Best Farmers Markets on the Big Island in 2026
Why the Big Island Has Some of Hawaii's Best Farmers Markets
The Big Island of Hawaii produces more agricultural variety than any other island in the state. Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, Hamakua mushrooms, cacao, vanilla, hearts of palm, tropical fruit that barely exists elsewhere in the U.S. — the island's size and range of elevations create microclimates that let almost anything grow. The farmers markets here aren't tourist attractions. They're genuine community infrastructure, and the quality of what you'll find is exceptional.
Hilo Farmers Market — The Island's Best
The Hilo Farmers Market, held Wednesday and Saturday mornings at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo, is widely considered the best farmers market in all of Hawaii. The Wednesday market is more compact and local; Saturday is the full-scale version with 200+ vendors, and it draws both residents and visitors from across the island.
What you'll find: anthuriums and tropical flower bouquets for a few dollars, fresh lilikoi (passionfruit), rambutan, starfruit, dragonfruit, locally grown avocados larger than anything on the mainland, Hamakua mushrooms, smoked meats, fresh fish, and prepared foods from a dozen different cultural traditions. Prices are low and quality is high. Arrive early Saturday — by 9 AM the best vendors are already running low on their most popular items.
Kona Farmers Market — Convenient and Consistent
The Kona Farmers Market runs Wednesday through Sunday in the parking lot near Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona. It's smaller than Hilo but well organized and reliable, with a focus on Kona-grown coffee, tropical fruit, and local crafts alongside produce vendors.
The coffee vendors here are some of the best direct-to-consumer sources for 100% Kona coffee on the island. You can taste before you buy at most booths. It's a significant step up from the gift-shop Kona coffee blends sold elsewhere (which can be as little as 10% Kona beans by law). This is the real thing.
Waimea Town Market — Upcountry Saturday
The Waimea Town Market held at Parker School on Saturday mornings reflects the upcountry agricultural community surrounding it. This is ranching country — Parker Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. — and the market reflects it with locally raised beef, goat cheese, fresh eggs, and the temperate-climate produce (strawberries, lettuce, herbs) that grow at elevation but not at sea level.
It's a smaller, quieter market than Hilo or Kona, but the quality is excellent and the atmosphere feels genuinely local. Combine it with breakfast at one of Waimea's good cafes and an afternoon at Merriman's for a perfect upcountry day.
Ho'oulu Community Farmers Market — South Kona
For travelers staying in or passing through the South Kona coffee belt, the Ho'oulu Community Farmers Market in Captain Cook is a worthwhile stop. The South Kona agricultural zone produces exceptional coffee, cacao, and tropical fruit, and this market is one of the better places to buy directly from farmers who grow it.
It's smaller and more community-oriented than the larger Hilo or Kona markets, which is part of the appeal. You're buying from people who grew what they're selling, often on farms you can see from the road.
What to Buy at Big Island Farmers Markets
- Kona coffee — look for "100% Kona" labeling and buy directly from farmers to ensure authenticity.
- Tropical fruit — lilikoi, rambutan, longan, dragonfruit, sapodilla, and varieties you won't find at home.
- Hamakua mushrooms — grown in the lush Hamakua Coast and sold fresh; excellent for cooking.
- Local honey — Big Island honey is distinctive, with varieties made from macadamia blossom and Christmas berry.
- Cacao and chocolate — the Big Island is one of the few places in the U.S. where cacao grows commercially; look for locally made chocolate bars.
- Fresh flower leis — genuine, locally made leis are significantly less expensive at farmers markets than at airports or hotel shops.
Market Tips
Bring a reusable bag, small bills for vendors who prefer cash, and an appetite — most markets have prepared food vendors where you can eat breakfast or lunch. The Hilo Saturday market in particular has enough prepared food options to make a full meal of it. Go early, take your time, and talk to the vendors — most of them genuinely love talking about what they grow.
Why Big Island Farmers Markets Are Special
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