Hilo Farmers Market

The market operates every day, with more than 200 stalls operating on Wednesday and Saturday, and a smaller market (with 10 to 30 vendors) during the rest of the week. On Sunday there is a secondhand market hawking used clothes and furniture. The market vendors change, but no matter the day, there is always a large selection of organic fruit and vegetables, local honey, jewelry, coffee, T-shirts, and fresh flowers. There are also prepared-food vendors at the indoor food court and an outdoor food-truck area.

• The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-see for foodies, shopaholics, and all first-time visitors to the Hilo area.

• Entrance to the market is free.

• The market has free Wi-Fi and public restrooms.

• Farmers market T-shirts, hats, and tote bags are for sale in the manager’s office, in the indoor food court.

• The market is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

The Hilo Farmers Market is in historic downtown Hilo, on the windward side of the Big Island of Hawaii. If driving, simply take Highway 19 into downtown. The market is at Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue, and there is free parking at Mo‘oheau Park and on the surrounding side streets. Cruise ship passengers can take a free shuttle from port; find the schedule on the market website.

The market is open from 6am to 4pm Wednesday and Saturday, and 7am to 4pm on other days. To experience the market in all its glory, come on a Wednesday or Saturday when all of the vendors are operating.

The Hilo Farmers Market has a small outdoor food-truck area near the arts and crafts section, but the indoor food court is something special. The inside stalls offer everything from burgers, salads, Thai food, and made-to-order sushi to cheesecake, chocolate eclairs, Vietnamese coffee, banh mi—and, of course, shave ice. Even if you don’t plan to shop for produce or souvenirs at the market itself, a visit here for lunch is well worth it.