The Life in Business: Hawaii’s Gift Baskets

Tamarra (Tammy) Sullivan has listened to visitors’ requests for gifts to take home from the Big Island for more than 30 years. “I feel I know what makes people remember Hawai‘i and I want to put it all in a basket for them,” says the owner of Hawaii’s Gift Baskets, who has worked in the hospitality business since coming to Hawai‘i more than 30 years ago.

Tammy and Carole Carraway started the business in 2007 to answer what they saw as the need for a “one-stop shop.”

“We both wanted to create a successful business that would showcase the finest Big Island products in creative island-inspired baskets,” she says. Carol eventually left the business. Tammy still focuses on customer service and works hard to “gather all the finest Big Island products in one location,” always searching for something novel and new to offer customers. If a customer has a special request, she’ll always try to fulfill it.

The business moved from its original location in Holualoa to a convenient shop at 74-5617 Pawai Place in the Old Industrial Area, across from the Kona Brewpub. Both visitors and residents find a need for gift baskets, says Tammy, and they can order from the website, too: www.HawaiisGiftBaskets.com.

“Aloha can be always found here,” she says. They deliver locally and ship anywhere.

The products included in their gift baskets are made mostly by small, local businesses and include such items as candies, coffee, mac nuts, local wines and brews, flowers and other treats. They are combined in themes for birthdays, weddings, lu‘au, corporate giving and holidays.

The basket or package is part of what makes the gift special, Tammy says. “All of our packaging—from the hand-decorated, Hawaiian lauhala boxes and lavish arrangements, to festive lunch bags—make the perfect keepsake when all the goodies are gone!”

For details, phone 808.329.2300 or visit www.HawaiisGiftBaskets.com.