Kauai is a Hawaiian island where the people have a very strong connection to the land. The year round growing conditions on the island allow the markets to be open all year round, offering fantastic produce to the local residents.
There are lots of farmers markets that you can visit to find local produce, but which ones are the best? We have put together this guide to help you. Keep reading to find out more.
Kauai Grown is a program that recognises and promotes local farmers and ranchers, and the restaurants and businesses that use their produce. The market is open every Saturday from 9:30am until 1pm.
You find the market at the Community College, 3 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue.
The farmers are very passionate about their produce and are happy to share their favorite recipes with you to ensure that you make the most out of the flavor.
As well as local farmers, there are also gardening and farming students selling produce that they have grown at the college.
Kauai Grown is passionate about educating people on sustainable farming practices, and there is an educational stand at the market where you can learn all about it and pick up some great tips and tricks.
Some of the amazing products you will find at the market are freshly pressed juices, honey, jams, tropical flowers, pineapples, bananas, dairy products, coffee, vegetables, baked goods, organic produce and much more.
There used to be 5 Sunshine Markets, but only 2 of them have re-opened regularly following the COVID pandemic. You can find the Kapaa market in Kapaa Beach Park on Wednesdays between 3pm and 4:30pm.
You can find the Hanapepe market in Hanapepe Park on Thursdays between 3pm and 4pm.
The markets aren’t open for a long period of time, so make sure you arrive at 3 o’clock sharp to give yourself as much time as possible to browse the vendors and find what you need.
At either of the Sunshine markets you will find a fantastic range of locally grown, fresh fruit and vegetables. The produce is of the highest quality and is reasonably priced, so you will be able to eat healthily without breaking the bank.
You will enjoy taking in the vibrant colors and the exciting sounds and smells of the market.
This is one of the newest farmers markets to open on the island of Kauai.
It takes place every Monday and Friday between 3pm and 6pm (sometimes it stays open until 7pm). You can find it in a parking lot opposite Kealia beach, just behind the post office.
Kealia Farm is a 40 acre property which is split out between multiple local farmers. All of the growing and farming techniques must be organic, with no pesticides or chemical sprays.
These farmers gather at the market to sell their produce together. It is a community operation, with volunteers helping to set up the market to support the farmers.
The hours of the market are designed to suit people who work during the day, so that everyone will get a chance to visit. You can feel the family spirit when you visit the market and see everyone working together and supporting each other.
At this market you will find hot prepared foods as well as fresh produce, with Hawaiian favorites like poi, cooked corms, laulau and pie.
There is also freshly caught fish. Kealia farm is planning to branch out into animals like goats and cows so that they can sell dairy products.
The Anaina Hou farmers market is open every Saturday from 9am until 12pm. It is located in a park off Khio Highway, Kilauea, on the north shore of the island.
The market stretches across three different areas of the park, and there is plenty of parking as well as toilet facilities and outdoor seating.
You can sit down and enjoy any snacks or treats that you purchase from the market, like baked goods or freshly cooked food.
There are over 40 vendors who regularly sell at the market, offering you an excellent choice of products. All of the vendors sell locally grown produce or locally made crafts, so shopping at the market is directly helping the local economy.
The aim of the market is to support local agriculture and local businesses, and showcase the hard work and talent of the people in the area. It also provides the local residents with access to top quality, nutritious food.
Grove Farmers Market in Lihue takes place every Saturday at 4411 Kikowaena Street.
It starts at 9:30am and stays open until the produce runs out. Make sure you get there early if you want the best pick of the products, as it can sell out quite quickly on busy days.
Alongside the farmers market, there is a craft market on the first Saturday of all even months. This showcases local talent and gives artists and makers a chance to sell their products.
At Grove Farmers Market, sustainability is very important. They promote eco-friendly vendors and sustainable practices. Make sure you bring your own bags to reduce waste.
You will find fresh fruit and vegetables sold by hardworking, local farmers. You will also find plants and herbs to expand your own garden, tropical flowers, freshly caught fish, coconuts, baked goods, vegan treats, honey and much more.
This is not just one of the best farmers markets in Kauai, it’s been voted in the top 5 best farmers markets across Hawaii (Also check out Farmers Markets In Maui)! It is on the north shore of the island, off Kuhio Highway, and is open every Saturday from 9:30am until 12pm.
It is a large open air market, with plenty of vendors offering excellent quality produce.
At the Hanalei market you will find locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally made crafts and art, freshly baked goods, fresh pressed juices, cooking sauces, honey, skincare products, flowers, clothes, condiments and much more.
You will even be able to attend a yoga class with a local instructor!
Waipa Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday from 2pm until dusk – or until the produce runs out! It is on the north shore of the island, off Kuhio Highway West of Hanalei. It is an open air market that takes place in a field.
Waipa is an organization committed to supporting local agriculture so that the community can eat locally grown instead of imported food. This is not only better for the environment, but is also better for the local economy.
As well as the weekly farmers market they also organize festivals and a weekly poi distribution. They give local farmers support and education to help them grow and farm sustainably.
There are lots of vendors and hot food stalls at Waipa market, and you will not be disappointed with the range of products on offer.
Princeville Night Market takes place the second Sunday of every month between 4pm and 8pm.
There are over 30 vendors each time, and it is a very popular event. It is not just a farmers market, there are all sorts of vendors offering local products for sale including crafts, clothes, home decor, books, sweets, honey, ceramics, skincare and much more.
You can get hot prepared food from one of the vendors or form the food trucks that also attend this event.
There is also live entertainment, with musicians and kids activities to provide fun for the whole family. It is a fantastic evening out and gives you the opportunity to soak up the local culture as well as supporting small, local businesses.
Coconut farmers market is a twice weekly market that takes place at coconut marketplace.
It happens every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 1pm. It is a fantastic location, perfect for an open air market, and there is a wide variety of vendors.
Farmers, ranchers and growers all gather together to sell their produce and connect with the local community. You can pick up recipes and swap gardening tips, and get to know the people behind the products.
It’s not just locally grown produce that you can find at this market. There is also an excellent selection of prepared foods, snacks, baked goods, crafted gifts, tropical flowers, and much more.
You will be amazed at the range of items on offer, and there is certainly something for everyone.
Warehouse 3540 is an indoor, creative marketplace which is designed to support local businesses. It is on the south side of the island, and vendors include local creatives, crafters, growers, and artisans.
There are food trucks, including a coffee truck, local produce, freshly baked goods, hot foods, crafts, art and much more. The marketplace is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
Summary
All of these farmers markets offer an exciting shopping experience and an excellent range of top quality products. By shopping at a farmers market you are helping the environment and supporting the local economy.
Hi, my name is Amelia Haslehurt and I am a food blogger. As you can guess, I am passionate about what I eat, but what is most important to me when reviewing is high quality, fresh, organic, delicious ingredients.
I wanted to create an online space where others could sample some of my favorite recipes, and share in my passion for home-grown produce.
Whether you are looking for vegan recipes, easy recipes, healthy recipes or your favorite yummy snacks to brighten your day, I can help you out here at LocallyGrownGardens.com
