Makana [mah-kah-nah], or gift in Hawaiian, is a word we bring back every year. Gifts come in many different forms. Every day that I am in Kauai, and I get to watch a sunrise or a sunset, I am thankful for the gift of nature.

Even as someone who runs a gift business, I struggle with the amount of stuff I have. Yet, part of the reason, I started this business is that when I go on vacation, I go to relax. It is more about being out in nature and enjoying the sunshine. It wasn’t until I spent the six weeks in Kauai last year that I really had a chance to explore all the small businesses across the island. I’ve discovered so many fabulous products and look forward to continuing to curate Hawaii at Home boxes.

As we approach gift-giving season, don’t be afraid to ask people if they’d rather go have an experience together rather than exchange gifts. The gift of our time remains one of our most precious assets.

If you do know someone who vacationed in Hawaii and needs to feel like they are back in paradise, our wide array of Lives Aloha kits are bound to perk them up. It may not be realistic for you to fly them back for a dose of aloha, but our kits are the next best thing ;)