MANOA FARMERS MARKET
Local Favorites in Mānoa Valley
Every Sunday, I follow a familiar routine: wake up early, head to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus for a morning stroll, and then over to the Mānoa Marketplace for the farmers market. Of course, no visit to this area is complete without stopping by the heavenly bakery, Fendu Boulangerie.
Mānoa Marketplace hosts a farmers market every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7am - 2pm
I love walking around the UH Manoa campus. Besides taking me back to my college days (younger me would be shocked by the productive mornings I can pull off as an adult), I always admire the tall trees, beautiful flowers, and manicured setting. Although this spot isn't usually on Hawaii's 'best of' lists, it's a great, laid-back place for enjoying the beauty of Mānoa Valley.
Fun fact: UH Mānoa campus is an accredited arboretum!
More than 4,000 trees and over 500 species are represented across the UH Mānoa campus.
One of my favorite things to do is to stroll through the tranquil Japanese garden near the East-West Center.
Noted landscape architect, Kenzo Ogata, designed the Japanese garden at UH Mānoa.
Another reason I come to the residential neighborhood of Mānoa is to check out the farmers market at Mānoa Marketplace. This local market is smaller than the KCC farmers market, but there are still plenty of great options. I particularly love coming here for fresh flowers.
The bright red anthuriums and fragrant tuberose always catch my eye, and I can never walk away without purchasing at least a couple of stems!
Before heading home, I always make time to stop by Fendu Boulangerie, a must-visit bakery by chef Niel Koep, the former executive pastry chef at Four Seasons Lana‘i. This cozy shop offers a taste of Europe in Hawaii, making it a local favorite for fresh-baked bread, mouthwatering pastries, and hearty sandwiches.
An assortment of special breads are baked daily at Fendu Boulangerie, such as miche, sourdough, ciabatta, coconut milk bread, buckwheat fig bread, etc.
Chocolate croissants, blueberry tarts, apple turnovers, and an assortment of other baked goods available at Fendu Boulangerie
While it's hard to choose favorites, you can't go wrong with a crusty sourdough loaf or a baguette. As for their baked goods, their chocolate croissants are divine, especially when first warmed in the oven. It's common to see people loading up boxes of scones, strudels, and other delectable treats for the week.