Here is an excerpt from my article in the Summer Issue of Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine:
As the plane landed, I felt myself aching for the ever embracing soft air of Hawai`i. All I could think about was putting the top down on the car and riding under the luxuriantly green jungle along the Red Road on the Puna Coast, anticipating the wonders of the Big Island’s many farmer’s markets. Yes, I came for the incredible Hawaiian climate and yes I came to enjoy blissful days snorkeling and hiking and touring, but most of all… I CAME TO COOK!
When I tell people we are planning on moving to the big island, the first thing most of them say is, “Lucky YOU!” The second thing they say is, “OH but it is so expensive there!”. I guess I am glad for that stereotype in a small way, as it keeps real estate prices somewhat reasonable and prevents a massive immigration to Hawai`i. I usually take the opportunity to educate them about how sustainable farming actually works better and is more important in Hawaii than many locales because of the limits and prices imposed by importing goods to the islands vs. growing, producing and creating local products. It is all about living locally in every aspect of your life.
On our latest trip to the Big Island it was my objective to eat locally as much as possible. This meant shopping at Farmer’s Markets and grocers who sell local products. Because we rent a house in Puna’s Kehena Bay area, there actually are not many other options. It is a place without a single hotel and only a hand full of restaurants (none closer than 15 miles). In each of Puna’s two major towns, there are only about 2 blocks of commerce. In Pahoa, Puna’s largest town, there are2 Farmer’s Markets, Island Naturals, an excellent Natural Foods market offering locally grown and produced organic goods, a fantastic fish market, a large grocery store and a juice store offering fresh juices. Because I was on a quest for the “Best of Hawai`i” in locally grown produce, we made the 45 minute trip each Saturday and Wednesday to Hilo’s fantastic Farmer’s Markets as well as to Thursday, Friday and Saturday markets in surrounding communities. .....
When I tell people we are planning on moving to the big island, the first thing most of them say is, “Lucky YOU!” The second thing they say is, “OH but it is so expensive there!”. I guess I am glad for that stereotype in a small way, as it keeps real estate prices somewhat reasonable and prevents a massive immigration to Hawai`i. I usually take the opportunity to educate them about how sustainable farming actually works better and is more important in Hawaii than many locales because of the limits and prices imposed by importing goods to the islands vs. growing, producing and creating local products. It is all about living locally in every aspect of your life.
On our latest trip to the Big Island it was my objective to eat locally as much as possible. This meant shopping at Farmer’s Markets and grocers who sell local products. Because we rent a house in Puna’s Kehena Bay area, there actually are not many other options. It is a place without a single hotel and only a hand full of restaurants (none closer than 15 miles). In each of Puna’s two major towns, there are only about 2 blocks of commerce. In Pahoa, Puna’s largest town, there are2 Farmer’s Markets, Island Naturals, an excellent Natural Foods market offering locally grown and produced organic goods, a fantastic fish market, a large grocery store and a juice store offering fresh juices. Because I was on a quest for the “Best of Hawai`i” in locally grown produce, we made the 45 minute trip each Saturday and Wednesday to Hilo’s fantastic Farmer’s Markets as well as to Thursday, Friday and Saturday markets in surrounding communities. .....
To read more you can get a subscription to Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine at http://www.ediblehawaiianislands.com/
Tell Gloria I sent you!
My mantra is: I came to cook! Aloha au i Hawai`i!
~devany
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