Local Attractions - Horizon Guest House

Essential Big Island: Two Step snorkeling

Posted on September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 by Angus

The Big Island has some of the best snorkeling in the state of Hawaii. Two Step is one of those places (along with nearby Kealakekua Bay). We recommend you don’t miss out on this amazing snorkeling spot.

South Kona is perhaps most famous for coffee and snorkeling. Both Two Step and Kealakekua Bay have some of the best snorkeling on the island and in the entire state. Two Step is especially popular because it’s easy to get to and even easier to jump straight into the ocean and start snorkeling.

Two Step is the name of the beach and also the name of the two naturally occurring steps inset into the rock at the ocean’s edge. These steps are where you enter the water. It can get crowded at peak times, so we recommend getting to Two Step as early as possible. This way you will beat the crowds and also take advantage of the calm ocean surface which is best for snorkeling. Alternatively, the end of the day can be a less crowded time to go snorkeling too.

You will find parking right at the beach itself but keep in mind this fills up quickly. On the opposite side of the road is paid parking. There is more free parking on the side of the road which approaches the National Park next to Two Step. If you park here it’s just a two minute walk down to the beach. You can also park in the National Park itself.

Entering the water is easy because of the two naturally-formed lava steps (hence the name two step). It’s mostly lava here, and there isn’t much sand. But the snorkeling is easy and there are no currents, making it a perfect place for beginners to try snorkeling. We recommend using a flotation device (either a belt, or even a boogie board) if you feel apprehensive about being in deep water (10-15 feet). Using a boogie board is a great way to simply relax and concentrate on observing the marine life.

Two Step is popular with local residents and tourists alike. Despite the lack of sand there is still shade and it makes a nice location to set up a beach chair and relax by the ocean. There is also a shallow bay to the left of the boat ramp that serves as a safe place for children to swim, or adults who aren’t confident in deeper water.

Two Step is one of the jewels of South Kona. You’ll see plenty of fish including yellow tang, butterflyfish, eel, parrotfish, and puffer fish, to name a few. You might even see dolphins and the occasional turtle. Keep in mind it’s now illegal to swim with spinner dolphins. A distance of at least 50 yards must be maintained at all times.

There are limited facilities at Two Step. There are porta potty restrooms, but no showers. There are also a few picnic tables.

Two Step is definitely an essential stop on your Big Island journey. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just a beginner, there is something for everyone at South Kona’s celebrated snorkeling spot.

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Essential Big Island: Making the most of Mauna Kea

Posted on August 30, 2023September 4, 2023 by Angus

Essential Big Island is a series of blogs focused on sites or attractions that are a must-see for any visitor to the island.

Visiting the summit of Mauna Kea is spectacular – whether you do so for the sunrise, or the sunset. We recommend the sunset! Make the most of your visit to Mauna Kea with our guide on how to structure your mountain visit.

It’s important to plan out your itinerary carefully. You’ll want to arrive at the Visitor Information Station in good time before sunset. We recommend allowing 30 minutes to drive up from the information station, and about an hour prior to that to acclimatize to the altitude.

For example, if sunset is 7pm and you’re staying in Kona, then you should leave Kona at about 4pm and you’ll arrive at the Visitor Information Station at about 5:30pm. Acclimatize at the information station for about one hour and then leave for the summit at 6:30pm.

It’s always better to allow more time! There are rangers on site who will check to make sure you have enough fuel and are driving a 4WD vehicle before you head up.

Magnificent Mauna Kea

The summit of the mountain was believed to be the meeting place of the Earth Mother, Papahānaumoku, and the Sky Father, Wākea, and Mauna Kea is considered to be sacred.

Ancient Hawaiians tracked the position of the stars and understood how this related to navigation. They are thought to have used observation platforms on the summit containing stones that were used to mark the positions of the rising and setting stars.

The summit of Mauna Kea is 13,796 ft. (4,205 mts) high. But the mountain extends about 19,700 ft. (6000 mts.) below the surface of the water, making it the tallest mountain in the world from its base. The Visitor Information Station is at 9,200 ft. (2,804 mts.) and this is where you will need to acclimatize for about an hour before ascending to the summit.

