Fresh Anthuriums at the Hilo Farmer's Market

Anthuriums, ginger and orchids for sale, $5, at the Hilo Farmer's market. Amazing, huh? Wow. The "vases" are old coffee cans (think Folgers) nicely wrapped in Ti leaves. It's one of my favorite farmer's markets. Ripe papayas, 5/$1; Ripe Pineapples $3. Just awesome!

Ripe Pineapples

Ripe Pineapples at the Hilo Farmer's Market. You have not had pineapples until you have had hand-picked, uber-ripe pineapples at the Hilo Farmer's Market. They ran about $3 each and were so ripe you could smell the fragrant sweetness wafting around the market. They were absolutely succulent! If you're ever in Hilo, the farmer's market is officially open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in fact, has vendors present most days until around 4pm.

Honest Living, Machete Skills Required

Coconut vendor at the Hilo Farmer's Market. This young man was selling green coconuts at the Hilo Farmer's Market. The coconuts were brought in by the bunch unhusked. He would then hold the coconut in his left hand while he hacked it open with a machete in this right hand (see machete on the ground). The precision at which the machete cleanly cut into coconuts (which are quite difficult to cut/husk, I might add -- although green coconuts are a little easier) was impressive not to mention the inherent danger. It was probably worth getting a coconut just for the show. Coconut husking coming soon to an X Games near you.