What Can You Buy in Niue: A List of Samoa Crafts and Souvenirs
Looking for something to remember your trip to Niue by or perhaps a special gift for loved ones who couldn’t join you? Niue souvenirs will get nothing less than a “wow” with each piece made uniquely and individually with all sorts of interesting materials, whether it’s dark ebony wood or abandoned snail shells found in Niue’s rainforest. We go through some of the best Niuean souvenirs in the list below.
For more souvenir talk, see The Guide to Shopping in Niue.
1. Niue Honey
Where much of the world’s bee population faces threats, this remote island provides a sanctuary free from disease. With that, Niue’s honey is something special made by the world’s cleanest bees. It’s so clean, in fact, that it’s just about the only honey you can import to New Zealand, just make sure that you purchase a zoosanitary certificate from the quarantine office at the Hanan Airport on plane days.
Where to buy: Double M (Alofi Commercial Centre).
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Kahoa Hihi (Snail Shell Necklace)
A common handicraft necklace you will see in Niue is a kahoa hihi. These necklaces are made from tiny yellow snail shells – unoccupied, might we add – that are usually found in Niue’s coastal rainforest. Once its host has stopped adorning the shell, the shells make for colourful and attractive beads for jewellery.
Where to buy: Niue Market (Alofi), Hinapoto Handicrafts (Alofi Commercial Centre) and Airport Market (Hanan Airport). See a list of gift shops in Niue in the 10 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Organic Vanilla
Niue is a producer of pure organic vanilla, with several vanilla plantations found across the island. In turn, you can pick up organic vanilla beans, essence, paste and more from stores like the Niue Vanilla International store in Alofi. Check if you need a permit for biosecurity in New Zealand at the quarantine office at Hanan Airport – usually, the essence and paste are Ok, but you might have to check for vanilla pods. Learn more about popular Nieuan food in the 10 Unique Foods in Niue You Have to Try. Plus, check out the vanilla plantation tour in the 6 Best Guided Tours in Niue.
Where to buy: Niue Vanilla International (Alofi) and Double M (Alofi Commercial Centre).
© NiuePocketGuide.com4. Coconut Oil
Coconut is also a popular commodity in Niue. Find coconut oil for cooking, as well as coconut health products for a natural alternative to body products. Look out for Niu and A5 coconut products, for example, and ask Tony about his coconut oil products on the A5 Plantation Tour, as outlined in the 6 Best Guided Tours in Niue.
Where to buy: Airport Market (Hanan Airport – usually in the parking area; not the main market), Niue Market (Alofi) and Visitor Information Centre (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.com5. Pareu (Sarong)
As part of handicraft groups, Niuean women make handprinted pareu (sarongs). This is usually a good souvenir to pick up at the start of your visit to Niue, so you can cover up swimwear when in villages or in town for cultural respect. Pareu are commonly sold at the Niue Market and Hanan Airport market, as well as at many gift stores.
Where to buy: Kauhi Krafts (behind Alofi Commercial Centre), Niue Market (Alofi), Airport Market (Hanan Airport), Niue Vanilla International (Alofi), Taoke Prints (Alofi Commercial Centre) and Hinapoto Handicrafts (Alofi Commercial Centre).
© NiuePocketGuide.com6. Carved and Woven Earrings
Earrings are a popular souvenir in Niue, handcrafted by local women. There is a wealth of designs available from subtle Polynesian patterns to tourist-tastic hoops saying “Niue”! You can find earrings for sale at just about any gift shop, as well as at the markets.
Where to buy: Niue Market (Alofi), Hinapoto Handicrafts (Alofi Commercial Centre) and Airport Market (Hanan Airport).
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Woven Goods
Weaving is an important cultural practice, traditionally to make practical goods like bowls and placemats. Woven items today are more commonly bought by visitors for some decorative touches to the home; many of the traditional “placemats” have hook loops woven into them so they can be hung up easily. Woven fans and bags are also found at Niue’s markets and at the small gift shop at the back of Makini Hall in Alofi where local women have their weekly weaving group – see the Visitor Information Centre for a weaving group schedule.
Where to buy: Tiki’s Coconut & Handicraft Shop (Hakupu), Niue Market (Alofi), Airport Market (Hanan Airport), Makini Hall Gift Shop (Alofi), Hinapoto Handicrafts (Alofi Commercial Centre) and Sevene Tavern (Alofi).
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Niue T-Shirt
If you’re looking for a “been there got the t-shirt” gift, then there’s plenty of that in Niue too. Check out Taoke Prints in the Commerical Centre of Alofi for t-shirts, singlets and hats for all ages and genders adorning all kinds of wittery about Niue.
Where to buy: Taoke Prints (Alofi Commercial Centre), Hinapoto Handicrafts (Alofi Commercial Centre), Kendra’s Kollection/K-Mark (Swanson Complex) and Visitor Information Centre (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.com9. Silver Jewellery
Yes, did you know there is a jeweller on the island? Although well-hidden, Kaulima Jewellers has a small range of beautifully designed pendants and silver jewellery that are fantastically Niuean. These pieces provide an excellent souvenir for those who prefer a familiar material.
Where to buy: Kaulima Jewellers (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.com10. Flower Garland
Nothing screams that you’ve just come back from a Pacific getaway quite like a flower garland. Niuean head garlands come in all kinds of colours and different levels of flamboyancy, available at markets and gift shops. What’s more, the flowers are usually fake so you can take them home with you.
Where to buy: Kauhi Krafts (behind the Alofi Commercial Centre), Airport Marker (Hanan Airport) and Niue Market (Alofi).
© NiuePocketGuide.comMore About Niue Gifts and Souvenirs
That’s it for our list of amazing Niue souvenirs and gifts to bring home with you. For more about souvenirs, gifts and the Niuean culture, check out these guides:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Shopping in Niue.
