Stop over: Hawaiian highlights

Mapuana Faulkner has been a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines for 18 years. Born and raised in the Ka’u district of Hawai’i Island, she now lives in Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu Island, with her husband and two children. A fashion enthusiast, she shares her top tips for shopping

What is the best gift to buy from Hawaii?
Kona coffee is a great gift to take home because it's the only coffee grown in the whole of the US. There are more than 700 farms in the Hawaiian Islands that grow specialty coffee, and it travels well too. Alternatively, something hand-crafted from Martin and MacArthur is also a hit. From beautiful wooden watches to leather bags, the Hawaii-only brand has been crafting custom-made heirloom quality Koa wood furniture and Hawaiian gifts since 1961.

Any tips for navigating the Ala Moana shopping mall? If you're short on time, which stores would you recommend checking out?
Ala Moana Centre is the world's largest outdoor shopping centre. It's best to get there by bus, trolley or taxi to avoid the headache of circling around for a car park as it's packed by noon. Grabbing a map before you start your shopping is also key. Here is where you'll find amazing shopping, thanks to a raft of brands you won't find in New Zealand. Macy's, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret and Sephora are just some of the highlights. To top it off, Hawaii enjoys one of the lowest sales taxes in the US, just 4.712 per cent.

Best places for bargains and pre-Christmas sales?
Holiday shopping deals in Waikiki start on Black Friday, November 27. The Royal Hawaiian Centre posts its deals on its website (royalhawaiiancenter.com), so it's good to look for participating stores and exclusive deals. Waikele Premium Outlets are also great for grabbing bargains on luxury brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and more. The outlets are open until 9pm so you don't have to skip a day at the beach to fit in some shopping.

Are there any websites to sign up to for deals or vouchers in advance of a shopping trip?
Tourist brochures and guide books often have vouchers, so it's a good idea to collect a few during a stroll around Waikiki and look through them before you start shopping. Your hotel concierge will also know the best shopping spots and sales.

Where are the best shopping areas that tourists aren't likely to know about, the best spots where locals shop?
There are very cute boutiques exclusive to Hawaii in Downtown Honolulu and also Kailua. These showcase the talented designers we have living in the islands. Some of my favourites are Olive in Kailua, The Fighting Eel and Roberta Oaks in Downtown Honolulu.

Great markets to visit for local produce and authentic arts and crafts?
Oahu has dozens of farmers' markets held several times a week and Kapiolani Community College's (KCC) Saturday farmers' market is the largest. I love the locally grown products including Kahuku corn, delicious Waialua chocolate and Waimanalo greens. If you're looking for something smaller, Blaisdell farmers' market on Wednesdays and Mililani farmers' market on Sundays are great too.

Best place to get a traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage after a hard day's shopping?
I highly recommend Lomi Lomi Hana Lima, a small healing centre and spa located in Kailua. This spa was made famous by President Barack Obama's frequent visits when holidaying in Kailua with his family.

A must-buy in Hawaii that you can't find anywhere else?
A dress or shirt from Sig Zane Designs is a must-buy as his designs are modern and
use native Hawaiian plants and natural elements as foundations for his design prints. Products are available to buy at sigzane.com, but there are more designs and sizes available in his store located in Hilo on Hawaii Island.

Top things to purchase in Hawaii?
Food! Hawaii is a melting pot of many cultures from countries surrounding the Pacific, resulting in unique foods such as manapua (steamed bun filled with pork or chicken) and spam musubi (grilled slice of Spam on a block of steamed white rice and rolled in nori) just to name a couple.

We also have world-famous macadamias which are delicious natural or covered in chocolate. Plus they make a great gift to take home. Something for the girls - makeup. Premium brands like MAC Cosmetics, Smashbox, Clinique and Nars are significantly cheaper in Hawaii than New Zealand. Let the sales staff in Sephora make you over for free and go home with the goodies that will help you recreate the look. Finally, a Lauhala hat or feather lei intricately crafted by locals are another must buy in Hawai'i. Yes, they are quintessentially Hawaiian but you'll want a reminder of your tropical escape when you're back home. These wearable art pieces can be found at craft fairs throughout the islands and at stores such as Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii at Ward Centre.