What it is
A twice-weekly, open-air farmers market located in the front parking lot of the Coconut Marketplace, an open-air shopping center in Kapaʻa on Kauai's east side. The market is run by the center and features local Kauai farmers and vendors selling produce, flowers, prepared snacks, and other goods. It is a distinct event and should not be confused with the other shops or the Island Country Markets grocery store located within the main marketplace complex.
Visitor experience
The market consists of vendor tents set up on a paved lot, offering a convenient, accessible, and casual shopping experience. Patrons can find a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut tropical flowers and leis. The selection often includes ready-made snacks, handmade pastries, and value-added products like local coffee and jams. The atmosphere is geared towards practical shopping for both locals and visitors staying in nearby accommodations. While the market itself does not typically feature entertainment, the broader Coconut Marketplace often hosts free live music and hula shows on other days, contributing to a lively community feel.
Logistics
Days and Hours: The market operates year-round, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: It is held in the front parking lot of the Coconut Marketplace at 4-484 Kuhio Highway in Kapaʻa.
Parking: Free parking is available in the large lot shared with the shopping center.
Duration: A typical visit lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Timing: For the best selection of produce, especially popular or seasonal fruits, arriving early between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. is strongly recommended, as vendors can sell out of high-demand items quickly.
Payment: While some vendors may accept cards, bringing cash, particularly small bills, is highly advisable.
Safety and cautions
Operations: The market is advertised as a rain-or-shine event.
Selection: The primary caution for visitors is the potential for popular items to sell out well before the 1:00 p.m. closing time.
Environment: As it is held on an asphalt parking lot, the area can become hot and exposed to direct sun. Standard sun protection like hats and sunscreen is recommended.
Editorial take
This market is an excellent, highly convenient option for travelers staying on Kauai's East Side (the "Coconut Coast") who want to stock their accommodations with fresh, locally grown produce, tropical fruit, and flowers. Its twice-weekly schedule and easy-to-access highway location make it a simple and reliable stop. It's ideal for those who prioritize convenience and accessibility over a rustic, farm-based setting.
Visitors seeking a larger, more sprawling market experience with a wider array of crafts or live entertainment might prefer other markets, such as the Saturday market at Kauai Community College or the county "Sunshine Markets." This is a straightforward, produce-focused market designed for an efficient shopping trip, not an all-morning destination event.
Source notes
- Coconut Marketplace (Official): The official event page confirming the days, times, and general offerings of the farmers market. https://www.coconutmarketplace.com/farmers-market/
- Tasting Kauai: A detailed local guide to Kauai's farmers markets, confirming the schedule and character of the Coconut Marketplace event. https://www.tastingkauai.com/farmers-markets/
- Kauai Now: A local news and events calendar that lists the market's recurring schedule and details. https://kauainownews.com/community-calendar/event/a3a6z1y5g1w8u/
- Hawaii.com: A travel guide that includes the Coconut Marketplace market in its list of Kauai farmers markets with correct times and days. https://www.hawaii.com/kauai/shopping/farmers-markets/
- Garden Island Properties: A vacation rental site that provides a clear, concise list of farmers markets across the island, corroborating the schedule. https://www.gardenislandproperties.com/blog/kauai-farmers-market-guide/
