Taking In the Honolulu Farmers Market

Over the holidays, my daughter and I had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii.

I’m sure that most tourists go for the sand, sun and surf. We were there for that, no doubt. But high up on my to-do list was visiting at least one of Oahu’s farmers markets.

As things turned out, we got to go to The Big Kahuna, the Saturday Honolulu Farmers’ Market at Kapi’olani Community College.

Pulled pork, North Shore shrimp, Ahi steak & greens.

This farmers market is mammoth and when we were there, it was  jam packed with locals and tourists, who were literally dropped off by the busload. Lines for popular food stalls snaked through the crowds.

Jakfruit tastings

It would be easy to get overwhelmed. And I was at first. But as soon as we found a spot on the grass, thanks to complimentary woven mats rolled up in bins throughout the market, and dug into our lunch, I relaxed, enjoyed the people watching and set my sights on a few vendors I wanted to visit.

Rambutan

Mostly though, I wanted to see some produce I wouldn’t see here in the Midwest. I didn’t leave disappointed. One of the first things I saw was this gargantuan jakfruit.

In the same area, there was this uninviting looking rambutan, which I learned on another day is quite delicious once you get past the prickly exterior.

Other than a very filling early lunch, we didn’t buy too much at the market other than flowers and some local honey. My sister is a regular at the smaller Kailua Farmers Market, which is easier to navigate, more practical.

Still, there was plenty to enjoy with the madness of this larger assembly of island farmers. Besides the variety of good eats both prepared and raw, there was plenty of community.

Master gardener advice tent.

And I really enjoyed that there was a tent featuring advice from Hawaii master gardeners.

Now I bet something like that would be pretty popular here in Oak Park, even if only during special event days.

I’d love another few Saturdays to explore this vibrant market. It’ll be high on my list of must-dos next time we visit the Island.