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At the bare minimum, farmers markets are a place to pick up groceries or a quick meal. On a social level, they allow us to meet up with friends and connect with farmers. And on an eco-conscious level, they make us feel good. But whether we’re really saving the world, one curly kale at a time, it is almost a moot point when we’re happily distracted by beautiful fruits and vegetables, or scarfing down delicious prepared foods.
Here are some of the newest markets around Oahu to jump on the fruit-and-vegetable wagon.
The friendly neighborhood vibe and bountiful produce at Haleiwa Farmers’ Market make it one of my favorite markets. It may be small, but my bag runneth over after a trip to this market. Vibrant chard from Mohala Farms, clean-tasting tilapia raised by Mokuleia Aquafarm, fresh eggs and chickens from Tin Roof Ranch, and sweet and tender asparagus from Twin Bridge Farms — these are some of the products that make Haleiwa Farmers’ Market unique.
It’s first and foremost the abundance and variety of produce that draw me here, but this market gets extra-green points in its commitment to using bio-compostable containers for prepared foods, as well as providing bins for food waste, compostables and trash.
There are tables and chairs to sit down, as well as monthly festivals to celebrate seasonal crops and holidays, making this market as much about community as fresh, local produce.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; Kamehameha Highway and Robert P. Leong Bypass Road, Haleiwa
Sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, you’ll find some of the same vendors from the KCC Farmers’ Market on Wednesday at Blaisdell, without having to get up early on a Saturday morning to battle the hordes. The crowd, made up mostly of the after-work set, is much smaller than at KCC, which makes shopping more relaxing. Some favorite vendors here include WOW Farms with their gorgeous, red tomatoes and Naked Cow Dairy, offering fresh-churned butter and cream cheese. The real head turner here is the kale from North Shore Produce. (A bag of kale practically the size of a garbage bag goes for $3.)
The location of the Honolulu Farmers’ Market switches between the concert hall lawn and the Kapiolani and Ward parking lot. When the market’s on the lawn, a picnic in the middle of the market makes for a lovely pau hana spot. Assemble goodies like a bento from Natsunoya Tea House, chili and honey-drizzled cornbread from Chef Sean Priester, and a creamy, surprisingly luscious three-layer dip from ’Licious Dishes, which specializes in raw vegan food.
4-7 p.m. Wednesdays; Blaisdell Concert Hall lawn or Kapiolani and Ward parking lot
At the newest market of the crop, the “farmers” in farmers market seem to be missing. While the market’s anchored by produce stands on either end, resellers offer a mishmash of some local, some re-packaged Mainland produce. In terms of prepared foods, however, this market hits me at all my weaknesses, with the wafting scent of warm, soft buns from The Bread of Life, the entire contents of a crack seed store unfolding under Lin’s Market, and Naked Cow Dairy’s indulgent butter (it seems to follow me wherever I go). Kincaid’s even offers up mojitos, but alas, they’re virgin.
The market’s brightest (and possibly healthiest) spot, however, is Mana Ai’s pa'i'ai, hand-pounded in front of you and found at a few other markets around the island. Ward Centers Farmer’s Market is currently the only market in town where you can pick up this fresh, organic poi while talking story. “Know your pounder,” might as well be Mana Ai’s motto.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays; Ward Warehouse parking lot on Auahi Street
