At 7:30 on a Saturday morning, most people are enjoying their "sleep-in" day. But some of us are scouring for parking around Kapiolani Community College and waiting for the air horn that signals the start of the KCC Farmers Market.
The weekly event is home to more than 80 vendors selling locally grown produce, ready-to-eat plate lunches, freshly baked bread, flowers, skin-care products and more. Everything there is made or grown in Hawaii. For those who want farm-to-table produce and delicious eats, it's a don't-miss.
Some of the best items have the longest lines. At the KCC Farmers Market, the winner week-in and week-out is Too Hot Tomatoes, right at the entrance — its line looks like something outside of a Disneyland ride. But you'll see why when you bite into its fried green tomatoes. Crispy, juicy and tart.
A close second is PacifiKool, serving their killer Island ginger ales. I used to work at the KCC Farmers Market for my father; I'd get 5 or 6 ginger ales during the three-and-a-half-hour event. Simple ginger syrup with grated ginger and club soda, with some variations… very refreshing.
Other busy stands include the bakeries, all serving assortments of freshly baked breads and pastries; Big Island Abalone, with its mountain of coolers keeping shelled abalones chilled and ready to serve on-site; and Kahuku Farms/NaOno, where you can find grilled and buttered Kahuku sweet corn (it's some of the best corn you've ever had).
While you're navigating and sampling, local entertainers will set the mood. When I was last there a couple Saturdays ago, local musician D. Shoji Nakamoto was playing steelpans, mixing with the energy in the air.
Shuttles and trolleys will take visitors staying in Waikiki up to the market throughout the morning — check with your concierge. If you're driving, get there early — probably around 7 a.m., because the parking lot fills up fast (there's parking elsewhere in the neighborhood if you don't mind huffing it). Also, make sure to bring a lot of small bills: the vendors bring their own cash boxes and will be very happy if you supply them with small cash. And if you can, bring your own bag. The vendors will put everything in plastic bags for you, but it is easier, economical and environmentally friendly to bring a reusable bag. (I bring a backpack.)
