The Waimea & Kohala Markets

The northern part of the island offers a dramatic change of scenery. Here, in the cool, green, rolling hills of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, the markets have a sophisticated, rustic charm.

Waimea Town Market

The Vibe: This market is pure upcountry chic. It's a gourmet foodie's paradise set against the stunning backdrop of Mauna Kea, with cool, crisp mountain air. It feels less like a market and more like a weekly community celebration where neighbors catch up over coffee and pastries.

Best For: High-quality organic produce, local grass-fed beef and lamb, fresh goat cheese, and incredible artisan breads from vendors like Sandwich Isle Bread Company. The prepared food is also top-notch, with delicious offerings from vendors like Mai Bacon, Hina Rae's Café, and Le Magic Pan.

Kamuela Farmers Market

The Vibe: This market is steeped in history and paniolo charm, set within the iconic Pukalani Stables of the famed Parker Ranch. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with live music and a pet-friendly policy that makes it feel like a fun family outing.

Best For: A fantastic variety of fresh produce, delicious prepared foods (you can find everything from Indian and Thai to local BBQ), and a fascinating dose of Hawaiian ranching history.

Hāwī Farmers Market

The Vibe: This market perfectly captures the spirit of North Kohala—intimate, artistic, laid-back, and deeply community-oriented. It's a smaller, more personal gathering where the pace is slow and the conversations are genuine.

Best For: Finding unique, handmade crafts, herbal teas, locally baked goods, and having authentic conversations with the artisans and farmers who make this community so special.

How to Shop Like a Local (And Spot the Real Deal)

This is something I feel is so important to share, because I want you to have the most authentic experience possible. It's a conversation that other writers often avoid, but it's a reality of market shopping here. While the vast majority of vendors are incredible local farmers and artists, some markets do have resellers who buy produce from the same distributors as supermarkets or sell imported crafts. This can be disappointing if you're seeking something truly local.

The key to navigating this is to be an engaged and mindful shopper. Here's how you can find the real deal: