Big Island - farmers markets and fresh fish?

[firecooked]

We will be visiting the Big Island and renting a house in the Hawi area. I'm looking forward to cooking with locally sourced foods. I have list of farmers markets, but just day's and time -- looking for more recommendations on what to look for where, also wondering where I could find fresh fish, maybe even some lamb or beef.

[holualoa farmer]

the fish market in Kawaihae is very good...the Waimea farmer's market (Sat only) is great...much better than Hilo

[manomin]

Holulaloa farmer - you always have great suggestions/posts. I have heard much of the NELHA (correct my acronym if I'm wrong) market as being fabulous with chef demo and great product but to my knowledge it is not a weekly thing - is that true?

[holualoa farmer]

sorry, don't know but I'll check it out soon...I'm off to Europe...when I return

[easily amused]

The NELHA Farmer's fish market continues to be held the last Friday of the month. There was one yesterday. It remains a wildly popular event support by both the Locals and visitors.
Beside the fresh fish /seafood ...there are freshly made sausages from Island Thyme Sausages.
http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2010/03/31/video-report-first-ever-nelha-fish-farmers-market/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Isl...

[manomin]

You are right! Friends of mine who live there went yesterday. I'm jealous!

[firecooked]

Are mango's in season?

[KaimukiMan]

Still too early for mango, the flowers have set and the fruit has started to grow, but it will be a few more weeks. Not sure how soon you will be here, but you may be able to get some freshly pickled mango (made from green mango)

[hiD]

Suisan in Hilo is your best bet for fresh fish.
93 Lihiwai St
Hilo, HI 96720
[phone]

Don't worry too much about having a plan of attack for the Hilo market; you're sure to find what you're looking for, and a few surprises too. The Sunday Maku'u market in Puna is worth checking out - not so much for fresh foods, but the prepared foods are outstanding!

I do suggest you talk to the vendors at the market so that you know where your food is coming from; we've seen a few re-selling items from CostCo's bulk packages, unfortunately.

[BN1]

A few weeks ago, I learned from sad experience that Suisan is closed on Sunday.

[firecooked]

Thanks! ... and also for the heads up, the farmers markets in Phoenix are the same way (I have seen Aspargus in in November bundled with rubber bands marked "Puru").