Big Island Farmers’ Markets Offer More than Just Fruits & Vegetables

The Big Island’s diversified agriculture industry continues to gain strength as more and more farmers’ markets develop around the island. Not only are they fun to visit, farmers’ markets are ideal for purchasing locally made gifts.

Beeing Aloha Sells Beautiful Handmade Candles and Bee Products | Photo by Waimea Town Market

For instance, the hostess of a bridal shower I attended recently opted to purchase party favors from the farmers’ market. Guests were delighted to receive handmade soaps, delicious jellies and jams, artesian bees wax candles, kiawe smoked seasoning salts, and other unique gifts.

Dare to Try Something Different | Photo Provided by Hilo Farmers Market

Recommended Big Island Farmers’ Markets

Due to their growing popularity, farmers’ markets are now island wide and open multiple days of the week. For your convenience, here is a current list of farmers’ markets in various places around the island that I believe are worth visiting.

Kona

Holualoa Gardens Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
76-5901 Mamalahoa Hwy in Holualoa
North Kona
808-322-5702

Hooulu Community Farmers’ Market
Wed., Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Lawn at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa – Keauhou Bay
www.hooulufarmersmkt.com

Keauhou Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 noon
Keauhou Shopping Center, fronting Ace Hardware
808-322-3118

Kona Farmers’ Market
Sat., Sun., 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Old Industrial Park, Kaiwi Square, Kailua-Kona
808-961-9094

Waimea

Waimea Homestead Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 7 a.m. – 12 noon
64-759 Kahilu Road (located at Kuhio Hale Building)
808-333-2165

Waimea Midweek Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
67-139 Pukalani Road
808-775-9549

Waimea Town Market
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
65-1244 Lindsey Road (Parker School)
www.waimeatownmarket.com

Kekela Farm
Tues., Fri., 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
64-604 Mana Road
808-887-2763

North & South Kohala

The Kings’ Shops Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Waikoloa Beach Resort
808-895-8787

Under the Banyans Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hawi

Waikoloa Village Farmers’ Market
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Waikoloa Community Church Parking Lot
68-3625 Paniolo Ave., Waikoloa

Hilo

Hilo’s Farmers’ Market
Wed., Sat., 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sun., 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Corner of Kamehameha Ave. and Mamo St.
808-933-1000
* Wed & Sat are the best days for this market.

Volcano

Volcano Farmers’ Market
Sunday, 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
1000 Wright Rd.,
Cooper Center, Volcano
808-967-7209

It’s great to incorporate farmers’ markets into your Big Island tour schedule or weekend outing. The markets make for a perfect rest stop where you may purchase delicious snacks to enjoy while touring the island. Be sure to pack an empty cooler!