The aina (land) of Kauai is ideal for growing. Although the common nickname of the island is the Garden Isle, I describe Kauai to be nature on steroids because of its natural grandeur and the sheer amount of quick growing, thick, lush plants of all shapes and sizes.

With such epic conditions for growing as well as the expense of shipping produce across the high seas, it is no wonder why farmer’s markets or Sunshine Markets are very popular in Kauai. With neighborhood markets almost every day as well as fruit, juice, and shave ice stands scattered across the island, there should no excuse for not visiting one or many on your adventure to Kauai.

With opportunities daily to get your Vitamin C, check out these Sunshine Markets in Kauai, but come early and bring your own bags.

Sunshine_market_Lihue_Kauai

Monday – Koloa Ball Park 12:00pm

Tuesday – Kalaheo Neighborhood Center 3:00pm

Wednesday – Kapa’a New Town Park 3:00pm (Great mid-way option from my North, Central, or South Kauai AND an option to get out and celebrate Hump Day.)

Thursday – Kilauea Neighborhood Center 4:30pm

Friday – Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot in Lihue 3:00pm (The closest to my base and pictured in post.)

Saturday – Hanalei Market 9:30am (My favorite Sunshine Market in Kauai, but far from my base in Lihue.)

Here are a couple of do not miss purchases while visiting sunshine markets and Kauai’s beauty:

1) Fresh coconut juice – served in the coconut for drinking chilled, but then cut open to reap the benefits of the meat too.

2) Pineapple – no picnic or bbq is complete without this symbol of hospitality

3) Locally grown honey – after all it is the nectar of lots of work of bees, the best friends of farmers, plants, and nature.

4) Other unique fruits and vegetables such as apple bananas, strawberry guavas, soursops, rambutan, longan, papaya, jicama, opo squash, okra, or other.

5) Flowers – whether you have someone special that deserves flowers or you’re buying for yourself (another VIP), don’t miss the orchids and other tropical flowers. After all, there is an old Chinese proverb that says, “When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.”

Have you traveled to Kauai? Do you have a favorite Sunshine Market in Kauai? Please share your best Kauai adventure travel stories and/or tips, including your Sunshine Market purchases and recommendations. I’d love to hear from my adventureros near and far. Aloha!

As always, stay up-to-date on more adventure travel stories and tips from Kauai, Peru, Quebec, Cuba, Minneapolis, Finger Lakes, and more by connecting with me on FacebookTwitter, Google+, and YouTube.

Here’s to more good times and good stories.

Kauai_Secrets_Beach 

 

0 Responses

  1. I just got back from my Lihue Sunshine Market. I got baby carrots, radishes, coconut, Asian cucumbers (longer and skinny), avocados, pomelo (kinda like a grapefruit), bananas, and rambutan (like a lychee). Nothing like reaping the benefits of the Garden Isle.