Mauna Kea telescopes

The summit of the mountain contains almost perfect conditions for viewing the stars. These include dry clear air, low temperatures, low turbulence, excellent visibility, and almost no light pollution.

A Trip to the summit

First, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle. If not, there are some great tours available. Then, check the conditions on the mountain by calling (808) 935 6268. There’s a pre-recorded message of the conditions and any warnings. Then you’re good to go!

Start off your journey to the summit of Mauna Kea like any good road trip – with snacks, or even better, a complete meal. We set off on a weekday after stopping at Safeway for supplies.

We recommend picking up a light to-go meal that travels well. Take a cooler if you can. Safeway in Kona has a great selection of ready-made meals – including salads, sandwiches and sushi.

You might crave sugar at high altitude – we recommend bringing some dark chocolate!

The road out of Kona. Make sure you’ve packed warm clothes, including jackets. If you think you might struggle at high altitude you can purchase small bottles of oxygen from Longs Drug Store (CVS). We took a couple of bottle just in case.

On the Saddle Road heading to the mountain.

Don’t forget there’s a restroom stop on the way to the mountain. The Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area is located about 15 minutes before the Visitor Information Station (there are often lines at the bathroom at the Information Station, so we recommend stopping here if you need to).

It’s a beautiful scenic drive up to the Visitor Information Station.

The Visitor Information Station with the summit of Mauna Kea in the distance. The station includes information about the mountain and a small gift shop.

Dormitories that house the support staff for the telescopes are located near the information station.

Time to eat our to-go meals. Everything tastes better at altitude – especially chocolate!

You might see some local wildlife like this pheasant.

The bulk of the road from the information station to the summit is unpaved. Hang on, it can get a little bumpy! But the spectacular views of the Mars-like landscape are worth it.

The last section of the road is actually paved. The summit is close!

Just in time for sunset. Take care when you get out of the car – the high altitude affects everyone differently.

Make sure to check out the view in the other direction. The mountain casts an incredible shadow.

You won’t be able to stay up on the mountain much longer than 30 minutes after sunset. The rangers like to get everyone down relatively quickly in order to reduce light pollution from car headlights. It also makes for an easier drive back home if you can avoid the line of traffic back down the mountain.

The summit of Mauna Kea is an absolute must-visit attraction. If you haven’t rented a 4WD vehicle then it is worth booking a tour (they’ll pick you up and drop you back in Kona).

Don’t forget you can spend more time after sunset at the Visitor Information Station (the gift shop stays open until 9pm) to simply gaze at the amazing night sky!

Author: Angus Meek

Essential Big Island: Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau Place of Refuge

Posted on August 16, 2023September 4, 2023 by Angus

Essential Big Island is a series of blogs focused on sites or attractions that are a must-see for any visitor to the island.

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, or Place of Refuge, is a National Historical Park of great significance to the island and to the state of Hawaii. From history to architecture, this is absolutely an essential stop on your Hawaii experience!

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is located in South Kona. Take Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy. 11) to Ke Ala o Keawe Road (Hwy. 160) – between mile markers 103 and 104 (the Honaunau Post Office is on the corner). Follow Hwy. 160 all the way down to the entrance at the bottom of the hill. The park is open daily 8:30am-4:30pm. Make sure you pick up a free brochure just outside the gift shop before you enter the park. The brochure includes a detailed, easy-to-follow map of the park.

There is plenty of parking inside the park and a well-stocked gift shop.

What happened at Place of Refuge?

Kapu, or the laws that Hawaiians adhered too, could be violated in a number of different ways. These included when a woman eats with a man, a fish is caught out of season, or even when a commoner’s shadow falls on an ali’i.

Penalties for these types of crimes were harsh. You could face the death penalty, in which case your only recourse was to escape your captors on foot, find your way to the coast, and then swim to the Place of Refuge (the area of land bordered by the Great Wall and the edge of the coastline). Once there you could seek to be absolved by the priest for your crime.

