5 of Maui’s Best Farmers Markets

Thanks to Maui’s ideal climate and fertile soil, we’re fortunate enough to have farms on every part of the island, providing us with incredible local food options. Here’s a list of some of the best farmers markets on the Valley Isle – all worth checking out, whether you’re a resident or a visitor!

Upcountry Farmers Market

Probably the best-known on Maui (after all, it’s been around for over 40 years!), the Upcountry Farmers Market is also the largest on this list, with over 40 vendors coming together each week. Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., residents and visitors alike head to Pukalani for produce, nuts, coffee, baked goods and other prepared foods, plus fresh fish, flowers, plants, and, of course, gorgeous views of Maui. This particular farmers market, which also boasts yearly festivals and periodic educational programs for keiki (kids), has established itself as not only a fun way to buy local but an opportunity to connect with others in the community.

Kumu Farms Country Market

What began as a modest family farm on the island of Moloka`i in 1981 now operates as a certified organic grower of tropical favorites like bananas and sunrise papaya – and its Maui branch (which opened in 2012), produces kale, lettuce, corn, carrots, eggplant, and herbs. Adjacent to Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, Kumu (meaning “the source”), Farms Country Market opens its doors every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Many customers order ahead and just pop in to pick up a prepared market box, which contains whatever seasonal crops are freshest at the time (always including some fruits and some vegetables). And the Market Box Plus also features fresh pesto, local coffee, and Moloka`i beef or venison!

South Maui Gardens

I’ve posted about South Maui Gardens before because they’re such a fun and thriving presence in our community. This fantastic Kihei business also has a farmers and artisans market every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in an especially beautiful setting on the grounds of a 7-acre nursery. About 15 to 20 vendors are on hand each week to offer their produce, plus local jelly, art, jewelry, soaps, and skincare products. Along with a visit to the farmers market, patrons can browse all the plants and pottery on the surrounding grounds, soaking up some live music while sipping a cup of coffee or sampling the pizza and baked goods sold on-site.

Napili Farmers Market

Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Maui’s west side, over 20 vendors gather to share their fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, honey, juices, and kombucha, plus baked goodies, spreads, dressings, and sauces. Complete with live music, the Napili Farmers Market is also a great place to find pottery, wall art, jewelry, purses/bags, candles, aromatherapy products, and even locally-made sunscreens. And if you happen to be in the neighborhood in October, don’t miss their annual lilikoi (passionfruit) festival!

Hana Farms

Located on Maui’s lush east side, Hana Farms is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers can find fresh, local avocados, bananas, citrus fruits, lilikoi, papayas, tomatoes, green beans, squash, sweet peppers, herbs, nuts and seeds, flowers and plants, as well as coffee, jam, and banana bread. The adjacent restaurant, the Bamboo Hale, also provides an opportunity to enjoy artisan wood-fired pizza and fresh salads in an open-air setting, with live music every Friday evening.

These uniquely Hawaiian farmers markets are just one of the many things that make life on Maui so special. If you have any questions about our community or our real estate market, I’d love to hear from you!

Leslie Mackenzie Smith, REALTOR(S), RS-42147