"Developed in 1988 by Richard “Mike” Rankin, the Hilo Farmers Market began with only four vendors selling goods from the back of their trucks. Today, the market hosts more than 200 local vendors and is open seven days a week, with the biggest turnout on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A popular destination for university students, it’s a great place to purchase local produce, honey, pastries, souvenirs, hot plates, and beverages. Check out vendors like Waiholoku‘i Garden, where owner Elizabeth Ward has worked for 20 years with her husband, Walter, and now their daughters; the family creates blends of endemic Hawaiian māmaki tea, which they sell alongside flavored salts and dried local fruits. Or go for shortbread from Hiro’s Cookies, run by Hilo native Bryson Hiro with the help of his mother, who has been baking for more than 40 years. Hilo Farmers Market was the first open market in the nation to be federally approved to accept food stamps via EBT electronic cards." - Maya-Lin Green