Find the freshest fruits and more at the Upcountry Farmer’s Market on Maui. Located near Pukalani, this bohemian shopping destination features more than just local produce. You’ll find a plethora of options including live plants, flowers, prepared foods, artisan-made crafts, and hard-to-find fruits. Plus, you get to support area farmers and talk to locals.
The weekly market brings together more than 40 vendors from around Maui to sell their goods. This is one of the rare places to find fresh breadfruit, mangoes, lilikoi, avocadoes, coconuts, and other local favorites. If you’ve only ever tried these fruits from the grocery store, you must try these fruits fresh. There is nothing like the flavor of a fruit freshly picked at its peak.
While many people go to the market for the freshest fruits and vegetables, you will also find many prepared foods that have restaurant-quality flavor at great prices that directly benefit the producers. For instance, previous vendors have included those who sell baklava, noodle dishes, sushi, kimchi, Thai food, samosas, curries, nut cheese spreads, and Korean food. While some people have breakfast before arriving at the market, you could fuel up your Saturday with freshly made foods at the farmer’s market.
Some of the most interesting finds in the past have included turmeric and other wellness shots, goat milk gelato, nitro cold brew coffee, vegan ramen, local honey, freshly made kulolo, acai bowls, coconut kefir, homemade macadamia nut milk, and vegan baked goods. Spend a little extra time browsing through the booths to discover your personal favorite finds.
As with most farmer’s markets, this location has many vendors who come weekly while others only appear temporarily. Plus, produce depends on seasons and harvests, so the timing and selection of fresh fruits and vegetables will vary. If you see something from a vendor that you like, don’t wait until the following week. They may not return or have the same selection.
This market does more than just support local farmers. They also provide services to the people in the surrounding community. For instance, they offer educational programs to children and provide them with farm tours to teach the young ones about the importance of agriculture. The market also provides workshops for its vendors to help them attain Department of Health certification. Seniors in the area receive fresh produce deliveries from the market to bolster their nutrition. The market cashier also accepts EBT cards to help those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program pay for fresh fruits and vegetables.
By shopping at the Upcountry Farmer’s Market, you directly benefit the vendors. Plus, because the market is popular enough to draw several vendors, it can provide support services for the rest of the community. Shopping locally reduces your carbon footprint, gives you the chance to try the freshest produce available, and helps promote local Hawaiian agriculture and culture.
Shopping at a farmer’s market is often not on many travelers’ lists of things to do, but you should consider adding this type of shopping trip to your itinerary. Make the trip to Upcountry Farmer’s Market to explore the best of what Hawaii has to offer from area farmers and artisans and experience life as the locals do.
Insider Tips:
-The parking lot for the farmer’s market has limited spots available. Park across the street or along the street if you cannot find a spot.
-Arrive as soon as the market opens to have the best selection of products from vendors and before the crowds build.
-Give yourself at least an hour or more to explore the many booths of this expansive farmer’s market.