Hilo Farmer's Market — Attraction in Hawaii

Wandering into the Hilo farmers market is akin to stepping through a portal, not just into the heart of Hawaiian commerce, but into a tapestry of experiences that weave together the spiritual with the earthly pleasures of fresh produce and artisanal goods. This is no ordinary marketplace; it's a realm where every stall and vendor becomes a guide on a spiritual journey, each offering more than just goods to fill your bag, but nourishments for the soul.

As you meander through the bustling aisles, the air is thick with the scent of fresh fruits, flowers in full bloom, and the earthy aroma of locally grown vegetables. It's here, among the colorful displays that seem to stretch into infinity, that you encounter vendors of all sorts, each presenting their harvests and handiworks not merely as products but as extensions of their life's passion and the island's bounty.

The act of buying here transcends the transactional. When you're handed a pineapple, it's not just a piece of fruit; it's a sun-kissed offering from the land, cradled in the hands of someone who has nurtured it from a mere seedling. The price, though perhaps a momentary cause for pause, loses its edge against the backdrop of understanding that this marketplace is the pulsing heartbeat of the community. This is not about finding a bargain but supporting a network of souls dedicated to preserving and sharing the essence of Hawaii.

Each purchase becomes a token of your journey through this vibrant tapearthy space. The vendors, with stories as rich and varied as the goods they sell, are all too willing to share tales of their crafts and crops. They offer you more than you came for—not just in the physical sense of leaving with bags heavier than intended but in the stories, smiles, and spiritual connections that lace every interaction.

In this sacred space, questions of price give way to the realization of value in its truest form. Where else, indeed, would you be offered a pineapple, handed to you not just as a fruit but as an emblem of island life, wrapped in the kindness of the community, and imbued with the spirit of Aloha?

As you exit the market, the sensory overload settles into a deep sense of peace; you've been on a journey that nourished more than just your physical needs. This spiritual adventure, set against the backdrop of Hilo's farmers market, leaves you enriched, connected, and profoundly aware of the delicate interweavings of humanity, nature, and the divine tapestry of...

A local and tourist haven for homemade goods, tropical fruits and unique finds. The market situated in three adjoining sections of historic, old town Hilo is perfect for carefree sauntering. This area gives way to the long and winding stables market, consisting of vendors selling finely crafted arts and jewelry, locally grown coffees, teas handmade, soaps and warm weather clothing.

It's easy to get lost in this market, but with all it has to offer, including cool food trucks and restaurants tucked between nooks and crannies, visitors agree it's also very fun. The only grievance travelers had were the massive crowds that form during the weekend and on boat days (we adore the people watching). I especially love the noni drink handmade in Pahoa by a sweet wellness focused family. It has locally grown tumeric and ginger to brighten your digestion and mind. The goat cheese vendor is awesome with 4 or 5 different varieties including macnut, basil garlic, dill and classic. It's easy to run across new produce options like "ongchoy" a broccoli like hollow long been that is delicious to stir fry or longon fruit also know as snake eye. It has a rough outer shell and tastes like a light melon and white grape texture with a large seed in the center. Locally grown chocolate, macadamia nuts and tropical fruits are the absolute treat!

We would rate the market 6 stars if the signage was better for organic produce and location of farms, however, it's best to know you farmer to really be sure.

The market has live music, world's best papaya salad each made to order with a koa wood mortar and pestle. There is canopy coverage protecting from the rain "liquid sunshine" - is common this side of the island - in the...

Our trustworthy driver brought us safely from Kona all the way to Hilo for our fun-filled day of sightseeing, and she wanted to check this place out and hopefully purchase stuff.

ATMOSPHERE: The market is spread out over gravel lots in downtown Hilo under pop up tents, across the street from Mooheau Park. Parking is all street, or on a small gravel lot off of Beckley Street. There was also a small eatery within the grounds with outdoor seating full of people, but I didn't check it out.

THE MARKET: Because we came on a Sunday at around 2pm, only 1 tent was occupied, and not even 50% at that. We were told the more bustling days were on the weekdays and Saturday. The maybe 10 or so vendors there were selling almost similar products, including vegetables, fruits, and crafts. One particular fruit that caught my eye was called "rambutan" which has a unique exterior similar to a protea flower, with the inside fruit tasting similar to a lychee but not as sweet, or so I was told. I was hoping to find fresh gandule beans in the pod but no one was selling them. My friend on the other hand, found fresh pohole ferns that were even cheaper than on Maui where we live. She lugged them back on the plane and eventually made her infamous...