Jarrod A.
Yelp
In the first 24 hours of being humbled yet honored to have accepted an invitation to join Yelp Elite, I immediately reflected on the first review I would write. I wanted to review someplace I frequent often, located in my hometown, brings a unique experience to all who visits, supports local and, brings back fond memories while growing up in Hilo. Welcome to the Hilo Farmers Market.
Located in historic Downtown Hilo, this market dates back to the 1980's and through the years, has grown to become one of the best in the State of Hawai'i. Available daily, the best days to visit are Wednesday and Saturday, the Big Market Days. On these two days, vendors are packed into three covered paved lots, offering a vareity of items to browse through and purchase. A colorful, eclectic blend of merchants, their offerings as well as the shoppers, creates a vibrant hosh-posh in this open-air market.
The vendors here all place a lot of care, time and, effort to first set up their area in the early mornings then, provide an ongoing interactive experience to those who are meandering through with extreme curiosity along with serious shoppers like myself. There's nothing of a national brand or big name supermarket presence here. All own their own business with most relying on the farmers market sales for their daily paycheck. Others make it a part-time gig for extra money. The vendors here and the love they place into their trade, gives this market a special, unique feel found nowhere else. It's a small "town" feel, a "local" feel. I know when I buy vegetables, baked goods and other items from multiple vendors, I'm directly supporting a local vendor/individual + farmers. It's a great feeling.
Bring a reusable shopping bag with you. An umbrella if there's overcast or if it's raining. Don't let the weather or the time it may take to find parking to discourage you to visit this beautiful market in Hilo. Arrive early. Take the time to stroll through, talk to the vendors and ask them about the products they have in front of them. You'll be surprised what you'll learn. I know I did. And everytime I go there, I leave with something more precious. And I'm not talking about the items I purchased.
Vegetables from a local farm, fruits that you never tasted. Fresh coconut water. Baked goods cooked by their family members. Crafts made by his wife. Items made with locally grown ingredients. A local brand that's now "theirs" which took years to start-up. Freshly squeezed lemonade mixed with island-style flavor choices like pineapple, lychee + lilikoi or li hing mui mango. Stories about their family, their culture, their life. The Hilo Farmers Market is more than just a market to me. It's an amazing experience with deeper meaning and depth that can only be explained by those who are lucky enough to visit this charming venue.