Island-Inspired Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

It’s about that time of the year when we celebrate fathers, dads, and poppas for all of the joy they bring to our lives in the form of dad jokes and skillfully prepared meats. Spread some of that love back his way by making new memories over a meal or board game or by giving him a handcrafted gift to show how much you care. Classic gifts are classics for a reason, but everything in Hawai‘i gets that island spin on it to make it just a bit mo’ bettah. These Father’s Day gift ideas all come from Hawai‘i businesses, bringing that extra bit of local flair to dad’s special day.

Father’s Day Meals

Dinner at Hōkū’s at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort.
Photo: Courtesy of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Somehow moms seem to get all the attention when it comes to brunch, but dads need to eat, too. Whether it’s in the late morning or as the sun sets, enjoy some of dad’s favorite foods at a special place. Start off early with an epic brunch buffet at Hōkū’s at The Kāhala or try out the special Smokehouse BBQ Buffet at Jolene’s by the Bay featuring live music, a golf giveaway, and pork belly burnt ends, among other tasty barbecue favorites. For a hearty dinner, Black Angus Steakhouse has put together an incredibly priced ($69) Campfire Feast for Two special that can be eaten at the restaurant or taken to-go with an appetizer, dessert, and two entree items. Or, for a truly memorable meal, opt for Star of Honolulu’s Father’s Day Buffet Cruise where dad can enjoy a beautiful spread, a nice sunset, and an entertaining on-ship performance.

For the Grill Dads

Photo: Courtesy of Maui Gold Pineapple

Sometimes dads don’t want to get out their aloha shirts and hit the town for the day, opting to stay home and hang out with the fam instead. For dads who enjoy relaxing over the grill or in the kitchen, consider some Hawai‘i foodie faves. Dad can prep his favorite protein with Da Kine Hawaiian tropical rubs and sauces—they can be found at a wide variety of grocery stores across the Islands, and its website includes some recipes for inspiration. He can also add a little sweetness to the grill with a Maui Gold Pineapple—either sliced and grilled or cubed and added to a kabob. Finish it all off with a little Maui Chili Chili Oil for a little extra heat and crunch.

Of course, cookbooks are a great option for a cheffy dad, and Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Cook Real Hawai‘i is a great choice (you can even order a signed copy). The Merriman’s Hawai‘i Cookbook is a cookbook shelf staple, or you can find plenty of other classic Hawai‘i cookbooks at your local independent bookstore. For a great gift that will make dad happy and do some good, consider pre-ordering the Lahaina Cookbook, featuring 100+ food and drink recipes, including some from West Maui chefs, benefiting Fresh Help Maui.

Pampering for Papa

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiiverse

Encourage dad to take care of himself, especially if you’d like to keep him around for a while. Destressing is good for everyone, and a little pampering can be fun especially if Dad is relaxing alongside this SPAMMM Candle. Help dad find at new scent with unisex smells like sandalwood and coconut from Ua Body—the company has lotions, mists and rollers and are available at retailers across the Islands. For more good smells try Island Essence’s Men’s Hawaiian Aromatherapy Gift Bag which includes a small travel bag and a mist and oil with three scent lines to choose from. If dad’s skincare routine needs a boost, Honua Hawaiian Skincare offers a Nā Kāne all-in-one facial care and aftershave serum.

Once dad has his new skincare regime down, send him off for a little extra relaxing at Prince Waikīkī’s Grand Golf Package, available for travel dates through the end of June.

For the Waterman in Your Life

Photo: Courtesy of House of Mana Up

Fishing is a pretty classic dad hobby, and in Hawai‘i it goes beyond hobby to a way for dads to provide for their ‘ohana. Support dad (and maybe end up with a tasty meal or two for yourself) with a Waterman Essentials Gift Box from House of Mana Up featuring a set of Duke Kahanamoku collection of items. To help keep the sun off his face, Kāne Collective has a nice straw lifeguard hat and DaKine offers bucket hats with neck capes and fish hats and surf hats (note that DaKine started in Maui but is now based in Oregon). To keep the sun off of his back try a hooded longsleeve drifit shirt from Hae Hawai‘i. Anglers have loved Campania Lures since 2014—they’re as dazzling as they are effective. For some place to keep his fishing accessories (and maybe a cold beer or two), Pirate Pak’s waterproof fanny packs are an indispensible fishing accessory

Say Cheers to Dad

Photo: Courtesy of Kōloa Rum

Father’s Day is a great time to help dad restock his bar, especially with the incredible array of distillers that are spread across the Islands. For the rum fan you can’t go wrong with Kōloa Rum, Kō Hana Rum, or Kuleana Rum Works. Whiskey lovers can sip from bottles of Old Pali Road from Ko‘olau Distillery or from Kupu Spirits (including an intriguing white whiskey option). Of course, vodka is perfect to mix with any tropical fruit juice, and Pau Vodka and Ocean Vodka are both easy drinkers. If dad likes his cocktails but doesn’t want to be behind the bar all of the time, try getting him an assortment of ready-to-drink canned cocktails from Kupu Spirits or hard juices from Ola Brew. Most of these craft beverage makers also offer tastings and tours, a fun option for a Father’s Day activity or get dad a gift certificate so he can go on his own time.

Once you’ve got the booze sorted, help dad elevate his barware game with wine glasses, shot glasses, coasters, and more from Stoneface Hawai‘i. These sandblasted etched glasses reflect island life with designs from the ocean to the ‘āina, providing a more luxurious feel to any home bar. If dad is more of a bottle/can kind of guy, Aloha Collection has a nice range of “coldies” to keep those local beers fresh.

Family Fun

Photo: Courtesy of Ulus 2 Ulus

While it’s great for dads to get some “me” time, that quality family time is just as important. Gather together as a family to share some laughs by trying to turn gibberish into pidgin/Hawaiian phrases (think Mad Gab but local style) with Hawaiiverse’s Moke Gabs. This silly card game will keep the whole ‘ohana in stitches and help create some cherished memories. Moke Gabs can be found on the Hawaiiverse website and at local retailers like Valia Honolulu and Slow Your Roll in Hilo. Another fun game idea with a local twist is Ulus 2 Ulus, good fun for fans of the Apples to Apples boardgame. Puzzles make for another good group activity with the added bonus of helping keep dad’s brain sharp – find island themed options at Surf Shack Puzzles.