Just as each island is different in its layout of coastal and mountain areas, climate and beaches, the growing of tropical fruits varies from island to island. On our visits to Maui, we were very surprised when we heard from farmers at a Kihei Farmer's Market that Maui does not grow 'white pineapples' which are our favorite on the Big Island. Quite a number of people had never heard of those. BTW if you can get your hands on them, don't hesitate to buy. They have low acidic content and melt on your tongue. White pineapples are sweet like honey.
Best way to find fresh and most unique tropical fruits on your Hawaii vacation is to ask your rental host or hotel concierge for weekly Farmer's Markets in the area where you vacation or local fruit stands by private growers. Those fruits are freshly picked, juicy and the prices are right. It's also very common that vacation rental owners whose property is surrounded by tropical fruit trees allow their visitors to pick fresh fruits for daily use. Can't get better than that!
Big Island visitors on the Kohala Coast have many options to buy fresh fruits. The tropical fruit stand in Kawaihae by Hilo growers - in the parking lot next to "Blue Dragon" Kawaihae restaurant - is the closest to most rental homes in the area. It is open almost daily with fresh fruits, veggies and wonderful tropical orchids to buy. Our favorites there are the strawberry papayas and apple bananas which are a wonderful addition to your breakfast when vacationing on the Kohala Coast.
On your excursions around the Big Island, you may also check the Farmer's Markets in Waimea (see photo below), Hawi or Honokaa. When on the search for rare tropical fruits like Rambutan and Lychee, plan a visit to famous and popular Hilo Farmer's Market. In addition to buying the freshest yet cheapest fruit, it's also the perfect place to buy a Hawaiian gift to take home from the islands.
No comments:
Post a Comment