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Big Island Farmers Markets
Shop like a local at vibrant markets where fresh produce meets island culture and community spirit
Written by a Local Food Expert
Kalani MillerA Food Lover's Guide to Big Island Farmers' Markets
To eat like a local, you have to shop like a local. The farmers' markets on the Big Island are vibrant, essential hubs of our food community. They are where you'll find the freshest ingredients, meet the people who grow our food, and discover flavors you'll never find in a supermarket.
How to Shop Like a Kamaʻāina (Local)
💰 Bring Cash
While more vendors are accepting cards, many of the smaller, family-run stalls are still cash-only. Come prepared with small bills.
🌅 Go Early
The best produce, flowers, and baked goods sell out quickly. The old saying "the early bird gets the worm" is especially true here.
💬 Talk Story
Don't be shy! Ask the farmers what's tasting best right now. Ask them for their favorite way to prepare a strange-looking vegetable. This is how you learn the real secrets of island cooking.
🌺 Be Adventurous
Try fruits you've never seen before, like the hairy red rambutan, the lychee-like longan, the uniquely sweet strawberry papaya, or the firm and tangy apple banana.
Respect the ʻĀina
Our farmers work hard to bring this bounty to the market. Please be respectful and don't handle or squeeze the produce unless you intend to purchase it. Remember, you're not just buying food—you're supporting local families and sustainable agriculture.
Kalani's Market Itinerary
Each market has its own personality and specialties. Here's my guide to making the most of each one.
ℹ️ Market Shopping Tips
- Best Time: Early morning
- Bring: Cash & bags
- Peak Days: Wed & Sat
- Parking: Arrive early
📅 Market Schedule
- Hilo Farmers Market Daily 7am-3pm
- Waimea Town Market Sat 7:30am-1pm
- Keauhou Market Sat 8am-12pm
- Volcano Market Sun 6am-10am
🧭 Restaurant Guide
🥭 What's in Season
Year-Round
Papaya, banana, avocado, coconut
Summer
Mango, lychee, rambutan, lilikoi
Winter
Orange, tangerine, strawberry
Big Island Farmers' Market Cheat Sheet
Each market has its own character and specialties. Here's your complete guide to making the most of each one.
The Main Event: Hilo Farmers Market
Daily, 7am-3pm • Go on Wed/Sat for the full 200+ vendor experience
This is the largest and most famous market on the island, and for good reason. On its "big market days" (Wednesday and Saturday), you'll find over 200 vendors selling everything under the sun. It's a feast for the senses, with mountains of tropical fruit, buckets of exotic flowers, local crafts, and an incredible food court area where you can get a delicious and affordable lunch, from fresh poke bowls to hot Thai curries.
Kalani's Pro-Tip: Parking fills up fast on big market days. Arrive by 8am for the best selection and easier parking. Don't miss the fresh fruit vendors on the Mamo Street side.
The Upcountry Original: Waimea Town Market
Saturday, 7:30am-1pm • The oldest market in Waimea
Held every Saturday at the historic Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables, this market has a wonderful paniolo (cowboy) country charm. It's a fantastic place to find upcountry produce that thrives in Waimea's cooler climate, as well as local grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, Hawaiian Volcano Sea Salt, and phenomenal baked goods from vendors like Sandwich Isle Bread.
Kalani's Pro-Tip: The setting is beautiful, with the Parker Ranch stables providing a rustic backdrop. Perfect for a leisurely Saturday morning with coffee and pastries.
The Curated Experience: Keauhou Farmers Market
Saturday, 8am-12pm • 100% Big Island grown
If you want to be sure you're buying 100% locally grown products, this is your market. Managed by the Kona County Farm Bureau, it has a strict policy that everything sold must be grown or produced on the Big Island. This makes it a smaller, more intimate market where you can meet and talk directly with the farmers.
Kalani's Pro-Tip: This is the best place to find premium, certified organic Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and unique products from vendors like Mermaid Mushrooms.
Small But Mighty: Volcano Village Farmers Market
Sunday, 6am-10am • Get there early before everything sells out!
This tiny market in the cool highlands near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is worth the early morning drive. The high elevation and volcanic soil produce some unique varieties of fruits and vegetables you won't find elsewhere. The market is small but the quality is exceptional.
The Night Scene: Uncle Robert's Awa Club
Wednesday, 5pm-9pm • Less of a market, more of a night party
Located in Kalapana, this isn't your typical farmers market. It's a true local scene with live music, food vendors, and a laid-back evening vibe. Come for the experience and the authentic local culture as much as the food.
