FRESH MARKETS

story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

For decades, farmers markets have contributed support for the island of Maui on a holistic level. From providing farmers an opportunity to sell directly to consumers—which lowers their overhead costs and increases their profits—to creating avenues for consumers to purchase fresh, seasonal products to nourish their families, farmers markets support our island community in more ways than one. Across the island, farmers markets offer a chance for communities to gather and for people to purchase products that reflect the local culture. Below are some of the must-see, or must-eat, farmers markets on the island of Maui.

MAUI’S FRESH PRODUCE FARMERS MARKET

This indoor farmers market operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center courtyard. Local produce, organic vegetables, gourmet food products and freshly cut flowers attract market regulars who appreciate that they can visit this well-rounded farmers market in any weather. Oko‘a Farms, one of the market’s regular Friday vendors, is a familyowned and operated farm with over 80 unique crops that they bring to the market. Shoppers can pick up staples like kale, lettuce, green beans or tomatoes as well as exotic tropical crops of dragon fruit, mangosteen, durian and liliko‘i (passion fruit) grown by Oko‘a Farms.

Maui’s Fresh Produce Farmers Market at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center: 275 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave., Kahului; Tuesdays Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; queenkaahumanucenter.com

UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET

The cooler climate and panoramic views set a dreamlike stage for the Upcountry Farmers Market. Its been operating for more than 40 years, and today, this farmers market is still cherished by both locals and visitors for the plethora of Maui-grown products offered. Attendees swarm to the Maui Bees booth which offers artisanal honey produced on the slopes of Haleakalā. The honey is harvested twice a year with their summer harvest producing a magnificent, amber-colored honey with delicate floral notes and a hint of spice. The winter harvest produces a darker, more concentrated colored honey offering a deeper flavor profile with notes of warm caramel.

Upcountry Farmers Market at the Kulamalu Town Center: 55 Kiopa‘a Street Pukalani; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; upcountryfarmersmarket.com

NĀPILI FARMERS MARKET

On the heels of its 10th anniversary, Nāpili Farmers Market continues to meet its purpose of providing West Maui residents and visitors with fresh, locally grown produce with the twice-weekly markets. A rotating list of 15 to 20 vendors attends the outdoor market with a variety of offerings from organic produce, handmade jewelry, vegan baked goods and food trucks. A must-visit vendor is Aloha Raw which manufactures artisan “life food” products using select vegan, organic and sustainable ingredients. With their state-of-the-art fermentation and grinding process, they create condiments and spreads that are not only delicious, but nourishing too. A kaleidoscopic of products are offered at this booth from their Mauinaise, a 100% vegan condiment that starts with a base of Maui-grown macadamia nuts, to their bestselling Kraut MustArt, a probiotic condiment that is both savory and tart.

Nāpili Farmers Market: 4900 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Lahaina; Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon; napilifarmersmarket.com

Wailea Village Farmers Market

Crowds gather every Tuesday to partake in the fresh, local fare available at the Wailea Village Farmers Market. Its mission is to create a gathering place for the Wailea community and to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and spirit of Aloha by supporting local, family businesses. From cold-pressed juices from 808 Elixirs to single-origin gourmet chocolates from Valley Isle Chocolate, guests of this open-air farmers market stroll the booths while getting to know the farmers and makers. Dog lovers gravitate towards the Humbow Barks booth which features Maui-made handcrafted dog bows and bandanas for the stylish pups in their life.

Wailea Village Farmers Market: 116 Wailea

Ike Dr., Kīhei; Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; waileavillagefarmersmarket.com

Farmers Market Maui

Currently, in its third generation of family ownership, Farmers Market Maui has been delivering island-grown, fresh and organic products to the island of Maui for nearly 50 years. Its original Kihei location features a down-home, no-frills atmosphere where market attendees peruse boxes loaded with fresh produce under open-air tents. Guests can stock up on stunning local produce like their vine-sweetened tomatoes and pineapples ripened under the warm Hawaiian sun, but a real treat is purchasing the prepared goods and creating a day picnic with your food. At this market, you can find freshly baked bread crusted with locally grown herbs, tubs of marinated olives, pineapple salsa and assortments of jams—from sweet Maui Pineapple

Coconut to spicy Hawaiian Pepper Jelly—all of which can be enjoyed beachside for a fun picnic.

Farmers Market Maui, Kīhei: 61 S. Kīhei Road, Kihei; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

Farmers Market Maui in Lāhainā: 3636 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761; MondaySaturday, 7 a.m. -to 4 p.m. farmersmarketsmaui.com

H Na Farms

Nestled in lush foliage along Hāna Highway is the Hāna Farms marketplace where people flock for a taste of the tropics. The farm stand is known as a must-stop along the road to Hāna where people love to pick up fresh produce or a souvenir from their Maui trip. Located right after mile-marker 31, the farm stand is a space where local entrepreneurs and farmers can sell their products. Boost your mood as you cruise along the Hāna Highway with coveted Hāna Gold chocolate bars. Founded in 1978, Hāna Gold offers branch-to-bar style chocolate bars which have unique tropical notes and a fruity finish. The cacao plantation is situated along the Hāna Coast and features fertile volcanic soil which contributes to the complexity of their finished products.

Hāna Farms: 2910 Hāna Highway, Hāna; Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hanafarms.com

H Na Farmers Market

The Hāna Farmers Market is known as the piko (a naval, place where life begins) of the Hāna community. Created to support food sovereignty and security in this remote part of the island, this farmers market has become the spot for locals to source healthy food and strengthen their community. Held in a field below the Hāna Ranch Restaurant, this farmers market is a true community effort. Vendors offer everything from locally grown produce, handmade sourdough and even free-range poultry and eggs. Maka‘alae Farms can be found at this market offering kombucha brewed with fruits, roots, herbs and spices grown on a 12-acre family farm. Kombucha flavors rotate, but crowd favorites include soursop-hibiscus, papaya-liliko‘i and chocolate rose.

Hāna Farmers Market: Located in the field below Hāna Ranch Restaurant; Friday from 3 p.m. to 5p.m.; hanafarmersmarket.org