🌴 Unofficial guide to USPS in Waikiki · Mail a coconut · Passport help
Home Mail a Coconut

Mail a coconut from Waikiki.

Hawaii's most iconic souvenir — and yes, it's a real USPS service. No box. No envelope. Just a coconut.

🥥 Yes, this is real.

USPS officially delivers coconuts from Hawaii — it's USPS Fact #1057. Tens of thousands of unboxed coconuts ship out of the islands every year. Write the address on the husk, hand it to the postal clerk, pay the postage, and it goes anywhere in the U.S.

🌴 HOW IT WORKS

Five simple steps.

1

Get a coconut

Pick up a husked coconut (brown, hairy shell) from an ABC Store, souvenir shop, or grocery store. Husked coconuts are lighter and easier to write on than green ones. Some Waikiki shops sell coconuts pre-prepared for mailing.

2

Write the address

Use a thick permanent marker — a Sharpie works perfectly. Write the recipient's full address directly on the husk, including your return address. Write clearly on the smoothest part of the coconut.

3

Decorate (optional but fun)

Many people add drawings, stickers, or an “Aloha from Waikiki!” greeting. Some souvenir shops even sell pre-decorated mail-ready coconuts. Personal touches make it land harder when your friend opens the mailbox.

4

Bring it to the post office

Walk into any of the three Waikiki post offices and hand the coconut to a clerk. They'll weigh it and calculate postage. No packaging required — the coconut itself is the package.

5

Pay & send

A typical husked coconut runs roughly $8–$15 for domestic shipping. Priority Mail (2–3 days) costs more; Ground Advantage (about a week) costs less. The clerk stamps it and off it goes.

📍 WHERE TO MAIL IT

All three Waikiki locations accept coconuts.

Saratoga Road (Main)

330 Saratoga Road

Mon–Fri 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Sat 9 AM – 1 PM

Most popular spot for coconut mailing.

Waikiki Shopping Plaza

2250 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 211

Mon–Fri 9:30 AM – 5 PM

Sat 10 AM – 2 PM

Closest to most Waikiki hotels.

Kuhio Ave Station

2092 Kuhio Avenue

Mon–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM

Sat 10 AM – 2 PM

Smallest — fastest in/out.

Coconut Mailing Tips

  • Use a husked coconut (brown shell), not green — it's lighter and writes easier
  • Use a thick permanent marker so the address stays readable
  • Write on the smoothest part of the coconut for the best legibility
  • Ask the clerk for a Hawaiian postmark — it's a nice keepsake touch
  • Priority Mail gives you tracking, useful if it's a gift
  • Go early in the day to avoid long lines, especially in peak tourist season
  • The coconut may pick up scuffs in transit — that's part of the charm

Common Questions

Is mailing a coconut really legal?

Yes. USPS has been delivering coconuts from Hawaii for decades. There are no agricultural restrictions on shipping coconuts domestically within the U.S.

How much does it cost?

Typically $8–$15 for domestic shipping, depending on weight and speed. A husked coconut usually weighs 1–2 pounds. Priority Mail arrives in 2–3 days; Ground Advantage takes about a week.

Can I mail a coconut internationally?

International coconut mailing is complicated — most countries restrict importing plant materials. Domestic shipping anywhere in the 50 U.S. states is straightforward.

Where do I buy a coconut in Waikiki?

ABC Stores (dozens of them in Waikiki), souvenir shops along Kalakaua Avenue, and many grocery stores sell coconuts. Some shops sell pre-decorated “mail-ready” coconuts with stickers already on them.

Will the coconut survive the trip?

Yes — coconuts are durable. The husk takes some bumps and scuffs in transit, which most recipients find charming. The coconut inside stays intact for weeks.

Ready to send a coconut?

Grab one from an ABC Store, swing by the main post office on Saratoga, and you're done. Best souvenir you'll ever mail.

Main post office details →