Grove Farm Market Opens at Puhi Park, Mom’s Filipino Comfort Food Included

Grove Farm Market at Puhi Park welcomed new vendors on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, bringing a mix of local produce, prepared foods and craft vendors to the community just before the season’s first major winter storm. Mom’s Filipino Comfort Food and OK King Farm were among those enjoying their first day at the market, which also featured a craft fair component timed for the weekend before Valentine’s Day.

Photographs captured the scene: Geraldine and Francis Baniaga and the Mom’s Filipino Comfort Food ‘ohana waiting for the start horn; shoppers at the OK King Farm tent checking out fresh vegetables and fruits; and Jamie and Cheryl of the Kauai Kernel Company with Valentine’s Day popcorn on display. The Happy Camper column offered a congratulatory note: “Congratulations, Marlene Duarte of Grove Farm on getting the Grove Farm Market to go before the first rains of what the National Weather Service and television weather people described as ‘the first major winter storm of the wet season.’”

Mom’s Filipino Comfort Food brought a crowd for its Ilocos empanadas, which Francis Baniaga said “was their most popular seller.” An observer, Ralph Kouchi, was noted as “waiting for the bell so he could sample a batch.” Island stalls such as OK King Farm combined fresh fruits and vegetables with prepared items; their crispy Thai crepes drew patrons, with “people were waiting for the Nutella ones.” The Kauai Kernel Company showcased seasonal popcorn and plans to appear at the Kukui Grove K+M Marketplace during the Horses and Hearts promotion, where a Chinese lion will welcome the lunar new year from 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The market’s operating and vendor framework reflects Grove Farm’s stated goals: “showcase locally grown produce, fresh caught fish, Kaua‘i-produced goods, and local cuisine! Our goal is to provide an authentic, cultural, and memorable experience for both local residents and visitors, while stimulating the local economy!” New vendors are admitted through an application process administered by market staff; the Grove Farm Farmers Market Vendor Rules (effective Jan. 1, 2025) require a completed application and signed vendor rules be submitted to Marleen Duarte at mduarte@grovefarm.com. Approved vendors enter a three-month trial period before permanence is decided. Fee schedules range by category, with prepared food vendors in a 10’ x 20’ space listed at $325 per month and other categories set accordingly; late fees and returned check penalties apply.

Community health and equity considerations are implicit in the market’s emphasis on locally produced foods. Increased access to fresh produce and cooked foods from local entrepreneurs can support household nutrition and keep dollars circulating in Kaua‘i’s economy, while vendor rules aim to balance safety requirements, such as insurance and Department of Health permits, with an accessible application process.

For readers seeking more information or to follow up on vendor opportunities, contact market organizer Marleen Duarte via the vendor application email mduarte@grovefarm.com. Photo and market coverage was provided by Dennis Fujimoto; reach him at 245-0453 or dennis.fujimoto@thegardenisland.com. The market plans to add more food vendors later in February as supply issues are resolved.