A popular Friday afternoon farmers market at the historic Aloha Tower on Honolulu Harbor, offering local produce, prepared foods, crafts, and live entertainment in a scenic harbor setting.
The Aloha Tower Marketplace Farmers Market, held every Friday afternoon at the historic Aloha Tower on Honolulu Harbor, combines local produce and artisan food shopping with one of the most scenic settings of any market in Hawaii. The Aloha Tower—a landmark Honolulu structure completed in 1926 that once served as the welcoming gateway for steamship passengers arriving in Hawaii—provides a dramatic backdrop against the working commercial harbor, distinguishing this market from Oahu's other major market venues. The market runs on Friday afternoons from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, placing it firmly in lunchtime and early-afternoon territory. The timing attracts a mixed crowd of downtown Honolulu office workers, local residents, and visitors who combine shopping with a harbor-front lunch. Vendors offer a curated range of local produce, prepared foods, specialty food products, and handmade crafts. The selection is smaller than the KCC Farmers Market's Saturday market, but the harbor setting, nearby restaurant options within the Aloha Tower Marketplace complex, and the historic architectural surroundings create a distinct atmosphere. Prepared food vendors typically offer freshly made items inspired by Hawaii's multicultural food culture: poke bowls, plate lunches, fresh-pressed juices, and local pastries. Artisan vendors bring a range of Hawaii-made goods including jewelry, ceramics, artwork, and specialty food products. Local farms contribute fresh produce, tropical fruits, and cut flowers. The harbor breeze provides welcome relief from the Honolulu heat, and the open-air marketplace layout makes browsing comfortable even at midday. Live entertainment occasionally accompanies the market, with local musicians providing background music that adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The Aloha Tower Marketplace itself—a shopping and dining complex built around the historic tower—offers additional dining and retail options. The market is accessible by TheBus, and the adjacent Aloha Tower pier serves as a cruise ship terminal, meaning visitor numbers can spike significantly on days when cruise ships are docked. Checking cruise ship arrival schedules before visiting allows shoppers to plan for a quieter Friday.
Location
1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813
Highlights
- Set against the iconic 1926 Aloha Tower on Honolulu Harbor, offering a unique waterfront setting
- Friday afternoon timing makes it a natural lunch-hour destination for downtown Honolulu
- Local produce, artisan crafts, and prepared foods in a compact, easy-to-browse layout
- Harbor breeze and open-air setting offer a comfortable alternative to indoor shopping
- Live entertainment accompanies many sessions, featuring local Hawaiian musicians
Tips for visiting
- Check cruise ship arrival schedules before visiting — docked ships can significantly increase crowds
- Arrive around 11:30 AM to find the freshest prepared food options before the lunch rush peaks
- TheBus routes 19 and 20 stop near Aloha Tower, making the market accessible without a car
- The Aloha Tower Marketplace complex has sit-down restaurants for a more substantial meal after browsing
- Parking is available in the Aloha Tower Marketplace garage at standard weekday commercial rates
Frequently asked questions
What day and time does the Aloha Tower Farmers Market operate?
The market runs every Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu.
How does this market differ from the KCC Farmers Market?
The Aloha Tower market is smaller and more focused on the downtown lunch crowd, with a scenic harbor setting and Friday afternoon hours. KCC is larger, more produce-focused, and held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings near Diamond Head.
Is there parking at the Aloha Tower Marketplace?
Yes, the Aloha Tower Marketplace has a parking garage accessible from Pier 9. Parking is typically available at standard commercial rates during weekday afternoons.
Can visitors tour the Aloha Tower building itself?
The Aloha Tower observation deck is generally open to the public at no charge. Visitors can combine a tour of the tower with the market visit to enjoy elevated views over Honolulu Harbor.
Are credit cards accepted at the market vendors?
Payment practices vary by vendor. Prepared food stalls and artisan vendors are more likely to accept cards; smaller produce stalls often prefer cash. Bringing cash ensures transactions at all stalls.