Hilo Town Market questions

Question

Aloha!

We're going to be coming from Waikoloa Village to Volcano on a Friday mid/late Feb and I see there is this market going on in Hilo on Fridays. I love markets and would love to walk about this a bit and then get dinner from vendors there to take with us if we can get food that travels well

We'll be traveling with our luggage including 2 golf bags, so inevitably something will be visible in the rear seats of the car before we get to our place in Volcano

Is there a "best place" to park near the market that would be more safe from vandals than others?

Also, this sounds fun but I don't hear it mentioned often so am curious if anyone's attended, and is something worth a stop before we head on up the volcano. I do love markets, especially ones with variety of arts/crafts, flowers, food, and music, and thinking this sounds like one of those

We'll have started early, and plan to stop at Waipi'o Lookout, Honoka'a for a couple of brief stops, Akaka Falls (taking turns staying with the car) and Tropical Botanical Gardens for a couple of hours. I have no idea about the time it will take for all of that so not sure what time we'll even get to Hilo.

FWIW, We'll be coming back down to town the next morning for the big Sat Farmer's Market,and not sure if the same vendors are at each.

Mahalo for any input you may offer!

Answer

Aloha!

It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned with a great mix of activities! The Hilo Town Market is a fun stop, especially if you enjoy local markets with a variety of arts, crafts, flowers, food, and music. Here’s a detailed response to your questions:

Parking Near the Market
The Hilo Farmers Market is located at 64 Keawe Street in downtown Hilo, and while it's a popular spot, parking in the area is generally safe. However, since you'll be traveling with visible luggage (including golf bags), you’ll want to choose your parking spot carefully to minimize the risk of break-ins. Here are a few tips:

Public Parking Lots: There are public parking lots in and around downtown Hilo, including a lot on Kamehameha Avenue near the market. These lots are usually well-traveled and not isolated, so they tend to be safer. Still, try to park closer to areas with more foot traffic.
Street Parking: Street parking is also available around the market. You can park along the streets near the market, but it’s important to be mindful of where you're parking, as some areas can be a bit more isolated than others. If possible, choose spots that are visible to the public.
Choose Busy Times: The market is busiest in the morning and early afternoon, so parking during those times will generally mean there are more people around, which can make your vehicle less of a target. Since you’re planning to be there mid/late afternoon, consider checking out the parking lots or spots that are closer to the market, where there will still be some activity.

Market Experience
The Hilo Town Market is definitely worth a stop if you love markets! It offers a unique variety of goods, from locally grown produce to handmade arts and crafts, along with delicious food from food vendors. It’s a wonderful spot for a quick visit to sample local food, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe pick up some unique items to bring back home. The market has a great mix of offerings, and you might even find some live music or other entertainment during your visit. Since you’ll be traveling with your luggage, make sure to grab anything you’d like to take with you and enjoy the lively vibe. It’s definitely a great spot to experience some of Hilo’s local charm.

Food to Take with You
As for food that travels well, there are several food vendors at the market offering tasty local eats, such as plate lunches, fresh fruit, and snacks. While Hilo is not as known for its take-out culture as some other areas in Hawaii, you can find food that should hold up well for the drive to Volcano, like:

Hawaiian plate lunches – These typically include rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. They’re usually served in takeout containers and should hold up well on the drive.
Fresh fruit and smoothies – If you’re in the mood for something light, you can grab some local tropical fruits or a smoothie to take with you.
Pastries and baked goods – Many vendors offer delicious local pastries like malasadas (Hawaiian donuts), which make a good snack for the drive.

Time Considerations
As for how much time you’ll need for the stops you mentioned, it depends on how long you spend at each spot. Here’s a rough idea:

Waipi'o Lookout: You’ll want to spend at least 15-20 minutes to take in the view and snap some photos. The lookout is not a long stop.
Honoka'a: A quick stop for photos or a walk around the small town will take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you’d like to explore.
Akaka Falls: Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to visit the falls, especially if you plan to do a short walk to view both the upper and lower falls.
Tropical Botanical Gardens: This is a more leisurely stop. Expect to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the gardens, which are beautiful and lush.

Given all of that, I’d estimate that you’ll need around 5-6 hours for your sightseeing before you head to Hilo for the market. If you arrive in Hilo around 3:30-4:00 pm, you’ll still have time to explore the market and pick up some food before heading to Volcano. The Hilo Farmers Market usually closes around 6:00 pm, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the time.

Saturday Market
Regarding your question about the Saturday Farmers Market, while there may be some overlap in vendors, the Saturday market is typically larger and has more produce, with a broader selection of vendors. The Friday market tends to be a bit more artisanal, with a stronger focus on arts and crafts, local food, and smaller-scale vendors.

Overall, I’d say that a stop at the Hilo Town Market is definitely worth it—especially for someone who loves local markets. Just make sure to plan your time so you can enjoy it without feeling rushed. Have a great time, and Mahalo for your question!

Hilo Town Market questions

More Island of Hawaii Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions