Farmers' markets have grown in popularity all across Hawaii due to a revolution in the agricultural and food industries. Local products are in demand and since the sugar and pineapple business has declined somewhat, available land is at a premium.



Statistically, according to the Maui Land and Pineapple Company, the Hawaiian Islands had approximately 300 farmers' markets in the 1970s. That number has escalated to over 3,100 to the present day.

Residents and visitors to Hawaii spend on an annual basis over $4.5 billion on food, yet Hawaii's growers produce only $500 million per year. This colossal difference in revenue has now become a major focus by all farmers and growers to increase production on a rapid scale.

Notwithstanding this dilemma, Hawaii still remains the only state that shows a growth in the amount of farmers. Their success here in Hawaii not only contributes to agriculture generally but in tourism particularly. That is because the farmers' markets found throughout Hawaii take visitors to places outside the cities, and operate the markets in historic areas and in fascinating neighborhoods. Most of these markets will stay open for just two hours or so because of selling out of merchandise. So, the best selections are gone pretty quickly.

In Hilo, on the Big Island Of Hawaii, vendors will stock their markets with tropical fruits and vegetables grown locally---cherimoya, jaboticaba, jackfruit, lychee, mango, papaya, pineapple, rambutan, soursop, strawberries, bitter melon, eggplant, bok choy, lettuce, spinach and sweet corn.

On the west side of Hawaii's Big Island, crowds are drawn and attracted to eye-catching fruit banners. These banners beckon motorists to pull off the road, stop and sample what's harvested from local farms. Curious visitors can discover organic produce and exotic fruits rarely found in any grocery store.

The Hawaiian Island of Kauai, all green and lush, boasts small farms where shoppers can mix with the local farmers and enjoy a vast array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers and plants---all of which are grown and harvested there. Again, most of the items offered here are pretty much sold out within an hour, so expect fast-paced selling and buying!

Arriving at any farmers market in Hawaii is just the beginning of a grand and unique experience. In addition to the ambience---somewhat akin to a local swap meet---visitors can discover fascinating attractions. Just plan on exploring the areas where you shop for mangoes, papayas, bananas, pineapples, cherry tomatoes---plus exotic items like star fruit and wing beans---all offered from the backs of trucks and trunks of cars.

On Maui, another Hawaiian Island, farmers' markets appear to be quite the social gathering place. Patrons like to pick fresh fruit, vegetables and buy home-made goodies in an atmosphere conducive to that of a back yard bazaar. Here shoppers trade across the counters and stalls all set up in a parking lot. Vendors in these settings will sometimes even offer such treats as local dried fish, meat turnovers and bean soup.

The most elaborate farmers' markets, however, appear on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. These markets are major happenings with the locals---farmers, chefs and visitors alike---all searching for unique items that offer quality ingredients. Oahu showcases locally-grown and produced items not found in supermarkets. Fresh produce is trucked in from all over the island, like tomatoes, eggplant, vanilla beans and asparagus.

Over on Oahu's windward side in Kailua, shoppers and diners prepare to meet with 24 vendors who specialize in selling rambutans, asparagus, tomatoes and fresh strawberries. And in central Oahu, visitors will not be astonished to witness high school parking lots filled with vendors offering shoppers dinner plates loaded with Hawaiian style chili, pasta and sweet potato creations---topped off with Hawaiian chocolate mousse cake!

So no matter what island of Hawaii you visit---the Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui---be sure to discover and become a part of the fun, tradition and excitement of Hawaii's farmers' markets. Take your time, sample the offerings and spend your cash. Converse with the friendly growers, farmers and vendors and don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Besides, enjoying your farmers' market experience in Hawaii is really all about building a grower-buyer relationship! Have fun!