The Hilo Farmers Market, at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street downtown, is one of the best in Hawaii — a proper outdoor market with tropical produce and local vendors rather than tourist craft stalls. The Big Island's volcanic soil grows some extraordinary fruit: rambutan, longan, dragon fruit, apple bananas, and the best papaya in the state. Local farmers also sell macadamia nuts, honey, ginger, and Big Island coffee.
The market runs daily but Wednesday and Saturday are the big days, when vendors from across the island set up. Get there by 8am for the freshest selection — the market peaks early and the best produce goes quickly. Ready-to-eat food stalls sell plate lunches, fresh coconuts, and local snacks. Bring cash.