Stop by the amphitheater to watch a film about the park

Royal grounds

The Royal Grounds were the primary gathering place for local chiefs. Here was where they would meet, hold ceremonies and negotiate during wartime. They also took part in games such as kōnane (a board game). Here is also where priests were consulted by the chiefs when guidance was required.

The Royal Grounds with the Hālau wa’a (canoe house) in the background.

Hālau wa’a (canoe house).

Looking toward Two Step, a popular snorkeling spot.

Kōnane is a strategy game played with black and white pebbles on a stone playing surface called a papamū.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall is up to 12 feet in height, 18 feet wide and over 950 feet in length. Constructed over 400 years ago, the wall was built using dry-set masonry – a technique in which stones are placed without mortar.

Hale o Keawe

In ancient Hawaii the Royal Grounds were believed to be the center of power. The grounds contain the main temple (heiau), above, where the bones of many chiefs (ali’i) were buried. The temple retained a special kind of spiritual power, known as mana.

Pahoehoe lava – a type of lava that is characterized by a smooth, billowy surface.

The Royal Fish Ponds

These ponds held fish that were to be eaten only by the ali’i.

The 1871 to Ki’ilae Village. The ancient trail was remade in 1871. Take a 2.25 mile hike (roundtrip) that includes ancient sites and volcanic features.

Park Highlights

There’s lots to see at Place of Refuge so we’ve picked some highlights:

The Great Wall – the wall measures 12 feet tall, 18 feet wide and over 950 feet long.
Hale o Keawe – the main temple housing the bones of the chiefs. The temple is only able to be viewed from the outside, but it’s an impressive structure.
Pu’uhonua – get up close to the Great Wall and then walk into the Pu’uhonua, or Place of Refuge, itself.
Keone’ele – this is a sheltered cove that was only for the use of the ali’i to land their canoes. Look out – you might see some turtles here.

Place of Refuge was also a sanctuary during other times. During war it was designated a place for children, elders, and those not involved in warfare to seek sanctuary. Kapu was officially ended in 1819 along with the custom of seeking refuge at Pu’uhonua Hōnaunau.

Make sure you visit Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau on your Big Island adventure. Learn and discover what life was like in ancient Hawaii at one of the best-preserved historic sites in the state.

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The Ho’oulu Farmers Market & Artisans Fair

Posted on July 16, 2023July 27, 2023 by Angus

Make sure you stop by one of the best arts & crafts markets on the island! The Ho’oulu Farmers Market & Artisans Fair includes a range of locally made and grown products.

This farmers market located just south of Kailua-Kona has been operating for 13 years. Gail and Greg Smith, along with founder Kuku Keala Ching, created the market and artisans fair. The market is held on the front lawn of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa beside Keauhou Bay near Kailua-Kona. The market operates on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am-2pm.

What you'll find

At this market you’ll find locally grown coffee, produce, seasonal fruit, macadamia nuts, jams, bakery items, local arts and handmade crafts. Live music is also a feature.

Ho’oulu means ‘to grow’ in Hawaiian and the market is one of the longest-standing farmers markets in Kona.

When and where?

The market operates on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am-2pm. Visit bigislandmkt.com for more information and a list of vendors.

The Ho’oulu Farmers Market & Artisans Fair is a great market in a lovely location, on a large lawn space in Keauhou Bay. We found that the market’s focus on 100% Big Island made, to be a big attraction – for visitors and local residents alike. It does cater more to the arts and craft than the fresh produce seen at other markets, but this is definitely a big plus. A great place to find genuine Hawaiian arts and crafts!

For a full list of Big Island farmers markets check out our blog post Your Guide to Big Island Farmers Markets or download our Timetable of Big Island Farmers Markets.

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Restaurant review: Menehune Restaurant

Posted on June 16, 2023July 6, 2023 by Angus

Menehune Restaurant is located on Mamalahoa Highway in South Kona, just south of Captain Cook. They serve a great variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Open from 6am to 3pm. A handy pitstop on your journey south!

