| Hawaii abounds with the aloha spirit and enjoys a | | | | grown and harvested there. Again, most of the items |
| thriving commerce. Just locate any farmers' market | | | | offered here are pretty much sold out within an |
| on the islands and you will see why. Visitors can | | | | hour, so expect fast-paced selling and buying! |
| meet with the local farmers and sample a multitude | | | | Arriving at any farmers market in Hawaii is just the |
| of Hawaiian Island favorites. | | | | beginning of a grand and unique experience. In |
| Farmers' markets have grown in popularity all across | | | | addition to the ambience---somewhat akin to a local |
| Hawaii due to a revolution in the agricultural and food | | | | swap meet---visitors can discover fascinating |
| industries. Local products are in demand and since the | | | | attractions. Just plan on exploring the areas where |
| sugar and pineapple business has declined somewhat, | | | | you shop for mangoes, papayas, bananas, pineapples, |
| available land is at a premium. | | | | cherry tomatoes---plus exotic items like star fruit and |
| Statistically, according to the Maui Land & | | | | wing beans---all offered from the backs of trucks |
| Pineapple Company, the Hawaiian Islands had | | | | and trunks of cars. |
| approximately 300 farmers' markets in the 1970s. | | | | On Maui, another Hawaiian Island, farmers' markets |
| That number has escalated to over 3,100 to the | | | | appear to be quite the social gathering place. Patrons |
| present day. | | | | like to pick fresh fruit, vegetables and buy |
| Residents and visitors to Hawaii spend on an annual | | | | home-made goodies in an atmosphere conducive to |
| basis over $4.5 billion on food, yet Hawaii's growers | | | | that of a back yard bazaar. Here shoppers trade |
| produce only $500 million per year. This colossal | | | | across the counters and stalls all set up in a parking |
| difference in revenue has now become a major | | | | lot. Vendors in these settings will sometimes even |
| focus by all farmers and growers to increase | | | | offer such treats as local dried fish, meat turnovers |
| production on a rapid scale. | | | | and bean soup. |
| Notwithstanding this dilemma, Hawaii still remains the | | | | The most elaborate farmers' markets, however, |
| only state that shows a growth in the amount of | | | | appear on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. These |
| farmers. Their success here in Hawaii not only | | | | markets are major happenings with the |
| contributes to agriculture generally but in tourism | | | | locals---farmers, chefs and visitors alike---all searching |
| particularly. That is because the farmers' markets | | | | for unique items that offer quality ingredients. Oahu |
| found throughout Hawaii take visitors to places | | | | showcases locally-grown and produced items not |
| outside the cities, and operate the markets in historic | | | | found in supermarkets. Fresh produce is trucked in |
| areas and in fascinating neighborhoods. Most of these | | | | from all over the island, like tomatoes, eggplant, |
| markets will stay open for just two hours or so | | | | vanilla beans and asparagus. |
| because of selling out of merchandise. So, the best | | | | Over on Oahu's windward side in Kailua, shoppers and |
| selections are gone pretty quickly. | | | | diners prepare to meet with 24 vendors who |
| In Hilo, on the Big Island Of Hawaii, vendors will stock | | | | specialize in selling rambutans, asparagus, tomatoes |
| their markets with tropical fruits and vegetables | | | | and fresh strawberries. And in central Oahu, visitors |
| grown locally---cherimoya, jaboticaba, jackfruit, | | | | will not be astonished to witness high school parking |
| lychee, mango, papaya, pineapple, rambutan, soursop, | | | | lots filled with vendors offering shoppers dinner plates |
| strawberries, bitter melon, eggplant, bok choy, | | | | loaded with Hawaiian style chili, pasta and sweet |
| lettuce, spinach and sweet corn. | | | | potato creations---topped off with Hawaiian |
| On the west side of Hawaii's Big Island, crowds are | | | | chocolate mousse cake! |
| drawn and attracted to eye-catching fruit banners. | | | | So no matter what island of Hawaii you visit---the Big |
| These banners beckon motorists to pull off the road, | | | | Island, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui---be sure to discover and |
| stop and sample what's harvested from local farms. | | | | become a part of the fun, tradition and excitement |
| Curious visitors can discover organic produce and | | | | of Hawaii's farmers' markets. Take your time, sample |
| exotic fruits rarely found in any grocery store. | | | | the offerings and spend your cash. Converse with |
| The Hawaiian Island of Kauai, all green and lush, | | | | the friendly growers, farmers and vendors and don't |
| boasts small farms where shoppers can mix with the | | | | hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Besides, enjoying |
| local farmers and enjoy a vast array of fruits, | | | | your farmers' market experience in Hawaii is really all |
| vegetables, nuts, flowers and plants---all of which are | | | | about building a grower-buyer relationship! Have fun! |