Local delights at the Hanalei Farmer's Market

This morning we woke up bright and early and headed to the Hanalei Farmer's Market. Although I've been here several times, I've never been to the farmer's market, and neither had Rob. We were immediately overtaken by the deluge of tropical fruit stands, many of which were selling fruit(s) that we'd never heard of. I found an ice-cold coconut, which was so refreshing, and we tasted all kinds of new tropical fruits: rambutan, chico fruit, egg fruit, lingon berries, and something else that looked like a yam or sweet potato but tasted like some sort of tropical fruit pudding.Rob was having a blast taking photos, and the vendors were all so friendly and full of the aloha spirit. We even had a celebrity sighting! Gabrielle Reese, ex-pro volleyball pro, model, and the wife of big wave rider Laird Hamilton, was there with her keikis. We were both star struck a little, especially Rob, but we tried not to stare too much. :)
My highlights of the farmer's market were talking to the vendors, especially the rambutan vendor, and the papaya vendor, and also the sunrise shell vendor. The rambutan vendor was from Santa Cruz, had gotten a degree in agriculture and was living out his dream of growing tropical fruits and vegetables in Kauai, and making a living from the sale of the crops he grows on his farm. I love hearing stories of people who just go for it and make their dreams come true.
The sunrise shell vendor shared a secret with me: I figured he wouldn't tell me where to look but he said that wouldn't be living aloha. So he told me to go to Lumahai beach just north of here but before Na Pali coast to look for sunrise shells. Maybe I will be lucky. These guys sell just the shells for $50 a piece and sunrise shell jewelry can cost up to $200 or $300 for earrings, rings and necklaces. They are like works of art, it would be so thrilling to find one on the beach!
We also picked my sister and Abby up today, they are here safe and sound! And in a few minutes we'll be moving over to the beach house in Hanalei.
Rob, Josh and David went on a beautiful hike today while we went to the airport to pick up A & A. I'm sure Rob will have plenty of stories and beautiful photos to share when he returns!
Aloha for now,
Jeneka