Don’t Buy a Second Suitcase: How to Ship Your Waikīkī Finds Home

Before you head to the post office, you need the goods! Waikiki Shopping Plaza offers a curated mix of local boutiques and classic souvenir shops:

Souvenir Shops

• Honolulu Souvenirs
• Gold N Gifts
• Muumuu Mall
• Haleiwa Town Shave Ice

Treats & Snacks

• Honolulu Cookie Company
• Royal Hawaiian Cookie
• ABC Stores
• Kai Coffee Hawaiʻi

Jewelry & Local Apparel

• TENŌRE
• Maxi Hawaiian Jewelry
• WAHING

Pro Tips for Shipping with USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often the most cost-effective way to send items back to the mainland. Since Hawai‘i is a U.S. state, you don’t have to deal with complex international customs forms for domestic shipping!

1. The Magic of “Flat Rate”

If you are shipping heavy items (like Kona coffee or stone carvings), Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are your best friend.

Why? If it fits, it ships for one flat price, regardless of weight (up to 70 lbs). You can pick up these boxes for free at any post office.

2. Packing for the Pacific Crossing

Your package will travel thousands of miles, likely by air. Pack it to survive a “5-foot drop” test:

• The 6cm Rule: Try to keep fragile items at least 6cm (about 2.5 inches) away from the walls of the box, cushioned by padding.
• No “Jiggle”: Once packed, shake the box. If you hear anything moving, add more filler (newspaper or bubble wrap).
• Tape it Right: Use 2-inch wide clear packing tape. Avoid duct tape or string, as they can get caught in mail sorting machines.

3. Use “Click-N-Ship”

To save time (and usually a few dollars), you can pay for postage and print your label online at USPS.com before heading to the counter. Many hotels in Waikīkī also have business centers where you can print your labels!