Roadside Stop for Fresh Island Goodies

The little old ladies at the Kahuku roadside market are the absolute cutest, and you can tell they take pride in their fruits and veggies. Handling each with the most delicate touch, they slice the fresh produce by hand before carefully dividing them up into zip lock baggies.

One lady, who goes by "Grandma," is just as sweet as the pineapples she sells. She has this squishy smile that's so contagious, you can't help but smile back and buy a bag or two from her stand. Now, that's what you call good marketing. 

There are about five different vendors along the main road that sell everything from papayas to dragon fruit to watermelons – basically whatever's in season. In addition to getting the pineapples from Grandma, we walk over to Rabago's stand to get a dozen banana lumpia. It's a Filipino specialty that can be best described as a giant spring roll with a banana and sugar filling. They always hit the spot after a day of surfing on the North Shore.

Banana lumpia is a favorite Hawai‘i dessert that's worth every calorie.

Best of all, everything at this roadside market is made in Hawai‘i and grown less than a mile from the fruit stands themselves. The aunties sell their stuff for cheap, too. One lumpia goes for $1. For $10, you can get a dragon fruit, two mangoes, two mountain apples and a couple of lumpia. That's more island produce than most tourists will ever try in one visit! 

You'll encounter many roadside vendors during your trip to Hawai‘i, but this particular one is my favorite. There's not only a variety of fruits and veggies to choose from but also a laid-back country atmosphere that'll help remind you to slow down a bit. You're in Hawai‘i, after all, so take in every moment and every morsel of delicious local goodies while you can! 

KAHUKU LAND FARMS STAND / 56-781 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI 96731 (Map) 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

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: Local grindz,Oahu

February 4th, 2013