Tips for Market Shopping in Hawaii

When the seasons change in Hawaii, you may barely notice. Long summer days spent playing at the beach give way slowly, almost imperceptibly, to fall. Our leaves don’t change color, and the air temperature drops maybe a few degrees. On rare occasions, you may need a light sweater in the evening.

In Hawaii, we’re blessed with such gorgeous weather that many seasonal crops grow either much longer here or sometimes even year-round. During your stay at a vacation rental home in the islands, a trip to a local farmers market can open your eyes to the freshest possible flavors that Hawaii has to offer.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to the farmers market.

Buy local first

It’s tempting to make Costco the first stop on the way to your villa, as a matter of convenience. But if possible, try to delay this first purchase — in fact, what a great excuse to get out and sample some Hawaii regional cuisine at your favorite restaurant!

On your second day, get up early to shop at one of Hawaii’s many farmers markets. You’ll be surprised at the variety that’s available, as you can even get eggs, dairy, meats, and fish in addition to the expected fruits and veggies. Plus, these will be the freshest possible since they haven’t sat on store shelves or in transit to the islands like the stuff at big box stores. Afterwards, go ahead and stop at a grocery or warehouse club to fill in what you couldn’t find.

Buy seasonal

Be sure to chat with the farmers and vendors at your farmers market so you can take advantage of the fruits and vegetables that are in season. For example, one sure sign I’ve come to recognize that “Fall” is coming, is that mango season begins to taper off. There is nothing quite like eating a fresh, ripe mango during the hot days of summer! As the seasons change, I always take advantage of the last of the mangoes from friends or neighbor’s trees, or at the local farmers market.

Don’t be afraid to taste

If something looks unfamiliar, go ahead and ask about it! Often, you can sample tropical fruits and veggies that you may not have seen before. Farmers (or even fellow shoppers) will offer up all kinds of wonderful recipes and hints for how to cook with local ingredients. But beware, you may develop a craving that’s hard to fulfill once you’ve returned home!

BYOB

That’s bring your own BAG. Two counties, Maui and Kauai, have enacted bans on plastic bags and the movement is building on the remaining islands as well. It’s always a good idea to pack along your own tote, or even a cooler if you plan on picking up perishables. Plastic bags fill up our landfills and can harm marine life.

Shop for souvenirs

Instead of those tacky trinkets you find at swap meets or ABC stores, why not bring home something locally made as a souvenir of your Hawaiian vacation? Great choices to be found at farmers markets include locally produced honeys, sea salts, spices, salad dressings, and chocolate. Coffee is a popular gift, too. Kona Coffee is our most well-known, but other regions in the islands produce some amazing blends as well.

Take a farm tour

Many of Hawaii’s farmers have opened their farms to the public, which is a great way to get to see the farm-to-table process. You can inquire about tours at farmers markets to do it yourself, or you can join an organized tour.

Whip up something simple in your own kitchen!

Here’s a tasty treat you’re likely to make every day during your visit to Hawaii. This wonderful recipe is courtesy of Marilyn Jansen-Lopes from Maui Country Farm Tours, a source of fun activities if you’re staying on Maui.

Mango-Pineapple Salsa

1 large mango, cubed
4 oz. small pineapple chunks
Jalapeno chili, minced
2 fresh basil leaves, minced
2 tsp fresh lime juice
Ground pepper, to taste
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. vinegar
Fresh cilantro, a chopped handful

Mix together and chill for a few hours to let the flavors blend. That’s it! Excellent served over fish or chicken.

Thank you to Malia Yoshioka for writing this guest post. Malia was born and raised on Maui and writes the WhyGo Hawaii travel guide, your one-stop resource for making the most of your trip to Hawaii. You can find her every Saturday shopping at the KCC Farmers Market in her home of Honolulu.