We arrived for lunch early in the week and there were plenty of tables. There is also easy parking in front of the restaurant. The service was super friendly and the menu is extensive.

The menu

For breakfast choose from – a range of omelettes or waffles, or go for their classic breakfast options – like biscuits and gravy, a breakfast burrito, a wrap, or a turkey & Swiss croissant. For lunch choose from sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads or fish and chips.

What we ordered

(Above) Fish and Chips – beer batter crispy fresh caught fish, French fries, citrus slaw, and tartar sauce ($26.95)

(Above) Ono sandwich with avocado and slaw ($29.95)

The fish and chips were tasty and the portion was large. The Ono sandwich however, was overpriced for what it was and wasn’t as flavorful as expected. This was disappointing. We do like to support local businesses but the prices at Menehune Restaurant are on the steep side. If you’re looking for a lunch spot on your way out of Kona there are other restaurants to choose from such as the Coffee Shack that might be a better option in this area.

(*Please note, we haven’t tried their breakfast menu).

Menehune Restaurant

84-5227 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook

Hawaii 96704

Ph. 808 238 0627

Hours: Mon – Sun, 6am – 3pm

https://www.menehunecoffee.com/restaurant/

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Parasailing Kona

Posted on May 30, 2023June 24, 2023 by Angus

Parasailing is a fun way to get out on the water, to get above the water, and to get some amazing views of Kailua-Kona and the surrounding coastline. We give you all the details on how it works and where to book to parasail your way above Kona.

(Check out the video below of our recent parasailing adventure!)

Once out on the boat you are strapped into the harness containing a nylon seat and a bar in front. The parasail is inflated and the speed of the boat is increased. As this occurs the parasail picks you up and you float up and back into the air. The process is smooth and easy.

As you float away from the boat the sound of the engine fades and you are left with simply the sound of the wind, and the gentle creak of the ropes attached to the sail.

The entire experience lasts about ten minutes. During this time the boat slows in order to bring you down closer to the water before sending you back up into the air again. At the end of the parasail they carefully winch you back in, at which point you float back onto the boat, landing on your feet.

Our captain and assistant were friendly and engaging, and the views of Kona and the coastline were amazing!

(*Special thanks to our friend Rob for taking the video of his tandem parasail with Clem!)

UFO Parasail

UFO Parasail offers parasailing at competitive prices and at two different heights (either parasail to 800 or 1200 ft). Book online or give them a call.

Check-in: Kailua Pier, next to the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel lobby. Look for the blue umbrella attached to our boat trailer on the left hand side of the pier.

Parking: Parking is available at the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. UFO offers discounted parking validation for the self parking section, 3 hours for $2. Regular parking fees are $10 per hour and $25 per day without UFO validation.

UFO Parasail

1-800-359-4836

https://ufoparasail.net/kona-activities/hawaii-parasailing/

Pricing:

800 Ft Express Soaring
Per Person
$116

1200 Ft Out of This World
Per Person
$136

Observer
Per Person
$79

Private Charter
$1199

Parasailing Kona is a great experience, don’t miss out on seeing Kailua-Kona from a unique perspective!

**Please note this is not a paid promotion for UFO Parasail, we just had a great experience with them!**

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Restaurant review: Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine

Posted on May 16, 2023June 23, 2023 by Angus

Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine is tucked away in the Coconut Grove Marketplace on Ali’i Drive. They serve a great selection of sushi as well as Chinese dishes. Open all day for lunch and dinner, this quiet restaurant is great for a quick lunch or a dinner feast!

We arrived early in the week for an early lunch and were seated quickly. The restaurant has only a few tables, plus seating at the counter, although there is a back room for large groups. Unless you’re seated at the table by the window there aren’t views of the ocean. Parking is easy, the Coconut Grove Marketplace almost always has adequate parking in the lot behind the marketplace, and it’s just a short walk to the restaurant.

The service is good and the only problem we had was deciding on what to choose from their vast menu!

