Fresh produce more convenient for Hawaii visitors

Just as Farmers Markets on the mainland are ending for the season, a new one is opening in the heart of Waikiki. It will soon be possible to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as products you'll probably only find at a Hawaii Farmers Market (like CHOCOLATE), just steps from the beach.

The new farmers market begins October 4 and will continue each Tuesday from 4 – 7:30 pm on the rooftop of Building A of the Royal Hawaiian Center. Twenty Hawaii vendors will sell a variety of local produce, prepared dishes, and beautiful fresh flowers. There will even be taro pounding demonstrations!

This is the description from the press release – read it and tell me you mouth isn't already watering: "Enjoy an assortment of locally made delicacies and beverages such as Pipikaula O Kahaluu beef jerky, Malie Kai chocolate made from Hawaiian cacao grown on Oahu’s North Shore, Nalo Mele “just from the hive” honey, Pacifikool fresh and all natural island ginger ale, Happy Cakes’ pineapple macadamia nut fruit cake, Big Wave Tomatoes’ grilled pesto pizza, and more!"

We always try to take guests to the Farmer's Market as part of their Hawaii vacation. They are amazed at the variety and SIZE of the produce here – honestly, the avocados, papayas and mangoes are easily double the size of any I saw on the mainland. They taste different, too, just off the farm. Fresh pineapples are a completely different flavor than the canned variety. The array of flowers is also something to behold. I get a large bouquet of exotic tropical flowers each week for five dollars. I couldn't find flowers like these for any price on the mainland.

Until recently, stopping at the Farmers Market was part of a trip away from Waikiki, but no longer. In addition to the Royal Hawaiian Center Farmers Market, one began earlier this month at the Ala Moana Center on Saturday mornings, and I saw signs recently for a Thursday afternoon Farmers Market at the International Market Place and one Friday afternoons at King's Village.

Hawaii vacationers benefit from the convenience of these new locations but I'm beginning to wonder how anyone has time to farm!

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Fun Stuff,Hawaii food

September 22nd, 2011