Kaua'i Shopping

FARMERS MARKETS

Attending one of the Sunshine (Farmers) Markets is a great way to not only purchase local produce at terrific prices, but also become immersed in the local culture. We suggest that you show up 15 minutes before hand so that you can find a parking place (if required). It is helpful to bring your own bags and plenty of one dollar bills, which makes transactions easier for both you and the vendors. Starting times are strict in most places, so do not expect to arrive early in order to get a jump on your favorite goodies. However, they do allow senior citizens, parents with children and any other shoppers who might need assistance, an early start. Flowers tend to go quickly in some markets (fresh arrangements are nice to have in the Condo) and the local grown and developed in Kaua'i papaya called the "strawberry papaya" is always popular. Look over the rotating schedule below and determine where the closest market might be to your location.

The crowd gets ready to shop!	Traffic can be heavy	A supply of dollar bills help	How much for 2 lemons?
	Unique fruits and vegetables	Sweet Pineapples!

WANT FISH?

The Hawaiian islands are home to an incredible diversity of edible ocean life and many species can be purchased at local fish markets. Don't let names like mahi-mahi (dolphin fish, NOT the mammal) or ono (wahoo) intimidate you. These fish are delicious!

But, please purchase responsibly. Depending on how many fish are caught, the way they're caught, how well they're managed, or even how long before they can reproduce, some fish species are becoming severely depleted. Therefore, choosing seafoods that are the most abundant AND the best managed, can make a difference. So, what's okay to eat? Thankfully, the Audubon Society has created the "Audubon Fish Scale". This guide was designed to help seafood lovers make informed decisions by providing the ecological costs associated with obtaining various species. Based on data involving population health, management effectiveness, and indirect environmental impacts of different fisheries, species have been ranked into three categories (good, bad and ugly). You may want to think twice before buying 'opakapaka (pink snapper) or opah (Moonfish) due to overfishing and/or lack of species management.

To learn more about the Audubon Fish Scale, visit the Seafood Lover's Guide at http://www.audubon.org/campaign/lo/seafood.

Below are our suggestions for places to get fresh and delicious seafood in Kaua'i:

The Fish Express

Located on the Kuhio Highway in downtown Lihu'e, this market not only has several types of fresh fish available, but they also serve DELICIOUS lunches. Parking is extremely limited, so you may want to get there early if you're planning to eat lunch (or call ahead to get "take out"). Phone: (808) 245-9918.

Pono Market

Another great place for fish and takeout. Be sure to get there early or they can easily sell out of your favorites. Located in Kapa'a on the Kuhio Highway. Phone (808) 822-4581.

Koloa Fish Market

A nice little market located in Old Koloa Town. Also has daily plate lunch specials and pupu (appetizer) platters. Located on Koloa road across from the Post Office. Phone (808) 742-6199.

LOCAL VENDORS

Filled with tropical delights of all kinds, Kaua'i has plenty of local shopping opportunities. Below is a listing of some of our favorite island vendors.

Kauai Coffee Company
http://kauaicoffee.com

Kauai Coffee Company

Located in the little town of Ele'ele, Kauai Coffee Company is Hawaii's largest coffee grower, with 3,400 acres under cultivation. All our their coffees are 100% estate grown and processed, and 100% certified by the State of Hawaii's Department of Agriculture as to both grade and origin. You won't see 5% Hawaiian coffee on any of THESE packages. We LOVE their Kauai Koloa Estate Dark coffee and think it easily rivals the esteemed Kona coffees from the Big Island. The have a wonderful visitor center with historic displays and you can also taste all of their blends. Don't miss their gift shop with various coffees for sale either ground or unground in addition to a large selection of products made on the island.

Hanalei Surf Company
http://hanaleisurf.com

Hanalei Surf Company started as a 16' by 12' windsurfing equipment shop that was open 10 hours a week.  Nineteen years later, with two stores offering hundreds of products and employing over 30 people, Hanalei Surf still retains it's small town general store feel. The store offers a huge selection of rental equipment. The north shore store is located in the Hanalei Center, in the Old Hanalei School Building the other store is on the south shore in the Po'ipu Shopping Village.

Island Soap and Candle Works
http://handmade-soap.com

Island Soap & Candle Works has been delighting Hawaii visitors with natural bath products since 1984. Their handmade soap, tropical lotions, body washes, aromatic oils, candles and other unique gifts are found in sundry and gift shops throughout Hawaii.

Kauai Kookie Company

Kauai Kookie Kompany
http://www.kauaikookie.com

Luscious guava, crunchy macadamia nuts, passion fruit...since 1965 Kauai Kookie Kompany has been making baking cookies and making dressings in unique blends using fabulous tropical ingredients. Kauai Kookies are THE original cookie from the island of Kaua'i. Produced in the small tropical town of Hanapepe, master bakers work daily to prepare these yummy treats.

Kava Kauai
http://www.kavakauai.com

Kava Kauai is a family run business that takes pride in their service which has been running since 1996. Kava is a relaxing natural beverage that is made from the root of Piper methysticum, a species of pepper. It is cultivated throughout the South Pacific and as far north to Hawaii.

Hawaii Surf Stones
http://www.hawaiisurfstones.com

Hawaii Surf Stones are the perfect gift for the surfing enthusiast. These very unique stones are hand crafted from exotic marble, granite, and other natural stones. No two are alike. Legend has it that when you gently rub the surface of the stone good luck and a rising swell will soon come your way.

Flowers Kauai
http://www.flowerskauai.com

North Shore of Kauai, we are an exotic Hawaiian Tropical Flowers farm committed to excellence. Flowers Kauai is owned and operated by the Lee "Ohana" (family). They offer tropical flowers and hawaii flower arrangements that are freshly cut upon receiving your order. They also love doing special requests for any occasion or season that would call for tropical flowers. They ship with Federal Express to insure that you receive the freshest tropical flowers possible and yes... all prices include shipping. Process your order online via their secure server, or contact them directly if you have any questions or special needs.