No visit to Hawaii would be complete without gifts that represent the natural bounty, atmosphere and tastes of the islands.

So the Hawaii Host Committee is sending dignitaries attending Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings Nov. 7 to 13 home with a gift box full of local products. Approximately 9,500 gift boxes will be offered to government officials, including President Barack Obama and other heads of state, business leaders and global media members during the international gathering.

"The tradition of giving a makana (gift) dates back to ancient Hawaiian times and is believed to create a connection between the host and his or her visitors," said committee Chairman Peter Ho. "This is a wonderful opportunity for each of our guests to bring a little bit of Hawaii back home and share with others the unique products that represent the aloha spirit and hospitality of our islands."

The Hawaii Host Committee issued a request for suppliers in July and selected the final contents based on quality as well as the ability to supply the quantities needed.

Among the contents are what one might expect: chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, Kona coffee and fragrant body lotions. But there are some surprises: a $50 Tori Richard gift certificate, a sampler of macadamia nut cooking oils and a CD of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s "Facing Future."

Most of each gift box is made up of food items, including a bag of taro pancake mix, dried pineapple, a Hawaiian honey sampler, sweet potato and taro chips, and shortbread cookies.

Keep it clean

The Indigenous Soap Co. is offering handmade bars of soap made in Honolulu with natural oils such as kukui nut, and no artificial colors, preservatives or fragrances. www.indigenousoap.com

Smoothing relations

Spa-goers in Hawaii are likely to encounter bath and body products from Hawaiian Body Products’ Ola Tropical Organics line. APEC attendees will receive a 2-ounce bottle of Coconut Lemongrass Creme Lotion made from organic coconut and kukui nut oils. www.hawaiianbodyproducts.com

You are here

A Hawaiian Airlines City Guide in English that will be translated into Chinese, Japanese and Korean will be included in the gift box. Ala Moana Center is walking distance from the Hawai‘i Convention Center, where most of the APEC action will take place, so the gift box includes a mall directory and map of the state’s largest shopping center. www.alamoanacenter.com