Hilo Farmers Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is a daily outdoor market, best known for its tropical fruit and flowers, local produce, crafts, souvenirs and food vendors preparing ready-to-eat meals and treats. Whether you’re staying in Hilo for a few nights, or here on a day trip, a visit to the market should be at the top of your list.
At a Glance
- Location
- 20 Mamo Street, Hilo
- Hours
- Open daily, 7a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Size
- Wednesday and Saturdays: 200+ vendors; other days: 20-30 vendors
- Best Known For
- A large variety of tropical fruits, locally-grown coffee, honey, handmade crafts and gifts, coconut water in the coconut
- Best For
- The market is great for all types of visitors, from solo travelers to families. That said, it can get a bit busy and packed — I do not recommend trying to squeeze a stroller down the aisles.
- Parking
- Plenty of free parking nearby
- What to bring
- Cash. Though many vendors take cards, cash is still king. For a single mango or a bag of greens, using a credit card costs more for the vendor than the product itself. I also recommend bringing a hand fan, since it gets hot under the metal awning that covers the produce vendors. Try getting to the market as early in the morning as possible before the day warms up. Bring reusable bags to eliminate the need for plastic bags and for ease of transport.
- Fee
- No entrance fee
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Drive from Kailua-Kona
- 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic and environmental conditions
- Drive from Hilo Airport
- 10 minutes
- Nearby hotels
- SCP Hotel and Grand Naniloa Hotel
Hilo Farmer's Market
Walking into the market is a full on feast for the senses. Which sense kicks in first depends on how breezy it is — sometimes before you even approach the market, you’re engulfed by the sweet scent of ripe papayas and bananas. Have your camera ready. The spiky, magenta dragonfruit; the rainbow of cold pressed juices and the vendor carving fresh coconuts to drink from a straw, are shots you won’t want to miss.
As you walk through the aisles, you’ll hear vendors talking story — this isn’t just a place to shop, it’s also a place to meet the farmers and learn about what is grown and produced on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island. You might even catch the strum of a guitar coming from behind Kula Shave Ice — some of the best shave ice and açaí bowls on island.
None of this compares to getting a taste of all these wonderful foods, from tart liliko‘i, or passion fruit, to juicy mango, you’ve probably never had tropical fruit this delicious. One of my favorite fruits here is soursop, which tastes like a combination of coconut and pineapple.
Some of the vendors mixed in with the produce stalls offer foods like Peruvian tamales, Pad Thai and Filipino baked goods. For a full meal, there’s a handful of food trucks and the Hilo Farmers Market food court a couple doors down on Kamehameha Avenue. Poke n Sides is a great place to grab poke or a plate lunch for a day at the beach, and my favorite green papaya salad at Ou’s Thai food truck it’s worth waiting in line for. I love it because you have the option of adding avocado and mixed nuts (most papaya salads only offer peanuts).
Once you get your food, I highly recommend heading to Lili‘uokalani Gardens, a mile down the road, which has picnic tables, beautiful garden and bay views and walking trails for some light exercise after lunch.
The market is open every day except Christmas Day, though Wednesdays and Saturdays are the best time to visit. This is when hundreds of vendors — versus the 20-30 on the rest of the days — increase the variety of goods offered dramatically. If you’re primarily looking for produce, you’ll find plenty of options no matter the day, but I like to go on Saturdays before 10 a.m. (the market officially opens at 8 a.m.) when the vendors are still well-stocked and before it gets too hot outside.
Hilo Farmers Market sits on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue, a bustling area with nearby boutique shops, grocery stores and restaurants. There’s typically plenty of free parking in the area, even on the weekends, but it might take a few minutes and a little patience to find a spot. Use caution when driving near the market, as many pedestrians are so enthralled by the vendors they forget to pay attention to cars.
When you’re finished at the market, stroll down Kamehameha Avenue to shop for souvenirs, apparel and other locally made products to bring home.
Not sure where to start? Reserve a Downtown Hilo Historical and Cultural Walking Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the market only take cash?
No, many vendors take cards, but cash is highly preferred. The closest ATM in walking distance of the market is at Bank of Hawai'i at 321 Keawe Street, Hilo.
What should I buy?
Depending on when you’re visiting, some of the most incredible tropical fruits come in season on Hawai'i Island. You’ll find white pineapples in the late summer, lychee in the early summer and others like papaya and apple bananas year-round. I suggest trying a bit of everything! You will most likely find a new favorite. In addition there’s local cheese, coffee, crafts, souvenirs and lots more.
Is the market open every day of the year?
Yes, except for Christmas Day and if there’s major inclement weather.
Is everything at Hilo Farmers Market grown/produced in Hawai‘i?
No. There’s no requirement that goods are locally made. If that’s important to you, and it’s not obvious where it’s sourced from, be sure to ask.
Can I haggle at this farmers market?
No, prices are standard and haggling is considered bad manners
Does Hilo Farmers Market offer entertainment?
Yes, they host live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays and hula on Tuesdays.