Roen and Ken Hufford have been selling their produce at the Waimea Homestead Farmers Market for more than 25 years! Until recently, the market was held at the Waimea Middle School. When the pandemic forced the closure of school campuses the market relocated to Roen and Ken’s farm, Honopua. Named for its floral origins, a sweeter alternative spot could not have been picked for this Waimea farmers market.
Roen’s parents, Bill and Marie McDonald have farmed Honopua for over 30 years, growing and selling flowers commercially. After their retirement, Roen and her husband Ken took over the family farm and expanded to growing vegetables like; artichokes, endives, radicchio, and their best-selling spinach and salad mixes among many other food crops. All the farm work except the clearing and leveling of land is done by hand using organic growing practices. Their devotion to the overall health of their farm has become the cornerstone of their reputation in the community.
The Waimea Homestead Farmers Market was created in 1992 by five Hawaiian homestead families. Marie McDonald and her family were one of the original five. Three of the founding families were flower farmers, so a poll was taken and the farmers quickly started growing the produce community members requested. The popularity of their market grew and more Hawaiian homestead farmers joined the hui (club).
When the Waimea farmers market moved from the Middle School to Honopua Farm, several long-time vendors followed and set-up shop alongside the Hufford’s. It’s easy to see why people trust this market and are willing to support these farmers. There is no question of the freshness of the produce. One of the lettuce plots ends just past the last booth and you can see the vegetables growing happily in the neatly tended fields. Honopua is a 10 acre farm at an elevation of 2,900 feet in the Pu’ukapu Farm Lots area. The market is held under a group of 10×20 tents providing ample shade for everyone.
Having the market at their farm has made it convenient for the Hufford’s. Transporting the produce has become a walk across the field and the tents get to stay up all week.
“Moving [the market] to our farm has allowed us to continue to connect with our customers whom we’ve known for years”.
Roen Hufford
Stunning bouquets of freshly picked orchids, fragrant tuberose, and bold-colored zinnias adorn the vendor tables, inviting shoppers to take a closer look at what’s in season. The market offers an array of red and green lettuce, juicy papaya, baskets full of daikon, cabbage, and broccoli. Pale colored Kohala Mountain honey and thick slabs of honeycomb are stacked a foot high. Herbs like; thyme and oregano, basil, lemongrass, and cilantro burst from bowls and await hearty meals to flavor. The produce offerings change with the seasons and are always fresh, nutritious and delicious.
There are several larger markets in the area but the customers here are loyal to the Waimea Homestead.
“I know these farmers and that they use sustainable farming practices. I like supporting this market. And, the prices are very reasonable.”
Vicky Scott of Waimea, a regular at the market
Another regular shopper said she lives in the area and likes to support her neighbors. She likes that the produce is organically grown and she has been buying from these farmers for years.
A testament to true country comfort this Waimea farmers market, tucked away on a quiet country road, offers an intimate shopping experience. Along with a chance to see the origin of all the beautiful produce the farmers grow, harvest, clean and prepare for customers to enjoy.
The Details:
Honopua Farm, Pu’ukapu Farm Lots, Waimea
64-693 Ainahua Alanui Rd, Waimea, 96743
Saturdays, 8am – 12pm
Vendor Contact: Roen Hufford, 808-937-2729, honopua@msn.com
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Note: Roen and Ken also sell Honopua Farms produce at the Mid-Week Market in Waimea
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