Who doesn’t love a good farmers’ market, am I right? An even better question: who wouldn’t love a farmer’s market in Hawaii?! A place where it’s almost always sunny and warm and you can find tropical produce and lots of ready-to-eat local dishes to explore. I attend the Kailua farmers’ markets every weekend, so as an avid market goer, I am here to give you the scoop on the Kailua Town Farmers Market, run by Aloha Farmlovers.
The Kailua Town Farmers’ Market has been operating for six years and recently changed locations. The new location could not be better! There is an old bowling alley, Pali Lanes, right in the heart of Kailua Town. The parking lot is covered by old monkeypod trees that provide plenty of shade. It feels like you’re walking into a little European village as you enter. There are about 55 vendors at the Kailua Town Farmers’ Market, all selling amazing products, but since this is a blog and not a novel, I am just going to tell you about a few of my favorites and must-haves.
Pick Your Produce
The first stop is to pick up your produce. If you are going to the market for your weekly supply of fresh fruits and veggies, you want to arrive a bit early as they do sell out quickly. One of my favorite vendors to buy my weekly stockpile from is DeLaMesa Farms. It is a family-run farm operated by Bryan and Natalie Mesa. They have their little boy who is two and just welcomed a baby girl this past September. Outside of the family being some of the best people I know, Bryan’s produce is not only amazing, but he also serves a wide variety! Who knew Dandelion greens were so good for you?! Their booth is a must-stop to check out they have on offer that week.
Feeling Hungry?
Second, if you are feeling hungry and want to keep it healthy, I would highly recommend Surfer’s Wife Kitchen, where they serve a twist on your traditional falafel balls. They bake them in a waffle iron! Therefore getting the cutest name “Fawafel,” Everything is plant-based, gluten-free, and made with love. Jonathan and Mya are the owners of Surfer’s Wife Kitchen and have brought their culinary skills all the way from Israel. I don’t know if you have ever had good traditional hummus before (no not the Sabra kind you buy at the store..still very good) but homemade hummus. If not, do yourself a favor and stop by their booth and tell them Tarah sent you!
The Best Green Smoothie
Now for my all-time favorite booth at the market…the infamous “Green Smoothie”…Omao Man (Omao meaning “green” in Hawaii). If you do end up going to the Kailua Town Farmers’ Market, you might catch yourself seeing everyone walking around with cups or mason jars full of green smoothie. That’s when you know something is good when everyone across the board enjoys it. Once you hear what the smoothie ingredients are, you might think to yourself, “I don’t know about this….bok choy…what is bok choy?!” but the second the smoothie hits your taste buds, you completely forget that there are FIVE different types of greens in it. The owner, Troy, has been in business for six years now, going to various farmers’ markets across the island. He began the business growing all of the fruits and vegetables himself, but became such a hit that he now goes to different farmers around the island to get his produce. Keeping it local is key here in Hawaii.
Want to Know More About Oahu?
Whether you live here on Oahu or are planning a trip, the Kailua Town Farmers’ Market is a must-see. If you fall in love with the market and the town, contact me and we can chat about how to make Kailua and the Kailua Town Farmers Market a permanent staple in your life.
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