When you want to get the freshest fruits and veggies around, you cannot miss the Hilo Farmers Market. Local farmers come from all over the Big Island to sell their in-season produce to eager locals and tourists. Joining them are tons of artisans with handmade goods, locally made foods, and more. There’s no limit to what you can find here, so it always serves as a fun place to window shop.
The big market lands in the downtown Hilo area twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday. During that time, you can visit more than 200 vendor booths on your search for all your preferred items. Across the rest of the week, about 40 vendors stay on site to fill in the gaps until the big market arrives yet again. Every market day starts at 7am and runs through until 3 pm.
On all the market days, be sure to bring a big appetite. That way, you can sample all the top menu items from the food trucks and vendors onsite. Although they rotate out frequently, you can always count on Poke N Sides to show up. This popular vendor serves fresh poke bowls, loco moco, and everything in between at both big market days. You can order online to ensure it’s ready for pickup when you get there. Or just hop in line for a chance to order at the window.
Save room in your belly for the fresh produce available all across the market as well. You can get pineapple freshly prepared and ready to eat, plus coconuts, mangosteen, and so much more. They’re best enjoyed while walking around the market, so don’t hesitate to get fruits to snack on while you shop.
Top things you can find here:
Fresh Produce
All the fresh, local produce is undoubtedly the star of the show on all market days. The produce changes with the season, of course, although you can almost always find picture-perfect pineapple and coconuts. The vendors prepare the fruit for your pure enjoyment, allowing you to jet around the market while snacking away.
Flowers
Tropical flowers dominate the vendor booths, especially during the spring and summer months. The flowers work great to brighten up your hotel room throughout your stay on the island. They’re also a wonderful gift to pick up for your hosts if you’re staying with friends or family.
Jewelry
For a truly impressive souvenir of your trip, look for local artisans selling their handmade jewelry. Real-life flower jewelry often steals the spotlight, although there are many other excellent pieces all around. Look for local materials, like koa wood, preserved orchids, and pearls, to get an authentic island treasure to remember.
Artwork
Exquisite paintings and other works of art regularly appear in the farmer’s market booths. The artists come and go, so you never know who will show up next. All their pieces speak for themselves, however, so feel free to browse until you find something that tickles your fancy.
Clothing
If you want to round out your wardrobe while chilling in paradise, look for artisanal clothing made by local creators. Screen-printed t-shirts show up most often, although you can also find swimwear, coverups, sunhats, and sandals.
If you’re in a hurry, you can still get your fan favorites on the go by putting in a phone order. The market coordinators will prepare your selections and deliver them curbside at your given pick-up time. If you’re staying in the Hilo area, they also offer delivery to your location for a fee.
Insider Tips:
-Ask the vendors if they have online shops set up, so you can buy more of their goods upon returning home.
-Many vendors take EBT/SNAP benefits for their fresh foods.
-Hula shows run every Tuesday from 11 am to noon.