Getting to Know Hawaii: KCC Farmers' Market

The Need to Knows:

• The Kapiolani Community College Farmers' Market (a.k.a. the KCC Farmers' Market) is located at Kapiolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816.  Its exact location can be found here:

• This market is open every Tuesday from 4PM to 7PM and every Saturday from 7:30AM to 11AM. 
• Parking is free and is located in the lot adjacent to the lot where the market is held, but it is definitely cramped and usually VERY packed.  If you're patient though, you'll find a spot (we always have), but there is street parking if you'd prefer it.
• Cash is a must here, and also bring a reusable bag for your purchases.
• Just like any other open air market, it can get hot very easily, so wear sunscreen and/or a hat to keep your skin protected.  An umbrella is always a good idea to have on hand as well in case it starts raining or you need more shade.
• Unfortunately for all of us animal lovers out there, pets are not allowed at this particular event, so take them on a walk later to make up for leaving them behind :)

One of the first farmers' markets Mr. L and I had the pleasure of visiting here on Oahu was the Kapiolani Community College's market right across the street from Diamond Head over in Kaimuki.  This market isn't huge, but it is definitely bustling!  Tour buses frequently bring tourists here by the droves since it's so close to Waikiki.  But it is actually a very nice place to stroll around on a Saturday morning and check out what the farmers of Oahu have to offer (even in the rain, which is how I've explored this farmer's market the last two times I've visited, haha).

Honey

Jelly from Kahuku Farms

If you come here in the mid-morning on a Saturday, I won't lie -- you will definitely feel the press of the crowds around you.  Unfortunately it seems like the crowds stick around the entire day from opening to close (thanks, tour companies).  I'd really like to visit the market on a Tuesday though to compare and see if there's any difference, but I have a feeling this market is popular no matter what!

Aloun Farms

'Nalo Farms

I haven't done much actual grocery shopping here (you definitely have to keep an eye on the prices and be willing to compare them to your preferred local grocery store), but one of my favorite things about this market is all the food vendors - yum!  Since I love the event Eat the Street so dang much, visiting each different vendor is right up my alley.  If you're familiar with ETS, you'll notice some regulars here like Hawaiian Fresh Farms, Soul Patrol, and Na 'Ono.  Other stands have things like gourmet chocolate, homemade jams and jellies, honey, refreshing ginger ale, and even some local Hawaiian sausage (the Portuguese is so ono, trust me!).

The pineapple and ginger is awesome!

The sausage stand is on the far left and the Hawaiian chocolate is to the right

However, the produce and plants I have checked out looked awesome!  You can definitely find an assortment of yummy fruits, veggies, and flowers from farms all around Oahu.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the more exotic fruits as well like rambutan, dragon fruit, and lychee!

All in all, the KCC Farmers' Market was a great introduction to Hawaiian farmers' markets for Mr. L and me.  We definitely plan on heading back to the KCC Farmers' Market a few more times before we move back to the mainland, probably because we can't resist all the food stands :)

Do you have any farmers' markets that you love near you?