Updated July 1, 2021.

Everyone loves real mail! In the 90’s, snail mail was super boring; we all wanted an e-mail! Then e-mails became bothersome—so much junk mail! So snail mail made a bit of a comeback. The appeal is in that personal touch, you know? But what’s better than a post card or a traditional letter (and way better than an e-mail)? A coconut from Hawaii, of course!

There are a few things to know about mailing a coconut, but it’s the honest truth that you can send one from Hawaii to anywhere in the world! Technically you can send one from any post office, but the Hawaiian post offices have the most experience! I sent one to my family in Tennessee from the Post-a-Nut Post Office in Hoolehua on Molokai, and it was very easy. Here’s how in four easy steps!

More here: Fascinating Facts about Molokai

Step 1: Head to the Post Office

Before you go out gathering coconuts, stop by a post office on the island you happen to be visiting to see if they have pre-inspected coconuts available. All coconuts will have to be inspected for bugs, bug holes, or other things that shouldn’t leave the islands. While you’re at the post office, ask if they have any particular guidelines for sending a coconut. They might be able to tell you where to find a good one! And they can tell you where to have it inspected if you choose to find your own.

Keep reading: Hawaii’s Best Adventures

Step 2: Select Your Coconut and Decorate!

You can certainly choose your own coconut, whether young and green or old and brown. Just remember the cost is calculated by weight and distance to travel, and the green ones usually weigh more. You will need to have your coconut inspected, so I suggest doing that first before you decorate, and maybe have a few ready to be inspected at once.

At the Post-a-Nut Post Office on Molokai, they had pre-inspected coconuts ready for decorating, plus permanent markers in every color of the rainbow!

Not artistic? Some stores sell coconuts that have already been inspected and decorated! In fact, the Post-a-Nut Post Office on Molokai had several to choose from, and all I had to do was make a donation to the local artist, which I was happy to do!

More here: The Ultimate Molokai Travel Guide

Step 3: Write the Address on One Side

Coconuts have three sides. One or two can be decorated, and the other needs to have the address written on it. I chose a pre-decorated coconut and donated $5 for the local artist. I was able to put that charge on my credit card when I paid for the postage.

Read on: What to Know Before You Visit Molokai

Step 4: Weigh and Pay

The USPS employee will weigh the coconut just like any other package, and they even put the colorful stamps on it for me. The postage to send my coconut to Carthage, TN, was $19.05 (plus $5 for the decorated coconut).

And you’re done! I mailed my coconut on a Monday and it arrived at its destination (Carthage, TN) the following Friday; only four days! My family got a real kick out if it.

More here: Books to Read Before Your Trip to Hawaii

Have you ever mailed a coconut? Would you? Tell me in the comments section!

Want more on Molokai? Check out my Hawaiian Islands Page!

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