I Was Amazed by the Dizzying Variety at the Hilo Farmers Market in Hawaii

One of my favorite things about visiting the tropical paradise and cultural melting pot of the Aloha State is sampling food and products that I can't readily get on the mainland - and even if I could, they wouldn't be nearly as fresh or as organic as I can often find them in Hawaii. That is why I love the Hilo Farmers Market so much. It's always near the top of my list of places to visit when I'm on the Big Island. In fact, I would argue that Hilo Farmers Market is easily one of the best farmers markets in Hawaii, if not the whole country.

The Hilo Farmers Market sits on the edge of downtown Hilo, across from the namesake bay, under a collection of tents with adjacent booths, food trucks, vendors, and shops selling everything from bananas to boots, and all manner of products in between. The market is open daily throughout the year, "from dawn 'til it's gone."

Hawaii's position as a crossroads of cultures in the middle of the Pacific Ocean combines with a year-round growing season to create an eclectic variety of fruits, vegetables, and other produce that one may not find at the local Safeway. It's not just coconuts, pineapples, and passionfruit (but you can definitely get them here!).

Delicacies like durian fruit - illegal to eat in closed spaces in much of Asia - and rambutan can be found alongside ginger root, Upcountry onions and tomatoes, and macadamia nuts. With a constantly rotating lineup of vendors and products, every trip to the market feels like a surprise.

The produce isn't the only food for sale at the farmers market. A stand serves up made-to-order plate lunches, fresh Hawaiian coffee and juices, and the best shave ice you will ever try. They made me a coconut, lilikoi (passionfruit), and guanabana combo that I will remember for the rest of my life.

There are many reasons to visit Hilo other than the farmers market - the food and authentic vibe, unique local shops, Rainbow and 'Akaka Falls, black sand beaches, the botanical garden at the University of Hawaii, Hilo - but the Hilo Farmers Market is definitely near the top of my list. If you want to stay Hilo side, you'll find many hotels that are not far from the market and downtown Hilo, but I'm partial to the SCP Hilo Hotel. It's modern and airy with just the right touch of Hawaiiana; plus the hotel sits directly on the water and is just minutes from the farmers market by foot.

Have you visited the Hilo Farmers Market on the Big Island? We'd love to hear all about your picks for the best farmers markets in Hawaii.