In the heart of Hawaii, Hilo Farmers Market bursts to life with tropical color and island charm. Stalls overflow with exotic fruit that looks almost too good to eat.
Local artisans showcase beautiful crafts that reflect the spirit of the islands. The energy here is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
A visit leaves you with flavors, finds, and memories you’ll carry long after you leave.
1. Rambutan
Looking like sea urchins growing on trees, these hairy red fruits are a true Hawaiian delight. Crack open the soft spiny exterior to reveal sweet, grape-like flesh inside.
Many Hawaii visitors mistake them for lychee at first glance. The translucent white flesh easily separates from the single seed in the center, making them perfect for beach snacking.
2. Jackfruit
The largest tree fruit in the world can weigh up to 100 pounds! At the Hilo market, you’ll find vendors selling manageable pre-cut portions of this versatile fruit.
When ripe, jackfruit tastes like a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. Hawaii’s volcanic soil gives local jackfruit an especially sweet flavor that mainland varieties can’t match.
3. Soursop
With spiky green skin hiding creamy white flesh, soursop delivers a fascinating flavor combination. The taste resembles strawberry and pineapple with subtle sour citrus notes.
Hawaii’s warm climate produces especially juicy specimens. Local vendors often suggest blending the flesh into smoothies or ice cream – a tip worth following for an authentic island treat.
4. Dragon Fruit
These stunning pink or yellow fruits with scale-like outer skin create an eye-catching display at market stalls. Slice one open to reveal white or magenta flesh dotted with tiny black seeds.
Hawaii’s volcanic soil gives local dragon fruit a sweeter flavor than imported varieties. The mild, slightly sweet taste resembles a cross between kiwi and pear with a texture similar to kiwi.
5. Star Apple
Cut this purple-skinned fruit horizontally to reveal why it earned its stellar name – the seed core forms a perfect star pattern! The flesh tastes sweet and milky with hints of grape and blueberry.
Hawaii’s rich soil produces particularly flavorful star apples. Local market vendors will show you the proper way to eat them – by scooping out the soft flesh with a spoon while avoiding the bitter skin.
6. Breadfruit
An ancient staple food across Polynesia, breadfruit has sustained Hawaiian communities for centuries. When cooked, the starchy flesh tastes similar to freshly-baked bread with a potato-like texture.
Hawaii’s climate produces exceptionally large specimens. Market vendors often share traditional recipes – try it roasted with butter or deep-fried like chips for an authentic island experience.
7. Longan
Sometimes called “dragon’s eye” because of the black seed visible through translucent flesh, longan delivers sweet musky flavor. The small round fruits with tan shells grow in bunches and are sold still attached to their branches.
Hawaii’s fertile volcanic soil produces especially sweet longans. Simply crack the thin shell with your fingernails to enjoy the juicy flesh – a favorite snack among locals during summer months.
8. Mountain Apple
Not related to regular apples, these bell-shaped crimson fruits are native to Southeast Asia but thrive in Hawaii’s mountains. Bite into the crisp, watery flesh for a refreshing rose-flavored experience unlike any mainland fruit.
Hawaii’s mountain apples are often picked just days before market. The entire fruit is edible – no need to remove skin or seeds – making them perfect for hiking snacks or picnics at Hawaii’s beautiful beaches.
9. Surinam Cherry
These ribbed, ruby-red fruits resemble tiny pumpkins and pack a surprising punch of flavor. When perfectly ripe, they offer a sweet-tart taste with hints of resin and black pepper that’s uniquely addictive.
Hawaii’s climate produces particularly aromatic Surinam cherries. Local vendors will help you select perfectly ripe ones – avoid pale or orange specimens which can be astringent and wait for the deep red ones.
10. Lychee
These small fruits with bumpy red shells hide perfumed translucent flesh inside. The fragrant, sweet taste has hints of rose water and grape with a texture similar to firm jelly.
Hawaii’s volcanic soil produces especially flavorful lychees during summer months. Simply peel away the thin shell to enjoy the juicy flesh – but watch out for the inedible seed in the center!
11. Mangosteen
Often called the “queen of fruits,” mangosteens have thick purple rinds hiding snow-white segments inside. The sweet-tart flavor combines strawberry, peach, and vanilla in perfect harmony.
Hawaii’s climate produces exceptionally juicy mangosteens. To open one, gently press the sides until the thick rind cracks, then pull apart to reveal the delicate segments – a technique local vendors will happily demonstrate.
12. Sapodilla
Brown on the outside and resembling small potatoes, sapodillas reveal their treasure when cut open. The soft, caramel-colored flesh tastes remarkably like brown sugar or maple syrup with a pear-like texture.
Hawaii’s warm climate produces exceptionally sweet sapodillas. Local vendors advise waiting until they’re slightly soft before eating – the fruit should yield gently to pressure when perfectly ripe.
13. Guava
Hawaii’s strawberry guavas are smaller than mainland varieties but pack incredible flavor. The pink flesh is intensely aromatic with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that mainland fruits can’t match.
Local vendors often sell them at perfect ripeness. The entire fruit is edible – skin, seeds and all – making them perfect for beach snacks or adding tropical flair to salads.
14. Lauhala Weaving
Skilled Hawaiian artisans transform pandanus tree leaves into intricate woven treasures. The dried leaves, called lauhala, become hats, baskets, mats, and even jewelry through traditional techniques passed down for generations.
Hawaii’s cultural heritage shines through these handcrafted items. Many weavers work at the market, allowing visitors to watch the mesmerizing process of strips becoming beautiful functional art – each piece unique and impossible to mass-produce.
15. Koa Wood Carvings
Hawaii’s prized koa wood transforms into stunning art pieces under skilled local hands. The wood’s rich reddish-brown color and distinctive grain patterns make each carving uniquely beautiful and highly collectible.
Artisans at the market create everything from tiny turtles to elaborate bowls. Hawaii’s strict harvesting regulations protect these trees, meaning authentic koa pieces represent sustainable craftsmanship worth bringing home as meaningful souvenirs.