One of the charms of a small town is its local weekly markets

Wherever I am in the world, I always love to visit the local markets. I have a  wonderful feeling while I mingle and chat with the locals from the area. I enjoy an experience and an awareness of the local area that I don’t usually pick up by just visiting the touristy areas.

While in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii we made time to visit the Hilo Farmers Markets. These condensed and lively markets located in the heart of Hilo offer  a huge range of locally grown Island fruits and vegetables, fresh produce, tropical flowers, locally made products, baked goods, crafts and beautiful gifts made with Aloha.

 

These markets, with over 200 local farmers and artisan stalls, are open Wednesday and Saturday from 6am – 4pm.  However on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday you will find a smaller version of the markets with over 30 farmers and crafters open from 7am – 4pm. The markets are open all year round.

Row upon row of vendors crowd the two large tents on the Hilo waterfront. It is small and easy to navigate. The sellers are local and very friendly.  We thoroughly enjoyed the market and we were able to find a parking place quite close to the markets.

 

There appeared to be three different section.  One area has the foods, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, dips, honey, and lots of Big Island food products.   The other two sections have handmade items, including jewellery, clothes, handbags and purses, leis and flower arrangements

 

We stopped to chat with Sita of “ From Hawaii with Love” who produces and sells Ayurveda spices, herbs, natural blends, body lotions, and superfoods that promote good health. Sita was a wealth of knowledge and so passionate about her products that she creates from scratch. We bought some of Sita’s turmeric base products. I actually could have talked with her for much longer but felt we needed to let other folks learn about her wonderful products.

Sita was just one small example of many great little experiences we had chatting with the locals on that day.

For visitors and locals alike, the farmers market in Hilo provides a visual and taste bud delight of wonderful tropical fruits and vegetables and Big Island food products, many of which are quite unique to Hawaii, and all at really affordable prices.

If you have the time when in Hilo,  pop in and have a wander,  I am sure you won’t be disappointed.