Holiday Gift idea: Makana boxes

Looking to give a little bit of Hawaii to Mainland friends? A new business, Makana, sends care packages to friends and family around the world. Not that Hawaii deliveries are excluded: Makana boxes can also be a perfect gift for those who love to discover new, Hawaii-made products.

So far, boxes have included Kahala Fresh dried apple bananas that are the next best thing to ripe, fresh fruit. The inaugural box contained Broke Da Face chili pepper water, packing more spice and tang than the usual watered-down stuff that's all too common. A favorite? The Oahu-grown chocolate bar by Manoa Chocolate.

For the holidays, Makana is offering a special gift box ($60) with mango ginger granola by Anahola Granola, North Shore Goodies' coconut peanut butter and Kahala Fresh's dried pineapple.

But Makana boxes aren't just about food. Wei Fang and Kina Mahi, who started Makana (which means "gift" in Hawaiian) seek artists in all fields, from Aloha Letterpress to filmmakers (the holiday box also includes the Papa Mau: The Wayfinder DVD). The idea behind Makana, according to Fang: "We know there's a lot of great products being grown and made here … [it's] a no-brainer way to invest in local producers and stay connected with your friends and family."

Boxes are available on a month-to-month basis ($30/box), as well as in subscription plans ranging from 3 months to a year ($27/box). Order at hellomakana.com