Every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a vibrant scene unfolds on the grounds of Kauai Community College in Lihue. It’s the Kauai Farmers Market, a festive celebration of Hawaiian food, enticing aromas and friendly faces, all brought together by a passion for fresh, local produce and delicious treats.
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This isn’t your average farmers market. Run by the Kauai County Farm Bureau, the market boasts over 100 vendors showcasing the very best of what Kauai has to offer. There’s vibrant fruits and vegetables still glistening with morning dew, beautiful flowering tropical plants, an array of hot food options (perfect for a quick lunch!), and delicious locally grown nuts, honey, taro and more.
Exploring the Kauai Farmers Market
The Farm Bureau takes immense pride in supporting local farmers and businesses, ensuring everything you see at the market is authentically Kauai-grown or produced. Now, let’s delve into some of my absolute favorite vendors at the market!
Salty Wahine: A Taste of Aloha in Every Bite
From the moment you approach the Salty Wahine stall, the warm aloha of tropical paradise hits you. This family-run business, owned by Laura Cristobal Andersland and her husband David, embodies the spirit of Aloha. They specialize in tropically infused Hawaiian sea salts and seasonings, taking a simple ingredient and transforming it into a culinary masterpiece.
Inspired by her Hawaiian grandmother, Laura uses local herbs, spices, and even tropical fruits to create an array of award-winning blends.
Their Red Hawaiian Alaea Salt adds a subtle smokiness to dishes, while the Hot Lava Salt and Guava Garlic Salt are perfect for those who like a touch of heat. Each spice feels like a little piece of Kauai magic, and with 89% of their products sourced locally, you’re truly supporting the island with every purchase.
Sugarloaf Pineapple: Sweetness Redefined
Forget the pale, stringy pineapples you find at your neighborhood grocery store. At the Sugarloaf Pineapple stall, you’ll discover a whole new level of pineapple perfection. The Kauai Sugarloaf variety boasts a unique green exterior, but inside, the flesh is a creamy dream – soft, sweet, and with an edible core. This translates into a pineapple that’s not only incredibly delicious but minimizes food waste!
Their signature Paulie’s Pineapple Phrosty is a must-try. This frozen treat uses nothing but 100% Kauai Sugarloaf pineapple processed through a Champion Juicer, resulting in a creamy, guilt-free indulgence. Packed with nature’s sweetness, it’s the perfect way to beat the Kauai heat. They also have fresh, field-ripened pineapples for sale in mid-November (when it’s in season), perfect for taking a taste of the island back home.
Kauai Gourmet Nuts
If you’re a nut lover, Kauai Gourmet Nuts is your haven. They offer a delectable array of locally grown and roasted macadamia nuts, each with its own unique flavor profile. From the classic Sea Salted variety to the decadent Coco-Mocha and Pele Sweet Heat (inspired by the fiery Hawaiian goddess), there’s a flavor to suit every palate.
Their dedication to quality shines through in their story. Hurricane Iniki, a devastating storm in 1992, heavily impacted Kauai’s macadamia farms. Many farmers struggled to rebuild, which is why Kauai-grown macadamias are a rare treat.
Kauai Gourmet Nuts works with a small farm that still maintains mature trees, producing the biggest, most delicious macadamias you’ll ever find. They roast their nuts in small batches just before the market, so you can be sure you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful product possible.
Hanalei Taro: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Hanalei Taro is more than just a vendor; it’s a celebration of Kauai’s agricultural heritage. Founded by a family farm that’s been around for over 100 years, Hanalei Taro brings the “Farm to Table” concept to life. They offer a delectable array of products made using fresh taro, fruits, and vegetables grown on their own farm or sourced from other local producers.
From the classic taro Kulolo bars and zesty taro hummus to the innovative Hanalei Taro veggie burgers, their menu is a delightful exploration of taro’s versatility. Don’t miss their famous taro smoothies, a healthy and refreshing treat made with fresh fruits, fruit juices, and a special taro base.
Hanalei Taro goes beyond delicious food. They offer a glimpse into Kauai’s rich history through their non-profit Ho`opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill & Taro Farm tours. These tours raise awareness about the challenges faced by taro farmers today while educating visitors about the island’s agricultural past.
A Foodie’s Paradise
These are just a few of the incredible vendors you’ll find at the Kauai Farmers Market. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to add this market to your Kauai itinerary. It’s a feast for the senses, a celebration of local flavors, and a true taste of Kauai.
So, the next time you’re on Kauai, be sure to head to the Kauai Farmers Market. It’s a foodie’s paradise, a cultural experience, and a chance to connect with the heart of the island.
- Kauai Community Market
- Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- 3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
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