Big Island County Farmers Markets: Schedules, Locations, Offerings and Shopper Tips

Big Island County’s farmers markets remain a year-round hub for locally grown produce, prepared foods, crafts and community connection, but schedules and vendor counts vary by market and day. Hilo’s central market draws the largest crowds and offers the widest selection, while smaller neighborhood markets provide specialty items and island-made gifts.

Hilo Farmers Market operates at Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue, with a mailing address of PO Box 34, Hilo HI 96721. The market posts the tagline “Big Island Fresh, Big Island Best! From Dawn til It's Gone!” and lists “Market Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM,” noting that “Big market days” are Wednesday and Saturday with 150+ vendors and that “Some vendors may close early during heavy rain, but our core vendors stay until 3:00 PM.” Other local listings report a more granular weekly schedule: Wednesday and Saturday Kapuna hour 7:00 AM–8:00 AM then 8:00 AM–2:00 PM for everyone, and reduced weekday hours of 10:00 AM–2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday with fewer vendors. Vendor counts are reported as high as 150+ on big days and up to 200 in alternate listings. Verify current hours and Kapuna hour rules with the market before planning a trip.

On the Kona side, the Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market sets up on the front lawn of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou Bay every Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Founder Kumu Keala Ching and long-time organizers Gail and Greg Smith emphasize local sourcing: “By supporting and purchasing from one of our 'Ohana Vendors at The Big Island Ho'oulu Market, you support local farmers, artisans, craftsmen, creators, and families. Your dollars help to perpetuate a vital part of our island's economy.” The market states it is “very proud to be 100% Big Island made and grown” and sometimes lists holiday openings in promotional copy.

Keauhou Farmers' Market at Keauhou Shopping Center is another Kona option on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and is organized with involvement from the Kona County Farm Bureau. Keauhou vendors commonly offer honey, coffee, macadamia nuts, meat, eggs and baked goods.

North and upcountry markets cluster around Waimea and Kamuela. Waimea Homestead Farmers Market meets Saturdays 7:00 AM–Noon at 67-1229 Mamalahoa Highway in Kamuela, focusing on fresh produce and value-added foods with limited craft vendors. The Kamuela Farmers Market at historic Pukalani Stables on Parker Ranch occurs Saturdays 7:30 AM–1:00 PM at 67-1319 Pukalani Road and features produce, botanicals, meats, salts, soaps and live music. The Pukalani Midweek Market at 67-139 Pukalani Road is held Wednesdays 8:30 AM–1:00 PM and is managed by the Paniolo Preservation Society. Parker Ranch also hosts a Waimea midweek market on Wednesdays 9:00 AM–2:00 PM where ultra-fresh meat and dairy are common finds.

Smaller and specialty markets include Kings’ Shops Farmers Market at 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive on Tuesdays 9:00 AM–2:30 PM, the Waikoloa Community Market on the first Saturday of each month 8:00 AM–Noon, Volcano Farmers’ Market at the Cooper Center every Sunday, and the Hawi Under the Banyans Market on Saturdays 8:00 AM–2:00 PM and Tuesdays 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.

Practical tips for shoppers: expect most markets to operate only one or two days per week, bring cash for small vendors, plan for weather-related early closures at some markets, and subscribe to market newsletters where offered for schedule updates. Hilo’s newsletter and Ho'oulu’s promotional calendar are explicit ways vendors announce changes.

For residents and visitors, these markets are more than places to buy food; they channel spending to Kumu Keala Ching’s 'Ohana Vendors, Parker Ranch-area producers, small Kona farms like Earth Matters Farm and other local entrepreneurs. Confirm hours before you go, and consider making weekday or midweek visits to avoid the busiest crowds on Wednesday and Saturday at major markets.