Thousands of visitors attend the Haleiwa Farmers Market (HFM) each weekend to shop, socialize and support local sustainability. The market now has new hours on a new day and opens in the valley on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. As the most popular market on the island, residents and visitors drive from near and far to explore a wide array of products–all locally grown and/or made.

Organics galore — Photo courtesy of Haleiwa Farmers Market

Located in Waimea Valley just inland from Waimea Bay, the nearly three year old  “green” market doesn’t permit vendors to hand out plastic bags and provides recycling bins for customers to dispose in, recognizing the movement in green consciousness for Oahu residents. It's also solar powered. Yup, that smoothie getting blended up for you is in a solar powered blender. The new location provides a place to shop and eat after a sunny day at the beach.

Nestled in the lush valley — Photo courtesy of Haleiwa Farmers Market

Inside the lush and preserved valley, a visitor can buy veggies, homemade bread, grass-fed beef, organic chicken, coffee, honey, freshly pounded poi, jewelry, aloha wear, crepes, locally made pasta and even get a massage while they get their scissors sharpened–along with just about anything else that can be made locally.

Fresh greens — Photo courtesy of Halewia Farmers Market

The market houses about 50 vendors each Thursday, many of whom sell out of their wares in one day since it's so busy. There's also something for the kids; Keiki Corner, a weekly section dedicated to children, is a place for the many little ones who come every Sunday to hang out and socialize. A bounce house is also a regular treat, along with live music.

The market, including parking, can get pretty crowded, but that offers the opportunity for socializing, eating, people watching and most importantly, supporting Hawaiian sustainability.