince you, this Edison pearl bangle also boasts, well, an Edison pearl. These pearls are slightly larger than usual and have a slight purple color. To complete the bangle, the band is made from 14k gold-filled wire.
Price: $75
The Best Hawaiian Rings
Black Tungsten and Hawaiian Koa Wood Ring from Nakoa Jewelry
Not all of the best Hawaiian jewelry is metal based. As a matter of fact, Koa wood is another popular medium for Hawaii jewelry.
Nakoa Jewelry specializes in jewelry made out of Koa wood. These include earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, but Koa wood rings are by far their best-selling products.
While many people like to wear Koa wood rings just for fun, some think that this rare, golden wood should be used for a special purpose, like a Hawaii engagement ring. As a matter of fact, Koa wood engagement rings are quite popular for men!
Nakoa Jewelry has quite an array of Koa wood rings (both for engagement ring purposes and non-engagement ring purposes). Their most popular one is this stunning black tungsten and Hawaiian Koa wood ring. If you like, you can even get a special message engraved into it!
Price: $99-$114
Hawaiian Engagement Ring with Diamond Setting from Lovin’ Hawaii
Many people decide to get engaged in Hawaii, so why not get a Hawaiian engagement ring too? This Hawaiian engagement ring from Lovin’ Hawaii is perfect for this magical day. With diamonds and a hand-engraved plumeria bracelet, you can tell that so much thought went into each and every part of this design.
If you think this ring is perfect for you and your partner, you can order this special band in 14k rose gold, yellow gold, or white gold.
Price: $1,550
Gold ‘Kiyomi’ Sea Glass Ring from Rise Jewelry
If you’re shopping for a simple Hawaii-inspired ring, this gold ‘kiyomi’ sea glass ring from Rise Jewelry may be exactly what you’ve been searching for. While this piece isn’t a Hawaiian wedding ring or a Hawaiian engagement ring, it is still a wonderful piece, nonetheless. With a solid gold band and a pastel sea glass centerpiece, it’s magical.
Price: $180-$185
Use the code BORDERS15 on the Rise Jewelry website for 15% off your order!
The Best Hawaiian Earrings
White Freshwater Pearl Earrings in Sterling Silver from Maui Divers Jewelry
Many of the most popular ocean-inspired earrings are pearl earrings. And these white freshwater pearl earrings in sterling silver from Maui Divers Jewelry are as amazing as they can get. Made in Hawaii with 6-7.5mm pearls, these pieces are classy, yet simple.
Price: $75
Shark Tooth Threader Earrings from Rise Jewelry
Shark tooth necklaces have gained a bit of popularity over the years. But there aren’t many places that make shark tooth threader earrings, like this pair from Rise Jewelry. These white shark teeth are dipped in 24k gold! It’s the perfect way to accent the beauty already found in nature.
Price: $125
Use the code BORDERS15 on the Rise Jewelry website for 15% off your order!
Mini Botanical Earrings from Catherine Weitzman Jewelry
While the ocean is certainly a beautiful part of Hawaii, the land is just as stunning. If you want a piece of jewelry that’s inspired by Hawaii’s plant life, you should consider these gorgeous mini botanical earrings from Catherine Weitzman Jewelry. Dotted with colorful little flowers, these floral earrings are definitely fantastic Hawaii jewelry pieces.
Price: $135-$160
Plumeria Stud Earrings from Na Hoku
Arguably the most popular type of Hawaiian earrings are flower-shaped ones, like these sterling silver plumeria stud earrings from Na Hoku. Simple, yet elegant. What more could you ask for?
Price: $69
Hibiscus Earrings from Keiko Jewelry
If plumerias aren’t your Hawaiian flower of choice, consider these hibiscus earrings from Keiko Jewelry. As the official state flower of Hawaii, hibiscuses definitely hold a special significance. These 14k gold-filled or sterling silver pieces are hand-shaped, soldered, and hammered in the Hawaiian Islands.
Price: $65-$75
Are there any other Hawaiian jewelry pieces that I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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