We check out the best shopping destinations in Hilo. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect gift or souvenir, or just looking to escape a rainy day, we have the best options for retail therapy.
1. Hilo Famers Market
Corner of Mama Street and Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo
The Hilo farmers market is a must-visit attraction. First started in 1988, the Hilo farmers market began with only 4 vendors and grew rapidly. The open market is now held on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo. Contained within the space of approximately 3 city blocks, the market has free parking nearby. The biggest (and best) days are Wednesday and Sunday. Get there early to get the best of the produce and the freshest flowers.
The market opens at 6am and runs until 4pm. Most of the market is situated under large tents and includes sections with produce, food and flowers, as well as an arts, crafts and retail section. Deal direct with the farmers, the growers, the crafters and the bakers. And don’t miss out on the amazing range of food on offer from the food trucks. There is even an indoor food court
Whether you’re on the look-out for some locally-grown coffee or fresh fruit and vegetables, the market has a huge selection. Find jack fruit, longan, mangos, papayas, pineapples, rambutan, strawberries, white pineapples, dragon fruit, passion fruit, apple bananas, lychee, sapote and much more! Vegetables you’ll encounter include – baby ginger, bok choy, eggplant, taro, avocados, hydroponic lettuce, organic spinach, sweet corn and more.
2. Manono Street Marketplace
681 Manono Street, Hilo
A nice collection of shops catering to locals and tourists. Stores include – Cupcakes, Boom!, The Full 9 Yards (home of the Braddapop and other snacks), Kilauea Kreations II (a fabric store) and Big Island Pearl Tea restaurant, among others.
3. Prince Kūhiō Plaza
111 E. Puainako Street, Hilo
The perfect place to spend a rainy Hilo afternoon! Browse the great selection of stores in the Big Island’s largest enclosed mall. The mall is spread out on one level, and includes Macy’s, Sears, the Hollywood Movie Theaters among the mall’s 72 stores.
For more information www.princekuhioplaza.com
4. Basically Books
334 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
Basically Books has been in business for over 30 years. Not just a comprehensive book store, they also sell gifts and souvenirs. It’s also a community hub – they often have book readings, Hawaiian live music and other events.
Basically Books specializes in books about Hawaii, both current and classic, including history, mythology, fiction, travel guides, natural history, marine science, children’s books, and much more. There are also plenty of rare and out of print Hawaiiana books.
For more information www.basicallybooks.com
5. Big Island Candies
585 Hunan Street, Hilo
What would a trip to Hilo be without a visit to the famous Big Island Candies location! Baked treats, chocolates and their famous chocolate-dipped shortbread are all available for purchase here. They also have free tours of the factory!
For more information www.bigislandcandies.com
Authored by
Hi Clem,
Every time we get your newsletter we long to return. We loved our time at the Horizon Guest House and your cooking. Unfortunately for us something always gets in the way and prevents us from planning a return trip. So we continue to live vicariously through your newsletters and our memories from 20 years ago. We still hope that one of these days we will be able to see you in person again as we visit the HGH. Stay well, stay in business and know that we still fondly remember our visit with you.
Thank you for your very kind message Trudy. Wow, it’s been 20 years! Hopefully you can return at some point in the near future!