How Hawai‘i Farmers Markets Are Keeping Shoppers Safe During the Coronavirus

Many local farmers markets remain open as essential businesses, so they’ve made tweaks to their operations to ensure proper social distancing, sanitizing and more. Plus, find out which ones are still open.
Kelli Shiroma / Frolic Hawai‘i,

 

It’s been almost a month since Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s stay-at-home order took effect, which sent shoppers into a frenzy as they stocked up on food and other necessities. Associate editor Kelli Shiroma checked out what it was like at the Saturday Farm Lovers Kaka‘ako market, which remains open along with many others.

 

 

 

No doubt you’ve seen the long lines at Costco, Sam’s Club and other stores and supermarkets. But what’s the scene at your local farmers market?

 

Farmers markets are still open across the state, and social distancing and sanitation measures are in full effect. Click above to take a look at the Farm Lovers Kaka‘ako market held on Saturdays. On our last visit, we noticed several changes to increase safety for shoppers, including:

 

  • Clear markers on the ground for lines, with plenty of space between people
  • No more than one person allowed per 10 feet at each booth
  • “You touch it, you buy it” signs and instructions to point at the produce you want so the vendor can package it for you
  • Plenty of hand sanitizers and hand-washing stations throughout the market

 

SEE ALSO: Kōkua Kalihi Valley’s Roots Café Introduces Honolulu’s First CSA Box Focused on Cultural Starches

 

At Hawai‘i Farm Bureau markets, you’ll find:

 

  • New farm-to-car online ordering and drive-thru pickup option. It sold out for April 1 and they’re adding more options at hfbf.org/farm-to-car
  • Hand sanitizers at info booths
  • Pre-packaged prepared food items
  • No live music to discourage crowds
  • Limit in number of people at a booth at a time

 

SEE ALSO: Why You Need to Shop at Farmers Markets Now

 

kakaako farmers market

Photo: Kelli Shiroma

 

 

So support local, Hawai‘i. Scroll below for a list of farmers markets across the state that are still open:

 

O‘AHU:

Farm Lovers Kaka‘ako

  • 1050 Ala Moana Blvd.
  • Saturdays 8 a.m.–noon

 

Farm Lovers Pearlridge

  • Mauka by Macy’s facing Moanalua Road
  • Saturdays 8 a.m.–noon

 

Farm Lovers Kailua

  • Kailua Town Center
  • Sundays 8 a.m.–noon

 

Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Mililani Farmers Market

  • Mililani High School
  • Sundays 8 a.m.–11 a.m.

 

Hawai‘i Farm Bureau Honolulu Farmers Market

  • Neal S. Blaisdell Center
  • Wednesdays 4–7 p.m.

 

Windward Mall Farmers Market

  • 46-056 Kamehameha Highway in the parking lot
  • Wednesdays 2:30–5 p.m. and Sundays 9:45 a.m.–2 p.m.

 

KAUA‘I:

Kaua‘i Community Farmers Market

  • Kaua‘i Community College
  • Saturdays 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

 

Kaua‘i Culinary Farmers Market

  • Kukui‘ula Shopping Village
  • Wednesday 3:30–6 p.m.

 

HAWAI‘I ISLAND:

Hāmākua Harvest

  • Intersection of Mamane Street and Highway 19, Honoka‘a
  • Sunday 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

 

Hilo Farmers Market

  • Corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue
  • Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

 

Keauhou Farmers Market

  • Keauhou Shopping Center
  • Saturdays 8 a.m.–noon

 

Waimea Town Market at Kekela Farms

  • 64-604 Mana Road, Waimea
  • Saturday 8 a.m.–noon

 

MAUI:

Napili Farmers Market

  • 4900 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Lahaina
  • Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.–noon

 

Upcountry Farmers Market

 

 

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