The Hilo & Puna Markets

The rainy, tropical East side of the island has a wild, creative energy, and its markets are a direct reflection of that—vibrant, diverse, and full of life.

Hilo Farmers Market

The Vibe: This is the legendary "Big Kahuna" of all Big Island markets. On a peak day, it is a massive, colorful, and wonderfully chaotic sensory explosion. With over 200 vendors, it's a true melting pot of the island's diverse cultures, attracting a mix of locals stocking up on groceries and wide-eyed visitors.

Best For: Sheer, unbeatable variety. This is the place to find an incredible array of tropical fruits at affordable prices, especially papayas, since about 95% of Hawaiʻi's papayas are grown on this side of the island. The selection of tropical flowers—orchids, anthuriums, heliconias—is breathtaking and cheap. The food court is also immense, offering everything from Thai food to poke to local baked goods.

Makuʻu Farmers Market (Puna)

The Vibe: Makuʻu isn't just a market; it's a full-blown Sunday morning festival and the cultural heartbeat of the Puna district. The atmosphere is eclectic, bohemian, and a little bit wild, in the best way possible. Live music is always playing, and the sprawling grounds are filled with a mix of farm produce, incredible food vendors, local crafts, and even flea-market-style tables with vintage finds.

Best For: A Sunday brunch adventure. The food court area is massive, with food trucks and stalls offering an international array of cuisines—Thai BBQ, French crepes, Indian curries, and local favorites. It's also a fantastic place for people-watching and finding unique, quirky, and artistic crafts that reflect the free-spirited Puna vibe.

Kinoʻole Farmers Market (Hilo)

The Vibe: This is the local's secret, the in-the-know alternative to the sometimes-overwhelming downtown Hilo market. The vibe is quiet, friendly, clean, and organized, with a strict focus on authenticity. It's a much more relaxed and personal shopping experience.

Best For: Guaranteed 100% Hawaiian-grown products. This market is sponsored by the Farm Bureau, so you can shop with confidence. It's the place to go if you want to avoid the tourist crowds and find high-quality, truly local produce like sweet potatoes, fresh greens, and delicious homemade lilikoi mochi.