Farmers Markets

Garden-fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers draw many shoppers to Maui's farmers markets. Reminiscent of open-air markets in the South Pacific, the local outdoor markets are available most every day of the week in one location or the other throughout the island.

Wandering through the markets is a lesson in tropical agriculture with a taste of local culture. Talk to the vendors. You'll be surprised what you can learn. Alongside ripe and green papayas, hands of bananas, lettuce and cherry tomatoes, you'll find signature Maui products like Kula onions and strawberries, Molokai sweet potatoes, field-fresh pineapples, coffee, flowers and Chinese cabbage.

Though the markets are similar, each has its own identity and you may find a special tropical fruit at one, but not at another. Make sure you get to market early. Most sell out quickly as demand for locally grown products grows. To save time and hassle bring your own bag and plenty of $1 bills.

The Aloha Friday Farmers Market, from noon to 6 p.m. at Maui Community College, is known for its produce and special events. Two farmers markets, one in South Kihei, the other near the Ka'anapali Resort, operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The South Kihei market in the old Suda Store parking lot, runs from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The other, across from Honokowai Park, is open from 7 to 11 a.m.

Hana Farmers & Crafters Market, set up in the lot next to the old Hasegawa Gas Station in Hana, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Ke'anae Open Market, on the road to Hana, operates the second Saturday of each month. The Wailuku Farmers Market runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The market at the Kahului Shopping Center operates on Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. And on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can catch a market at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center. Maui Mall is the location of another Friday market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.