Juicy mangos and ripe avocados the size of softballs grow wild! Enormous banana bunches hang from trees. Exotic fruits such as rambutan, lychee, dragonfruit, papaya and star fruit are plentiful. The largest tree fruit in the world, jackfruit, grows like impossibly large melons, some weighing in at over 100 pounds. This is Hawai`i Island, a veritable cornucopia of earthly delights.
The island’s fertile volcanic soil, combined with its diverse microclimates, creates the perfect environment for a rich variety of produce to thrive. Beyond pineapples and coconuts, many of these unique foods are synonymous with the Hawaiian culture. Plus, Hawai`i is the only state in the U.S. to grow their own coffee beans.
The best place to experience the island’s bounty of fruits, vegetables and prepared foods? Head to one of the many bustling farmers ’ markets throughout the region.
If you don’t want to venture outside of Waikoloa Beach Resort, the Kings’ Shops hosts a local market each Tuesday from 9 am to 2:30 pm where produce, locally sourced honey, handcrafted soaps, flavorful jellies, macadamia nuts, handmade gifts and ‘ono culinary delights are plentiful.
On the second and fourth Thursday of each month, Queens’ Marketplace’s Culinary Market celebrates Hawai`i’s rich culinary heritage. Fresh produce, artisanal goods, prepared foods and live music are hopping from 4 to 7 pm, and visitors can connect with local farmers, chefs and vendors, watch cooking demonstrations and engage with community organizations.
If you want a taste of ranching and paniolo(cowboy) culture unlike anywhere else on the island, venture to the nearby town of Waimea, where hundreds of acres of rolling, green pastures are home to horses, cattle, cowboys, ranchers and farmers. The thriving community is also known for its delicious food and culture.
You can eat like a local at any of the four farmers ‘ markets there. The first one you’ll see when you get into town on Saturday mornings is Waimea Town Market, set on the lawn at Parker School. From 7:30 am to noon, 50 vendors offer a wide variety of produce, prepared foods, artwork and other unique items. Breakfast or lunch specials can be devoured at picnic tables with stunning views of Maunakea.
A mere half mile down the road you’ll find the Kamuela Famers Market, set in the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables. Here, booths boast bountiful displays of fresh island fruits and vegetables, locally grown coffee (Makua Coffee Company tops our list), teas, cold-pressed juices, herbs, honey, a variety of food trucks, crafts and baked goods on Saturdays between 8:30 am and 1 pm. An abbreviated farmers market is also held on Wednesdays at the same location.
Food prepared at the markets utilize local ingredients.“The goat cheese we use comes from Hawaii Island Goat Dairy in Ahualoa and the organic sourdough from Sundog Bakery in Kona. We source our greens, cucumbers, avocados and fruit from farmers who grow and sell right in Waimea, ”says April and Will Queja, owners of the Red Barn food truck — a community staple at Kamuela Farmers Market for almost 10 years with their ooey, gooey, grilled cheese sandwiches.
The last option is the Kuhio Hale Farmers Market on the Homestead, where locals offer a variety of homegrown products, handmade items and services with aloha on Saturdays from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. This market provides financial opportunities for local farmers who grow organic products, food manufacturers, local artisans and community nonprofit organizations.
No matter which market you choose, you will get a delicious taste of what Hawai`i is all about.
NEWS & NOTES
Green Key Global 4 Leaf Designation
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa was recently awarded the Green Key Global 4 Leaf designation for the resort’s exemplary performance in energy and water conservation, waste reduction, use of 100% eco-friendly cleaning products, natural pest control alternatives and community engagement. As a Green Key-certified property, Waikoloa Beach Marriott joins an elite group of hotels committed to driving meaningful change within the industry. The new certification supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and proves that comfort, culture, and sustainability can thrive together.
HOT TO TROT
The Golf Shop at Waikoloa Beach Resort provides golfers and non-golfers alike a wide range of stylish golf apparel, shoes and accessories. Being the only location on the entire island where you can find Waikoloa Beach Resort logo items, it is the perfect place for visitors and kama`aina — golfers or not — to pick up logo wear, souvenirs and omiyage. “Golfers nowadays are looking for the latest fashion — it doesn’t matter if you play well just as long as you look good doing it,” chuckled Jaylene Kaku, Golf Shop manager/buyer. “We carry some of the newest and hottest looks available: Jamie Sadock, Straight Down and Lucky in Love are always a favorite of the ladies, with great lifestyle looks for both on and off the course. For men it’s Matte Grey, Johnnie-O, Puma, Travis Mathew, Peter Millar and FootJoy apparel that are the best sellers in our shop.” The selection also includes golf and resort headwear, golf gear, men’s and women’s golf shoes, children’s apparel and accessories. Though there’s strong brand recognition amongst visitors, the Waikoloa Beach Resort logo is what’s most sought after.
EVENTS
SUMMER CAMP
Hawai`i Keiki Museum at the Kings’ Shops is offering a variety of week-long summer camp classes in July. Children ages 8 to 15 can attend the following week-long sessions. Prices vary per class. Call 808-315-8862 for more information.
July 7-11 | Coding Camp
July 13-18 | Robotics
July 21-25 | 3D Printing Fun
RUBBER DUCKIE RACE
On July 4, the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race will feature thousands of bright yellow duckies that will bobble, waddle and drift toward the finish line Lakeside at the Kings’ Shops. Hundreds of people attend the race and its daylong festivities including games, eating contests and
an awards ceremony. The event benefits the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai`i. For more information visit kingsshops.com/event/great-waikoloa-rubber-duckie-race-2025
The Golf Shop at Waikoloa Beach Resort provides golfers and non-golfers alike a wide range of stylish golf apparel, shoes and accessories. Being the only location on the entire island where you can find Waikoloa Beach Resort logo items, it is the perfect place for visitors and kama`aina — golfers or not — to pick up logo wear, souvenirs and omiyage. “Golfers nowadays are looking for the latest fashion — it doesn’t matter if you play well just as long as you look good doing it,” chuckled Jaylene Kaku, Golf Shop manager/buyer. “We carry some of the newest and hottest looks available: Jamie Sadock, Straight Down and Lucky in Love are always a favorite of the ladies, with great lifestyle looks for both on and off the course. For men it’s Matte Grey, Johnnie-O, Puma, Travis Mathew, Peter Millar and FootJoy apparel that are the best sellers in our shop.” The selection also includes golf and resort headwear, golf gear, men’s and women’s golf shoes, children’s apparel and accessories. Though there’s strong brand recognition amongst visitors, the Waikoloa Beach Resort logo is what’s most sought after.