A Guide to the Big Island Night Market Scene

Do you know where to look to find Hawaiʻi Island’s nightlife? On this sleepy, family-first Island you won’t find too much in the way of dance clubs, rowdy bars, or other traditional nightlife, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do after dark. It might seem unassuming at first, but the Big Island is chock-full of night markets, artisan fairs, and food truck events. Here’s where you can find the best Big Island night market for your shopping and dining needs.

Wednesday Big Island Night Markets

PĀHOA: Uncle Robert’s ʻAwa Bar and Farmers Market

• Where: 12-5038 Kalapana Kapoho Beach Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778
• When: 6–9pm
• Fees: $10 admission, ages 12 and under FREE

Far off the beaten path, Uncle Robert’s Night Market (sometimes called the Wednesday Night Hoʻolauleʻa Market) is a family-run operation in Pāhoa. Operations slowed down following 2020, but beginning in 2023, Uncle Robert’s is bringing vendors back, starting with food vendors. Experience bar and food, live music, and the true homestyle spirit of Kalapana. Learn more about the Uncle Robert’s experience with this recent article by our editor, published in SFGate.

CLOSED as of 3/21/2023 KEAʻAU: Keaʻau Wednesday Night Market

• Where: The Boneyard, 16-366 Railroad Ave, Keaau, HI 96749
• When: Weekly, 6–9pm
• Fees: $2 parking

Hit up the east side’s newest night market at the Boneyard for live music, crafts, vendors, and ʻono grinds. Musicians and vendors rotate each week. The $2 parking fee to goes to support the community. Sadly, this Big Island night market has closed until further notice as of 3/21/2023.

Thursday Big Island Night Markets

VOLCANO VILLAGE: Volcano Thursday Market

• Where: Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
• When: Weekly, 3–6 PM

Why not go shopping for artisan crafts and enjoy local eats before visiting the lava lake from Kīlauea Overlook when Tūtū Pele is active? The Volcano evening market has a little something for everyone, and sometimes, there’s live music, too! They do a great job of updating the vendor lineup each week on their social media, so you can find out who’s bringing the best grindz and goodies each week.

Vendors may include:

• Big Island Grindz
• Nalu Builds Design Center
• I’m Happy Dough

Friday Big Island Night Markets

HILO: Hilo Town Market

• Where: 69 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
• When: Weekly, 5–9pm

The nighttime complement to the Hilo Farmers’ Market, the Hilo Town Market hosts local vendors, farmers, and more. This laid-back market is the place to be for good eats and live music on Friday nights. They also stay open a little late on special occasions, making it easy for east siders to have a little fun.

Vendors may include:

• Thai Smile Food Truck
• Kats & Lemons Hawaii
• Magic Potions by Simona

KAILUA-KONA: Food Truck Friday

• Where: 74-5455 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona, HI (Target parking lot)
• When: Weekly, 4–8pm

Kona’s Food Truck Friday event is a one-stop shop for the Big Island’s food truck needs. They’ve recently relocated to the Target parking lot — you can’t miss it!

Vendors may include:

• LOCK-JAW Lemon Peel
• Kapua’s Snackbox
• Hamakua Creations

WAIMEA: Family Food Truck Friday

• Where: W. M. Keck Observatory HQ, 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, HI
• When: Select Fridays, monthly, 4–8pm

This is Waimea’s signature food truck event. Once a month, hungry patrons can head to the W. M. Keck Observatory Headquarters for a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Find upcoming events here.

Vendors may include:

• Oyatsu Hawaiʻi
• Maoʻs Kitchen
• Big Island Provisions & Sundries

KAILUA-KONA: Friday Night Market

• Where: Kona Commons, 74-5450 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• When: 4th Friday of the month, 4–8pm

Find good people, good food, and good art at the Friday Night Market on the fourth Friday, every month, in the Kona Commons parking lot.

Saturday Big Island Night Markets

WAIKŌLOA: Waikōloa Plaza Night Market

• Where: Waikōloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Rd., Waikoloa, HI 96738
• When: 4th Friday of the month, 4–8 PM

Support local artisans, retailers, and musicians at Waikōloa’s only night market. April 2023 marks their one-year anniversary! Find upcoming vendors here.

Vendors may include:

• Island Style Grindz
• Califas
• Jillannʻs

Sunday Big Island Night Markets

KAILUA-KONA: Nihilo Artisan Market

• Where: Waikōloa Plaza, 68-1820 Waikoloa Rd., Waikoloa, HI 96738
• When: Select Sundays, 4–8 PM
• 2023 Dates: February 12, April 9, June 18, August 13, October 8, December 10

With a goal of revitalizing the local economy and supporting local artists, the Nihilo Artisan Market is a bi-monthly market that attests to Big Island’s artisan community.

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