Farmers Markets and road-side purveyors around the Big Island: update February 1, 2022
The combination of the Big Island climate (and all the various climate zones within), and the volcanic soil make for prolific and varied produce all year round. One of the best ways to experience the taste of Hawaii is to visit the farmers markets. You'll see everything from what you may be used to on the mainland (but we grow it bigger on the Big Island) to fruits or vegetables you have never seen before.
We'll start with the markets within 25 minutes of us at Hale O' Honu'ea, and include links to more markets beyond. You would need months to visit every farmers market on the Big Island!
Puako General Store 69-1649 Puako Beach Dr. Kamuela, HI 96743 Ok - this is a local market store not a farmers market, but it's one of our favorite spots and a go to if you're looking for fresh food to go to the beach (Beach 69 in particular), some local made souvenirs, a little-free-library (exchange your finished beach read for another).
Hot Malasadas Truck north of Mauna Lani on the makai (ocean side) of the Queen K at the top of Puako Road (5 min). Again not a farmers market, but they will put out a sign when the have fresh avocados or other local produce. Yum! Hawaiian avocados are different from those sold on the mainland - you don't check for ripeness by checking the softness. Just ask the truckster for one that is ripe soon (that is mostly what they have) - they will still seem hard to the touch but they will be ono! They aren't there everyday, but if they are, you'll see the truck.
No-name veggie stand in Kawaihae (10 min): There is a small outdoor vendor with locally grown produce 10 minutes north of Mauna Lani in Kawaihae on Hwy 270 just after it splits left off of Hwy 19, in the parking lot on your right. Not a true "Farmers Market", but they carry local produce if you're looking for some in a pinch. Kind of the island version of the corner store - except it's outdoors, on the side of the road, in a parking lot.
Hale I'a Da Fish House in Kawaihae (10 min): Also known as just 'Da Fish House,' this spot mainly sells fresh fish off the boats coming in to Kawaihae harbor, but you can also score some fresh, delicious poke here for a picnic meal. Or take back fresh fish to Hale O' Honu'ea to cook on the Viking grill. If nothing else, it's worth checking out while the rest of your family waits in line across the street for ice-shave or halo-halo!
WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET NOW HELD ON TUESDAYS FROM 9AM - 2:30PM Kings’ Shops Waikoloa Farmers’ Market (808) 886-8811 (10 min); across street from Queen's MarketPlace Waikoloa. This is a resort farmers market so a little pricey, but it is the nearest to the townhouse.
Wednesdays 9am-2pm Waimea MidWeek Market Pukalani Stables Parker Ranch (25min) Turn left into Parker Ranch; free admission to Paniolo Heritage Center during Market. https://waimeamidweekfarmersmarket.com/. Fruit, vegetables, food trucks, local jams and sauces, local artisans, Hawaiian grown vanilla, kombucha and more.
Saturdays 7am-noon Kamuela Farmers Market (25min) Located on Hwy 19 next to the 55 mile market at Kuhio Hale West Hawaii Office in Waimea https://kamuelafarmersmarket.com/
Saturdays 7:30-noon Waimea Town Market http://waimeatownmarket.com (25min) Parker School Yard in Waimea off Hwy 19 at 65-1224 Lindsey Rd, Waimea. Coffee, produce, breads, food vendors, yarn from a local sheep grower, Big Island grown candies, macadamia nuts, local artisans and more. Plus one of the best acai bowl and crepe vendors we've ever tasted!
Tuesdays 2-5 pm Kekala Farm: This is a *farm* market (where you buy farm-fresh produce from Kekala farm), not a *farmers* market. 64-604 Mana Road, Kamuela, HI 96743. https://www.kekelafarms.com/ Market Hours: At the Farm
Tuesday afternoons 2 to 5 PM
Saturday mornings 8 AM to Noon
There are many more farmers markets beyond a 25 minute drive of Hale O' Honu'ea. And these are just the regularly scheduled markets - you will often see roadside vendors selling dried fish, fresh lychee (in season), locally roasted coffee and more. We love food in Hawaii and are lucky enough to be able to grow, catch, or farm incredible tastes. There are too many markets and roadside vendors to list, but here are a few website resources that try.
https://www.lovebigisland.com/farmers-markets/ We like this site because it has a searchable map so you can find a farmers market just about anywhere that you plan to visit on the Big Island.
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/things-to-do/land-activities/farmers-markets
https://www.hawaii.com/big-island/shopping/farmers-markets/
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