Farmers’ Markets in Pahoa and Lower Puna
The Pahoa area has several Farmers’ Markets that offer opportunities to buy fresh Hawaiian produce, specialty food items, locally made jewelry, art and products, tropical flowers and so much more. Some of the produce available year around include organic lettuce, tomatoes, Romano green beans, Japanese eggplant, purple sweet potatoes, avocadoes, papayas, mango, rambutan, white pineapple, and fresh Hawaiian ginger. Besides being an excellent place to buy locally-sourced produce, flora and fauna, gifts and artwork, our local Farmers’ Markets present an interesting cultural experience for visitors and residents of all ages.
Maku’u Farmers’ Market – This weekly market is arguably the best market on the east side of Hawaii Island. It is certainly the largest and most diverse in terms of its vendor booths, fresh-made foods, entertainment and people watching. Open every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, the Maku`u Farmers Market has local, fresh fruits and veggies, herbs, tropical plants and flowers, locally made value-added products including goat cheese, soaps, honey, jellies, and more. You’ll also find artists selling their paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, and handcrafted woodwork items. And it wouldn’t be a market without second-hand items like only the best flea markets do. But the most amazing thing to experience is the wide selection of delectable food you can try – even the pickiest foodies will love the array of smells, tastes and textures from cultures from all over the world. Your taste buds will savor the flavors and your toes tap under the table to the live music of the day. Be sure to check out the Hawaiian Rare Fruit Company for samples of some unusual fruit. This extremely popular market is located on Highway 130 between Maku`u Drive and downtown Pahoa. It is most crowded at mid-morning. There is a small cash fee for parking.
Pahoa Town Farmers’ Market – This Sunday market has a couple dozen vendors. It can be found in the back of the parking lot in downtown Pahoa behind Luquin’s.
Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market in Kalapana – This market is the worst kept secret in lower Puna. The market is held every Wednesday night from 5-10 p.m. at the end of Kapoho-Kalapana Road and is more a festival than a market. It’s the only nighttime farmers market on the island and is also one of the busiest with vendors offering locally grown produce, baked goods, handmade jewelry, gifts, freshly cooked food, and great live music. This is the place to go in the hope that you will hear some great Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. As you approach the area drive slowly and watch out for people walking along the narrow road that leads to the market. You can park on the side of the road before you get to the market but it may be easier just to drive to the lava lot at the end of the road ($2) to park. Plan on eating dinner here while enjoying the live music. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the car. The market is also open on Friday evenings, but is much less crowded and has significantly less vendors.
