People’s Open Market

I woke up bright and early this morning see what this place is all about. I was pleasantly surprised! Even though there were not many vendors, there were still enough to make me happy. All kinds of fruit and vegetables were available for sale along with fresh poi, filipino pastries, and a variety of fresh herbs.
Half of the large parking lot at Kapolei Community Park is closed to allow the vendors to set up. They are all on the basketball court side of the park.
Prices were really cheap and the vendors were really friendly. I definitely would go again. I am super happy with a bag of five tomatoes that I picked up for only $ 2! If you want Thai basil, it is only 50 cents a bunch, and pastries start at only 50 cents among lots of other items.
Parking is street parking. There were lots of parking available. One thing though is that this farmer’s market is a really early one ending at around 730 or 8 am. Cash only and open only on Sundays.
Here’s a YouTube video that I made of this place:

This isn’t the typical farmers markets you see in Los Angeles. There’s no clown painting your kid’s face. There’s no crêpe making going on. There are only farmers and markets selling produce. There’s one Filipino bread vendor, one orchid vendor, occasional seafood vendor, and oh about 7 – 8 produce vendors. It’s small but good. Their prices are usually far less than nearby markets if not the same. You’ll find many fruits and vegetables here that you just won’t find at Safeways or Foodland. I’ve had to ask so many guys… what the heck is this?!
What I love about this place? My two favorite vendors are in the very back… one on the left and one on the right. Both of these guys are always super friendly and always giving me free produce. If my kids are with me, they give them free fruits… just because. One of them gave my kid each 3 bananas… for a total of 6 bananas for free! The other vendor across from them is equally generous. I asked him if the pomelos were ripe because two that I purchased previously was dry and old. He immediately handed me two more pomelos on the spot to make up for it! Now that’s service! Besides their generosity, they’re always up for friendly conversation. I always look forward to coming here on Sunday mornings. I set an alarm at 7 every Sunday. If I get here by 8, many are gone by then, even though it states they’re supposed to leave at 8:30. It’s not the vendor’s fault. They’re foreman makes everyone go to the next spot as soon as he sees business dying down.
The atmosphere is just great. There’s always a bunch of guys playing basketball and playing their loud music. Kids are playing in the playground. Just quintessentially perfect!

First time at this market and I have to echo everything Keri said. Great deals, not as huge a selection as the Diamond Head market, but the service can’t be beat and the prices were out of this world. Among the selections: sweet onions, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, basil (already made pesto tonight!), oranges, apples, potatoes (all kinds, including purple sweet), beans, lemons, key limes, and apple bananas.
I will DEFINITELY be back. One downside is that you have to arrive early (between 7 and 7:30 a.m.). After that, they’re getting ready to tear it down, so you almost feel as if you’re being rude while they’re cleaning up.
Be sure to bring smaller bills and even coins. Also, pack some cloth grocery bags or bring a big purse.