The menu

A large selection of sushi rolls, sashimi/nigiri as well as chow mein noodles, chicken and pork dishes.

What we ordered

(Above) Dublin Roll – Spicy tuna crabmeat topped with yellowtail and avocado ($14.95). Unagi ($6.95) and Seared Sake (Nigiri) ($7.95).

(Above) Sesame Balls – sticky white flour dough filled with a sweet paste ($6.25).

(Above) Edamame ($5.75).

(Above) Sunset Blvd Roll – Spicy tuna and yellowtail crunch with unagi spicy sauce ($13.95).

(Above) Dragon Roll – Crabmeat mix, shrimp tempura and eel, topped with avocado. Served with eel sauce and tobiko ($14.95).

Taka Sushi is a great place for fresh sushi. All of our dishes were excellent, in particular the eel. The only disappointment was the heavily salted edamame but that’s just a personal preference. If you’re looking for sushi for lunch or dinner near the Kona waterfront, be sure to head to Taka Sushi.

Taka Sushi Grill Chinese Cuisine

75-5803 Ali’i Dr B5, Kailua-Kona

Hawaii 96740

Ph. 808 491 2321

Hours: Mon – Sun, 10:30am – 10:30pm

https://www.takaorder.com

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Exploring Kealakekua Bay

Posted on April 16, 2023April 28, 2023 by Angus

Kealakekua Bay

The crown jewel of South Kona is undoubtedly Kealakekua Bay. This beautiful bay is part of a marine reserve and is home to an amazing array of tropical fish. Dolphins are often seen here as they use the sheltered bay as a place to avoid predators and also a place to sleep.

On the south side of the bay is Napoʻopoʻo Beach, a small beach where access to the water is easy, though there are no lifeguards and limited facilities.

On the north side of the bay is Captain Cook’s Monument. The monument was erected in 1874 by British sailors to commemorate the spot on which he was killed. The small plot of land on which the monument sits was actually deeded to the United Kingdom by Princess Likelike – so it is actually British soil!

To access the monument you’ll need to hike down from Napoʻopoʻo Road. Read more about this hike in our blog post about top hikes on the island here. The north side of the bay is where the best snorkeling is located and you’ll find that the tour boats typically congregate here.

There are tour operators offering snorkeling and kayaking tours, or you can rent kayaks yourself. This is a great option if you want to snorkel but don’t want to join a tour. Kayak across the bay, and snorkel off the kayak (we’ve done it and we recommend this, especially if you aren’t keen on hiking down to, and back up from, Captain Cook’s Monument).

Dolphins. Spinner dolphins are often see in the bay. They are so-called because when they leap out of the water they are able to spin on their longitudinal axis.

Boat Tours

The Big Three

Fair Winds Cruises – Fair Wind II

60 ft catamaran with a capacity of about 100 people. The tour leaves out of Keahou Bay. The boat also has a water slide and a high dive platform. $159 for 4.5 hour morning tour or $115 for the 3.5 afternoon tour. The Fair Winds is the only company that has a mooring in the bay. This allows it to become a stationary platform from which to snorkel.

Fair Winds Cruises – Hula Kai

This boat is owned by the same company that owns the Fair Wind II. The boat is a little faster and the entire experience is a bit of an upgrade from the Fair Wind II. $165 for a 5 hour morning tour.

Sea Paradise – Hoku Nui

This company operates a 45 foot sailing trimaran that leaves out of Keahou Bay. The boat is a competitor to the Fair Wind II but is often less crowded and a more enjoyable experience. If there is wind they will use the sails. $165 for a 4.5 hour morning tour or $125 for a 3 hour afternoon tour.

Smaller tours

Sea Quest

Their hard-bottom inflatable boats hold up to 14 passengers and the tour takes them to Kealakekua Bay and then on to Honaunau (Place of Refuge). $145 for a 4.5 morning tour (includes lunch) or $128 for a 4 hour tour (no lunch). Leaves out of Keahou Bay.

