From Hilo’s Friday night vibes to Waimea’s breezy Saturday mornings and Puna’s bustling Makuʻu scene, here’s your insider guide to 10 upcoming Big Island farmers markets.
Ever followed the scent of fresh basil and malasadas through a twilight market?
That’s the Big Island farmers market magic—ukulele drifting on the trades, keiki running between lei stands, and aunties pressing you to try one more bite. From pau hana nights in Hilo to crisp Waimea mornings and seaside Puna gems, these markets are where our island gathers, eats, and talks story.
Why Farmers Markets Hit Different on Hawaiʻi Island
This isn’t just shopping—it’s community. On any given week you can slide from a Thursday sunset market to Friday night lights in Hilo, wake up with Waimea’s cool mauka air on Saturday, then close the weekend with Puna’s biggest open-air scene. Local farmers, paniolo roots, and makers with lava-in-the-veins craft make these gatherings feel like mini-festivals—often with live music, ono grinds, and piles of just-picked produce.
Top Upcoming Picks (What Makes Them Special)
The Thursday-to-Sunday flow is strong right now. At The Queens’ Culinary Market over at 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Waikoloa, golden-hour shopping hits just right—4:00–7:00 pm with a curated mix celebrating Hawaiʻi Island farms and food culture.
Pau hana Friday? The FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET takes over 69 WAIANUENUE AVE. HILO from 5:30 pm “until pau.” It’s a vibe—festive, local, and perfect for strolling with friends while you graze.
Saturday mornings split beautifully: Waimea has two heavy hitters. Waimea Town Market at 65-1224 Lindsey Rd Kamuela brings more than 50 vendors to Parker School grounds—produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and lots of talk story. Just down the road, Kamuela Farmers Market at historic Pukalani Stables runs 7:30 am–1:00 pm with island-grown coffee, organic greens, and paniolo heritage under those classic beams.
If you’re headed Puna-side, Kaimu Farmers Market at Kaimu Farmer's Market (Saturdays, 8:00 am–noon) feels like the lava coast in market form—easygoing, creative, and full of surprises from the southeast side. And for holiday makana, the pop-up Makana Market at Waikoloa Beach Marriott gathers 25+ local artisans in one breezy resort setting.
Sunday brings the island’s biggest: Maku'u Market at 'O Maku'u Ke Kahua. Five acres, 3,000 visitors, 173 vendors—this one’s a destination. Grab fresh fruit, plate lunch, and settle into the rhythm. Also on select Sundays, East Hawaii MAKERS MARKET at 15-859 Kahakai Blvd. Pahoa goes noon–5:00 pm with an international food court and a cozy coffee bar to rest your feet between browsing.
And if you’re a midweek shopper, the friendly Pukalani Midweek Market at 67-139 Pukalani Rd. Waimea runs Wednesdays, 8:30 am–1:00 pm—fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music without the weekend rush.
One more tasty detour: Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars at 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr brings smoky holiday flavors, island-style country music, and that starlit Waikoloa glow. Free to attend, easy to love.
Tip: Music pops up often at markets; if you’re chasing tunes, check our island-wide live music events too.
Key Venues (Where the Magic Happens)
'O Maku'u Ke Kahua Five acres of open-air energy in Puna with huge vendor variety—farmers, crafts, food, and community all in one sweep.
Kaimu Farmer's Market Laid-back lava country charm, ocean breezes, and that Puna creativity—perfect for slow Saturday mornings.
Pukalani Stables Historic paniolo stables lend warmth and windbreak to Kamuela’s market days—great coffee scene and easy strolling.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort-side gatherings with artisans, special pop-ups, and sunset-friendly markets close to the beach path.
Insider Knowledge (Local-Style)
- ●Go early for peak produce and baked goods, or later for a more mellow browse. Waimea mornings can be chilly—pack a light jacket. Puna can run warm—bring water and sunscreen.
- ●Bring a reusable bag and small bills. Many vendors take cards, but cash speeds things along.
- ●Parking fills fast at big markets like Makuʻu—follow attendants and be patient. It’s all ʻohana out there.
- ●Ask before handling delicate crafts or piling your own produce; vendors will help you choose the best.
- ●Markets are social—plan to talk story. That’s how you discover the hidden gems and fresh drops.
For Different Vibes
First-timer musts: Start with Waimea Town Market for its balanced mix, then feel the scale of Maku'u Market on Sunday.
Date night: Stroll the FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET under the lights, or catch twilight at The Queens’ Culinary Market.
Family-friendly: Kamuela Farmers Market at Pukalani Stables offers space to roam and easy parking; the Wednesday Pukalani Midweek Market is calm for keiki.
Budget-friendly: Hit closing hour deals for produce, or graze on samples at multiple stalls before choosing your plate lunch.
Holiday shopping: The artisan-forward Makana Market is built for gifting.
FAQ
Q: Which days have markets this week? A: Most days! Thursday evenings at The Queens’ Culinary Market (4:00–7:00 pm), Friday night at 69 WAIANUENUE AVE. HILO, Saturday across Waimea and Puna (Waimea’s markets and Kaimu Farmers Market), Sunday’s big Maku'u Market, and Wednesday’s Pukalani Midweek Market (8:30 am–1:00 pm).
Q: Are these markets free to enter? A: Most are free to browse. The Friday night Hilo market is free, and Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars is free to attend; bring spending money for food, crafts, and produce.
Q: Cash or card? A: Bring both. Many vendors accept cards, but small bills help with quick buys and rural connectivity.
Q: What should I bring? A: Reusable tote, water, sunscreen or light jacket (Waimea can be crisp), and an appetite. A small cooler in the car keeps greens and dairy happy while you continue your day.
Q: Best markets near Hilo vs. Waikoloa? A: Near Hilo, enjoy the festive FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET and a short drive to Sunday’s Maku'u Market. Near Waikoloa/Kohala, hit The Queens’ Culinary Market, Makana Market, and the Waimea trio at Pukalani Stables and Parker School.
Q: Is there live music? A: Often! You’ll catch it at the Wednesday Pukalani Midweek Market and special nights like Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars. For more, browse island-wide live music events.
See You At The Stalls
From twilight tastings in Waikoloa to sunrise coffee in Waimea and Puna’s powerhouse Sundays, this week’s 10 upcoming markets are stacked. Pack your tote, bring your aloha, and come talk story with the folks who grow and make it all. Hope to see you under the tents—and if you’re building your own perfect market week, Browse all farmers market events →
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