Hawaii Local Foods

The Hawaiian growing season lasts all year long. The varied micro-climates on each island - rainy sides and dry sides and mountains in the middle - mean that cooler, shade-loving vegetables like lettuce and heat-soaking plants like tomatoes can thrive all year long within a relatively small geographic area (of, say, an island). Add to that the range of tropical fruits that flourish on the islands and you have the makings for some delicious local eating. Learn what to expect when with this Guide to Hawaii Seasonal Produce.

The islands are full of farmers markets. Find farmers markets in Hawaii, whether you're a local looking for groceries for a week or a tourist in need of a supremely ripe pineapple. If you're not local, be warned: most farmers markets in Hawaii have serious start-times for which shoppers line up and wait for the rope to drop or gate to open at which point they run in to claim the freshest lettuce and most fragrant pineapples. Find a market with this Guide to Hawaii Farmers Markets.

Can't make it to Hawaii anytime soon? Take a virtual tour of the Hilo Farmers Market, the Waimea Homestead Farmers Market, or the Waimea Town Farmers Market - all on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Most Hawaiian CSAs have staples that would be familiar to Mainlanders (carrots, green beans, spinach), except they're on offer much more of the year and are joined by tropical crops like ginger, taro, and fruits of all kinds. Check out Hawaii CSAs with this guide.