Dolphin Discoveries

This company also uses hard-bottom inflatables for their tours. $139 for a 4.5 hour morning tour, to both Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau (Place of Refuge) and another tour just to Kealakekua Bay (there are three different times during the day for this tour) $114 for 3 hours. The early morning tour gets to the bay by 8am so you’ll likely be the first boat there!

Exploring Kealakekua Bay and the area around the Captain Cook Monument is a must-see activity. The bay has some of the best snorkeling in the entire state of Hawaii. Whether you decide to hike down to the monument, kayak across the bay, or enjoy a tour, this destination should be near the top of your list on your Big Island adventure.

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Restaurant review: Foster’s Kitchen

Posted on March 22, 2023April 12, 2023 by Angus

Foster’s Kitchen (Kona) is located amongst the strip of restaurants on Ali’i Drive, with a picture-perfect view over the ocean. The restaurant offers a casual dining experience with an extensive menu. They pride themselves on purchasing directly from local famers and producers with a commitment to certified-organic products where possible.

Foster’s Kitchen is currently open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm. We arrived midweek for an early lunch soon after opening and were among the first to be seated. The entire restaurant seating area is a patio space, with lovely views, and a breeze that comes right off the ocean. Note, there is some road noise from Ali’i Drive, especially if seated close to the road.

Make sure to take advantage of the free parking lot behind Foster’s Kitchen which is accessed via Kuakini Highway. The service we experienced on our visit was quick, friendly and efficient.

The menu

From bruschetta and marinated calamari appetizers, to ahi stir fry, fish tacos and shrimp & grits – Foster’s Kitchen has a large menu. They also have salads, burgers and sandwiches, plus an extensive children’s menu.

What we ordered

(Above) Fried Green Tomatoes – breaded green tomatoes, fried golden brown and served with a Cajun remoulade dipping sauce ($13).

(Above) Tomato Bisque Cup – Hot savory tomato bisque topped with avocado mousse and micro greens. Served with gourmet grilled cheese with caramelized Maui onions on sourdough bread ($10).

(Above) Seared Crab Cakes – traditional lump crab cakes served with Cajun remoulade, lilikoi slaw and microgreeens ($22).

(Above) Calamari – calamari marinated in fresh herbs, chardonnay, and garlic – lightly grilled. Served with grilled white truffle lemons and a herb-infused oil ($15).

(Above) Seafood Puff Pastry – puff pastry filled with a mixture of crab, shrimp, Macadamia nut pesto, and cheese, then baked golden brown, brushed with fresh pesto, and sprinkled with parmesan ($15).

(Above) Cheesecake – Graham cracker-crusted scratch-made no-bake cheese cake with a lilikoi topping. Finished with whipped cream and strawberries ($8).

(Above) Banana Pudding – buttery crispy puff pastry shell with house-made vanilla pudding and bananas, caramelized with local dark rum ($12).

Foster’s Kitchen was a relaxed dining experience. Some of the appetizers were more successful than others, in particular the calamari flavors didn’t quite gel, and the seared crab cakes came with a Cajun remoulade that was too hot, overpowering all the other flavors. However, the seafood puff pastry was delicious and the fried green tomatoes were also very tasty.

Foster’s Kitchen is a great place to have lunch or dinner in Kona with an ocean view. They also have another location in the Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa.

Foster's Kitchen Kona

75-5805 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona

Hawaii 96740

Ph. 808 326 1600

Hours: Mon – Sun, 11am – 10pm

https://www.fosterskitchen.com

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Your guide to Big Island Farmers Markets

Posted on February 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Angus

Make time during your stay on the Big Island to experience the best of the island’s locally grown produce, and locally made arts and crafts. Check out our guide to farmers markets on the Big Island, whether it’s a Saturday, Sunday or a midweek market.

1. Kailua Village Farmers Market

This market is located in central Kona near Kailua Bay. This used to be one of the busier markets on the Big Island with over 40 vendors, however the number of vendors have now drastically reduced and can fluctuate depending on the day of the week.

When and where?

The Kona Farmers market operates from Wednesday to Sunday between 7 – 4pm near the corner of Ali’i Drive and Hualalai Road.

