Apart from its lush greenery, active volcanoes, pretty beaches, and stunning landscape, Hawaii also has some of the best farmer’s markets! With 11 of the world’s known climate types are found on this island, you will come across a variety of produce that will grab your attention.
The popular farmer’s markets in Hawaii showcase lots of lush and tropical produce such as rare black sapote, uncured coffee beans, and fresh cacao pods. These specialty items are extremely rare that can only be found on the Big Island!
The farmer’s markets near Kona are also quite special as you can get many signature local plants such as orchids and anthurium to brighten up your mood. You can even find some special shops where you can get Big Island chocolate, local kamut bread, and exquisite local cuisine. If you’re a fan of fresh tropical fruits, then the farmer’s markets near Kona will be like heaven for you! With various varieties of chirumoya, mangos, and passionfruit, you can have a true tropical experience.
It’s important to know that every farmer’s market is unique in its own way, which is why you should try to explore all the markets on this list.
So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best farmers’ markets near Kona.
1. The Kona Farmers Market
Located right in the center of Kona near the Kailua Bay is one of the most popular markets of the Big Island – the Kona Farmers Market. With exquisite varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and locally-made arts and crafts, you will thoroughly enjoy exploring this market!
Not only is the Kona Farmers Market a great place for you to buy lots of tasty and healthy snacks for a day trip, but it is also good for mementos and gifts to take back home. This market is also the ideal place to buy the special Kona coffee and red ice cream bananas. With over 50 vendors, you can expect to find a lot of variety here.
The Kona Farmers market is opened from Wednesday till Sunday from 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can spend a few hours exploring this market and then take a walk down to the beach, which is just one minute away!
2. The Pure Kona Green Market
Previously known as the South Kona Green Market, this popular farmer’s market is known for its sustainability. All the vendors at the Pure Kona Green Market practice natural and sustainable techniques to produce quality art and food for the local community. Locate in South Kona, this market is relatively smaller than other farmer’s markets, but is extremely authentic.
There are no foreign imports allowed here, so everything you find is locally produced. The Pure Kona Green Market only operates on Sundays and is very family-friendly. With live music, delicious food, and lots of freshly baked items such as oatmeal cookies, people often visit here to buy their weekly produce and enjoy a good meal. Generally, South Kona is a very low ley place with not many happening events. However, if you’re in the area visiting the Captain Cook Monument, this farmer’s market can be a great stop along the way!
The Pure Kona Market takes place at the Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens, right across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. It only operates every Sunday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm, making it a great day trip for families visiting the Big Island.
3. Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market
The Ho’oulu farmers market hosts around 40 vendors that offer fantastic varieties of local produce, special Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and hand-made local arts and crafts. In comparison to other farmer’s markets near Kona, the Ho’oulu farmers market has a greater variety of locally-made arts and crafts rather than fresh produce.
Held at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, this market is held only every Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The location of this market is pretty great as there is ample free parking available. If you’re visiting the Big Island, the best thing would be to rent a car to visit the Ho’oulu farmers market to purchase special arts and crafts to gift to people back home.
4. Keauhou Farmers Market
This rather small farmer’s market is held every Saturday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Keauhou Shopping Center parking lot. Even though this market is a little smaller than other farmer’s markets, you can still get a great selection of edibles such as breads, fruits, and fish. You will also find a limited variety of flowers and Kona coffee. One of the best things about this market is that you can have a nice Saturday breakfast here while listening to live music, and if you aren’t too keen on eating, you can simply grab a glass of fresh-squeezed juice.
5. South Kona Fruit Stand
This isn’t exactly a farmer’s market, but is a fantastic place to go to stock up some necessary edible items. The south Kona fruit stand is a single fruit stand that offers a decent selection of delicious exotic fruits, fresh smoothies, and baked goods.
Located near the old Higashi Store on the Mamalahoa Hwy in Captain Cook, this stand operates 7 days a week. The south Kona fruit stand operates from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Even though the prices are a little higher than compared to farmer’s markets, you surely wouldn’t mind paying a little more to enjoy their world-class smoothies and chill at the sitting area overlooking the ocean. The south Kona fruit stand is also a great place to stop for a snack or to grab a few items for a road trip.
While there are many farmer’s markets located on the Big Island, there are only a few located near Kona. However, the farmer’s markets near Kona are truly amazing with their extensive varieties of fresh produce, flowers, arts, and crafts.
