Where to Buy Souvenirs and Gifts in Niue
Niue might be one of the world’s smallest countries, but it has an impressive array of giftware handcrafted, grown or produced by locals. From pure Niue honey to gorgeous woven jewellery, there are some special pieces to be found on “The Rock”. We’ll show you where to find them in this guide to the best souvenir and gift shops in Niue.
For more shopping tips, see The Guide to Shopping in Niue.
1. Kauhi Krafts
A quaint gifts and souvenirs shop in Alofi, Kauhi Krafts sells an array of artwork, clothing, head garlands, jewellery, home decor and more. The speciality here is hand-printed home decor, such as table spreads, cushion covers, pareu (sarongs) and more. The gift store also makes an endearing setting for milkshakes also sold on-site with a small seating area set up at the back.
Location: Behind the Alofi Commercial Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 4 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com2. Taoke Prints
One to check out in the Commerical Centre, Taoke Prints primarily sells printed T-shirts for all ages and genders with all kinds of contemporary designs and witty stuff about Niue. You’ll also find a range of hats, pareu and Niue flags.
Location: Alofi Commercial Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 m and Friday 9 am to 1 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com3. Hinapoto Handicrafts
Although primarily selling craft supplies, Hinapoto Handicrafts also has a wide range of gifts that are worth digging deeper for From printed and embroidered clothing to Niuean jewellery and woven pieces, there’s plenty to unpack at this locally-run store in the Alofi Commercial Centre.
Location: Alofi Commercial Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Friday 9 am to 4 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com4. Tahiono Art Gallery
Another one located in the Commercial Centre of Alofi, Tahiono Art Gallery showcases colourful canvas art from expat artist, Mark Cross. Works are for sale in a range of sizes from large canvas art to postcards. Also check out their display of ebony carvings, carved by local tour guide, Jack, from Ebony Rainforest Tours – see the 6 Best Guided Tours in Niue to learn more.
Location: Alofi Commercial Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com5. Niue Vanilla Shop
An easy-to-find beige building on the main road of Alofi, the Niue Vanilla International shop is where you can browse a range of organic vanilla products, such as vanilla pods, essence, paste and more. Not just about vanilla, however, this gift shop also sells other products from around the South Pacific, from foodie finds to cosmetics to clothing. Plus, book your vanilla plantation tour here, as outlined in the 6 Best Guided Tours in Niue.
Location: Main road and Alofi-Liku Road intersection, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com6. The Niue Market
Niue’s main local market is the Niue Market or “Markete” where the market building in Alofi fills up with fresh produce, baked goods, Niuean snacks, handicrafts and gifts available to buy from talented locals. There are several markets taking place throughout the week, so check out the usual schedule over in the 5 Best Markets in Niue or at the Visitor Information Centre.
Location: Main road next to the Visitor Information Centre, Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: See the 5 Best Markets in Niue or the Visitor Information Centre.
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Airport Market
Only on plane days, market stalls are set up outside of the Hanan Airport waiting area. There are fewer stalls than at the Niue Market but there are still gifts, such as jewellery and pareu to buy, as well as hot food and Niuean snacks like banana chips. Learn more about the plane day process in our guide, Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process.
Location: Hanan Airport, Tapeu-Porritt Road, Alofi, west side of Niue.
Opening hours: Plane days only – see Which Airlines Fly to Niue? for schedules.
© NiuePocketGuide.com8. Tiki’s Coconut & Handicraft Shop
Hard to find on the village green of Hakupu but rewarding once you discover it, Tiki’s Coconut & Handicraft Shop displays a small but impressive collection of hand-woven pandanus hats, placemats, floor mats and more that have taken days if not weeks to create. The shop also sells refreshments like snacks, drinks, coconuts and ice cream. If no one is minding the shop, just shout “Shop, please!” to the house immediately behind.
Location: The building with the white criss-cross fence on Hakupu village green near the church (once you get closer, you’ll see a sign above the verandah door for “Coconut & Handicrafts”), Hakupu, southeast coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. However, things change all the time in Niue, so ask the Visitor Information Centre on arrival for updated opening hours, as explained in Opening Hours in Niue: Odd Hours, Tide Times & Things to Know.
© NiuePocketGuide.com9. Weaving Groups
There are several weaving groups in Niue where local women get together on a particular day each week to craft magnificent creations, as well as teach visitors how to weave if interested. The easiest ones to find are in Alofi, such as the Makini Hall weaving group and the Aliutu Hall weaving group. The back of Mahiki Hall has a small gift shop, while other weaving groups may have a small display of gifts for sale.
Ask about weaving your own creations; the ladies usually teach you to make something small like a coaster. You’ll then make a small donation such as NZ$20 for something made with pandanus or NZ$10 if made with another type of frond/leaf. Refreshments are also usually provided.
Location: The white Aliutu Hall next to the “Jessop” building or the orange Makini Hall opposite the Crazy Uga Cafe, main road of Alofi, central west coast of Niue.
Opening hours: Ask about the current weaving day schedules at the Visitor Information Centre.
© NiuePocketGuide.com10. Village Show Days
Finally, another opportunity to buy authentic Niuean handicrafts is at one of the village show days. Each village has its own show day once a year where they showcase the best handicrafts and food the villagers have produced! It’s an uplifting community event that visitors are more than welcome to join and get a real insight into the culture of Niue. See What are the Village Show Days in Niue? for more information.
Location: All over Niue!
Opening hours: The Village Show Day season is between April and November each year. See the Niue Tourism events page for upcoming show days.
© Niue TourismMore About Gift and Souvenir Shops in Niue
That’s it for our list of the best shops to buy souvenirs in Niue. For more shop talk, take a look at the following guides:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Shopping in Niue.