2. Ali'i Gardens Marketplace

Located near mile marker 2.5 on Ali’i Drive, the Alii Gardens Marketplace is not a farmers market but does sell crafts (although some are definitely not locally made). There are also a number of food vendors.

When and where?

This market runs every day except Monday between 10 – 5pm Wednesday, on Ali’i Drive near mile marker 2.5.

3. The Pure Kona Green Market

This popular market is committed to providing locally sourced produce and goods, and handmade arts and crafts – with a special emphasis on products that contribute to sustainable living. The market’s motto is ‘From the Land, by Our Hand’ and has grown rapidly over the last few years and now boasts 80 vendors.

Even though it’s located in Captain Cook this is the best farmers market in the Kona area.

This popular market is committed to providing locally sourced produce and goods, and handmade arts and crafts – with a special emphasis on products that contribute to sustainable living. The market’s motto is ‘From the Land, by Our Hand’ and has grown rapidly over the last few years and now boasts 80 vendors.

Even though it’s located in Captain Cook this is the best farmers market in the Kona area.

Amongst the abundance of local produce, including Kona coffee, honey and macadamia nuts is a large contingent of local arts and crafts vendors. Food stalls and live music make this a great day out for everyone.

Hot tip: The Pure Kona Green Market is the closest farmers market to Horizon Guest House, making it a great place to stock up on fresh fruit, or even some vegetables if you decide to grill out by the pool.

When and where?

The Pure Kona Green Market is held every Sunday from 9am – 2pm at the Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens, 82-6188 Mamalahoa Highway, directly opposite the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook.

4. The Ho’oulu Farmers Market & Artisans Fair

Make sure you stop by one of the best arts & crafts markets on the island! The Ho’oulu Farmers Market & Artisans Fair includes a range of locally made and grown products (all 100% made on the Big Island).

When and where?

The market is held on the front lawn of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa in Keauhou Bay in Kailua-Kona. The market operates on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am-2pm.

5. Keauhou Farmers Market

Held in the parking lot of the Keauhou Shopping Center, this is a small market with everything you need. Committed to selling only produce grown on the Big Island, you’ll find delicious honey, coffee, macadamia nuts, meat, eggs and fresh bread.

The Keauhou Farmers Market works with a number of local farm vendors to bring you the best in local quality produce.

When and where?

Every Saturday between 8–12pm at the Keauhou Shopping Center in front of Ace Hardware, 78-6831 Ali’i Drive, Kona.

6. Hilo Farmers Market

Make sure you stop by the biggest and most popular farmers market on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hilo farmers market runs every weekday but it’s the ‘market days’ on Wednesday and Saturday – with over 200 farmers and local crafters selling fresh produce, crafts, gifts and assorted flowers – that make it a must-visit during your stay on the Big Island.

When and where?

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.

7. Waimea Town Farmers Market

The Waimea Town farmers market runs every in front of the Parker School in the center of Waimea. The vendor’s stalls surround a grassy area with picnic tables.

The Waimea Town farmers market is a great place to buy hot food and fresh produce.

When and where?

Saturdays between 7:30 am and noon in front of the Parker School in the center of Waimea.

8. Waimea Midweek Farmers Market

Around 40 vendors selling everything from fresh produce, orchids, coffee, and arts and crafts.

When and where?

The midweek farmers market is held at Parker Ranch Pukalani Stables every Wednesday between 9am-2pm.

Pukalani Stables is located at 67-139 Pukilani Road.

9. Maku'u Farmers Market

Located in Pahoa, this is your one-stop shop for artisan goods, locally-cooked meals, and fresh produce.

When and where?

Located just south of mile marker 7 on Hwy 130, in the parking lot of the of the Maku’u ke Kahua Community Center.

Sundays between 8am – 2pm.

Download our Timetable of Big Island Farmers Markets to find out which markets are operating on any day of the week.

Support 100% Big Island!

Visiting a farmers market during your stay is not only a great way to sample the delights of the Big island but it’s also a great way to support the local community.

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