A new Farmers Market has recently debuted on the front lawn at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. The market is open from 8:00 a.m. until noon each Wednesday. This market is now in addition to a Saturday morning farmers market at the nearby Keauhou Shopping Center.
Along with local farm-fresh fruit, produce, coffee, and flowers, vendors also offer craft products with primary ingredients or materials that come from Hawaii Island’s land or waters.
I love the idea of falling out of my hotel bedroom into a farmer’s market first thing in the morning, without even having to tumble into my rental car. There’s freedom from the buffet and easy access to exotic local produce. Plus, there’s something about this idea that breaks the wall — just a little — between visitors to Hawaii and the locals that grow food in the islands.
This looks like both really smart marketing and a lovely, community minded action on the part of the Sheraton. For a traveler who enjoys a little luxury but still wants to experience some “real” Hawaii, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay just got more attractive.
Farmer's Market, Hilo by Kanu Hawaii via Flickr
Having a farmer’s market on your hotel grounds, doesn’t let you off the hook for exploring other markets in the islands. You’ll find great food, yummy local produce, beautiful flowers, maybe some nice locally made souvenirs,a little entertainment, perhaps, and you can’t beat the people watching.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture keeps a list of farmer’s markets here — click through the island names to get the latest information. Go on, you need snacks to fuel your island adventures. Get a papaya or two and some flowers for your room.
I’m glad to see my photo used for such information!
Thank YOU, Dominik, for posting your pics as Creative Commons so folks like me can share them.