Kailua's Flea Market
One of my favorite things to look forward to each week is going to Kailua's flea market on Thursday evenings. I first moved to Kailua five months ago and this was an early find I made as one of Kailua's "favorite" things to do. It takes place each Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the parking garage across from Long's Drugs and Macy's so there is ample parking. Plus being in the open air garage it's covered in case it rains. Walking up to the main walkway you are overcome with the most Heavenly smells like roasted garlic, curry, and BBQ grills going full force.Â
The market hosts a variety of local farmers and merchants selling fresh and tasty foods and desserts as well as fresh cut flowers. But I will be honest here, one of the main reasons I come each week is to take advantage of the food booths. These are no hot dogs on grills. These are actual restaurants around the island that come and set up and sell really fine food. What's great about it is you get it at a really cheap price. I found most of these booths have the actual head Chef of the restaurant right there cooking and serving up the food. My very favorite booth is the one called Starpoint run by Chef Kate Wagner. She serves up the best Italian food I've had on the island and in really big portions. I have had several of her dishes but recommend the lasagna as my personal favorite and the portion is so big I have enough for two meals. It comes with bread and side salad. It's her sauce that is so addicting but all her dishes are really fantastic and she usually has the longest lines at her booth so that tells you everything.
Another favorite stop at the market is Andy's salsa. Okay, I lost his card so I don't know the official name of his little stand but everyone knows it as just Andy's salsa and is it the best. Andy says he distributes it at local small markets around town so you can pick it up at various local markets if you can't make the Kailua Market on Thursday. It's fresh and also addictive so have chips ready at home if you buy some. He has samples and chips there at the market which is worth the trip alone.
Other booths with long lines for excellent food is the North Shore Cattle Company, ScandinAsian, and the Hawaiian Style Chili Co. There just is so much to choose from and they cook it right there in the open and the smells are out of this world. People know what's good and what's not so the lines are always a clear indication you have discovered something special and these do not disappoint.
Other goodies for sales are fine coffees from the Keopu Coffee, premium 100% pure Kona Coffee, honey from Rhea's Hawaiian Honey, yummy cookies from Aunty Nani's Hawaiian Cookies, ginger syrup from Pacifikool, and sweet desserts from the Sweet Stop who specialize in wedding cakes and exotic desserts.
These are just a few of the wonderful things to see and taste at the Kailua Flea Market. I haven't even touched on the beautiful flowers and fresh fruits and veggies on sale.Â
