In this guide
Why shop at farmers markets in Hawaii?
Hawaii imports approximately 85% of its food from the mainland and beyond. Every dollar you spend at a local farmers market stays in the community — supporting small farms, family businesses, and Hawaii's agricultural economy.
Beyond the economics, farmers market produce is fresher (often picked that morning), more flavorful, and connects you directly with the people who grow your food. There's no supply chain — just a farmer and a customer.
Did you know? A single farmers market vendor can feed 50-100 families per market day. When you buy local, you're keeping that vendor's livelihood alive.
Farmers markets by island
Hawaii has over 100 farmers markets across the islands. Here's a breakdown of the major ones.
🌴 Oahu
Oahu has the largest concentration of farmers markets in the state, centered around Honolulu and the North Shore.
- KCC Farmers Market — Kapiolani Community College, Saturday mornings. The biggest and most popular on Oahu.
- Kailua Farmers Market — Thursday evenings. Great for families, live music.
- Haleiwa Farmers Market — North Shore, Thursday afternoons. Known for tropical fruits and shrimp.
- Pearlridge Farmers Market — Saturday mornings. Central Oahu's go-to.
- Kakaako Farmers Market — Saturday mornings. Urban setting near Ward Village.
🌴 Maui
Maui's markets are spread across Upcountry, West Maui, and Central Maui.
- Upcountry Farmers Market — Pukalani, Saturday mornings. Fresh from the slopes of Haleakala.
- Maui Swap Meet — Saturday mornings at UH Maui. Mix of produce and crafts.
- Napili Farmers Market — West Maui, Wednesday and Saturday. Smaller, local feel.
- Kahului Farmers Market — Central Maui, varied days. Good selection and prices.
🌴 Big Island (Hawaii Island)
The Big Island grows more agricultural products than any other island, making its markets especially rich.
- Hilo Farmers Market — Wednesday and Saturday. One of the largest and oldest markets in the state.
- Keauhou Farmers Market — Kona side, Saturday mornings. Kona coffee, mac nuts, tropical fruits.
- Waimea Town Market — Saturday mornings. Upcountry produce and ranching community.
- South Kona Green Market — Sunday mornings. Organic and sustainable focus.
🌴 Kauai
Kauai's "Garden Isle" reputation is well-earned — its markets reflect a deep farming tradition.
- Kauai Community Market — Koloa, Saturday mornings. Great variety, friendly atmosphere.
- Hanalei Farmers Market — North Shore, Saturday mornings. Taro, poi, tropical fruits.
- Kilauea Market — North Shore, Thursday afternoons. Small but quality vendors.
🌴 Molokai & Lanai
Smaller islands with strong community markets.
- Molokai Saturday Market — Kaunakakai town. Community-run, authentic local produce.
- Lanai Community Market — Periodic, community-organized. Small-scale but genuine.
What you'll find at Hawaii farmers markets
Hawaii's markets are unique in what they offer. Here's what to look for:
Hawaii's seasonal produce calendar
While Hawaii grows produce year-round thanks to its climate, some items have peak seasons:
January – March
Citrus season (tangerines, tangelos, navel oranges), avocado season begins, strawberries, lettuce and greens thrive in cooler weather.
April – June
Mango season begins (peaks in June-July), lychee, rambutan, longan, breadfruit starts. Pineapple is at its sweetest.
July – September
Peak mango season, lilikoi (passion fruit), dragon fruit, starfruit, jackfruit. Summer squash and eggplant abundant. Macadamia nut harvest begins.
October – December
Apple bananas peak, persimmons, poha berries, holiday flowers and lei. Coffee harvest on the Big Island (Kona coffee picking season). Sweet potatoes abundant.
Pro tip: Ask vendors what's in season right now. They know their crops better than any chart, and they'll often give you the best stuff if you show genuine interest.
Tips for farmers market shoppers
- Arrive early — The best selection is in the first hour. Popular items sell out fast.
- Bring cash — Many vendors still prefer cash, though more are accepting cards and mobile payments.
- Bring reusable bags — Better for the environment and easier to carry. Some markets charge for bags.
- Talk to vendors — Ask how they grow their produce, what's freshest, and what they recommend. Relationships lead to better products.
- Buy what's in season — It's cheaper, tastier, and supports sustainable farming practices.
- Try something new — Hawaii grows fruits and vegetables you won't find at a mainland grocery store. Be adventurous.
- Check for market schedules — Hours and days can change, especially around holidays and weather events.
Tips for farmers market vendors
If you're a vendor looking to grow your business beyond market days, here are some strategies:
- Create an online presence — Your customers want to find you between market days. An online storefront lets them order when it's convenient for them.
- Collect customer contacts — A simple sign-up sheet at your booth builds a list of regulars you can notify about new products or market schedules.
- Offer pre-orders — Let customers reserve items before market day. It reduces waste and guarantees sales.
- Tell your story — Customers buy from people, not just products. Share your farm's story, growing practices, and what makes your products special.
- Diversify your sales channels — Don't rely on a single market day. Online sales, farm stands, restaurant partnerships, and subscription boxes all supplement market income.
Skip the line. Shop the market from home.
Browse Hawaii's best vendors and order fresh produce, honey, coffee, and more — delivered or pickup.
Browse RootStallMore than just markets — Hawaii's local marketplace and community hub
Hawaii's farmers markets aren't going away — they're the heart of the community. But the way people discover local vendors, find what's happening, and support the islands' local economy is evolving.
RootStall is Hawaii's local marketplace and community hub. It connects buyers directly with local vendors across all islands — no middlemen, no markup — AND helps people discover farmers markets, fairs, workshops, fundraisers, cleanups, and other community events happening near them. Selling is currently free for vendors. Buyers and attendees browse for free.
Think of it as your farmers market booth that never closes, on the same platform where event organizers post community happenings. Your regulars can order anytime, customers on other islands can find you, attendees can find your event, and you keep 100% of every sale.
Whether you're a shopper who can't make it to Saturday market, a vendor who wants to reach more customers, or an organizer running a community event — RootStall is here.
- For buyers & attendees: Browse the marketplace — it's free
- For vendors: Learn about selling on RootStall
- For market hosts & event organizers: Post your market or event