Grocery Stores In Hawaii – The Complete Guide

Looking to find the best places to buy groceries during your upcoming trip to Hawaii? With the variety of supermarket chains, natural food stores, and local farmer’s markets across the islands, you’ll have no shortage of options to shop for food.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The major grocery store chains in Hawaii include Foodland, Safeway, Times Supermarket, Don Quijote, Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the different types of grocery stores found in the Hawaiian islands. You’ll learn about the largest supermarket chains with multiple locations, smaller regional and local chains, natural and organic food stores, farmer’s markets to buy local produce, and warehouse club stores for bulk items.

The Largest Supermarket Chains in Hawaii

Foodland

Foodland is the largest locally owned supermarket chain in Hawaii, with over 30 locations across the islands. Founded in 1948, Foodland promotes itself as “The locals’ grocer” and specializes in locally grown produce as well as popular local snacks and prepared foods.

According to Foodland’s website, over 80% of the produce sold is grown in Hawaii.

Safeway

Safeway is a national supermarket chain with over 10 locations in Hawaii. Acquired by Albertsons in 2015, Safeway stores boast large selections of mainstream grocery items at competitive prices. Many Safeway stores in Hawaii also have specialty sections with local favorites like poke, baked goods, and produce.

Times Supermarket

Times Supermarket is another Hawaii-based chain, with over 20 locations centered mostly around Honolulu on Oahu. Times positions itself as an affordable supermarket with weekly sales and deals on local items.

Most Times locations also have in-house bakeries, delis, and freshly prepared hot food options.

Don Quijote

Though not a traditional supermarket, Don Quijote is a popular discount retailer with multiple large stores on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Their unique warehouses carry a vast array of grocery items alongside just about anything else you can imagine.

With late hours and bright neon lights, Don Quijote stores have become treasured landmarks for Hawaii residents and visitors alike.

Smaller Regional & Local Grocery Store Chains

In addition to the major grocery store chains, Hawaii is home to several smaller regional and local chains that offer unique shopping experiences. These stores cater to local tastes and provide more specialized products.

Island Grocery Depot

Island Grocery Depot started on Maui in the 1990s and has since expanded to Oahu and Kauai. This family-owned chain focuses on providing local island favorites at affordable prices. Their stores are on the smaller side but packed with Hawaii-made treats like crack seed, macadamia nuts, locally grown produce, and signature recipe saimin noodles.

Roberts Hawaii

Roberts Hawaii operates 7 grocery stores on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Their stores emphasize fresh, locally grown meats and produce. Roberts is best known for their wide selection of poke bowls featuring fresh-caught Hawaii fish prepared in different marinades and styles.

They also have an array of prepared foods like bento boxes, musubi, and unique hot bar items you won’t find elsewhere.

Sack N Save

Sack N Save has 8 warehouse-style stores on Oahu that offer discounted groceries and household goods. They specialize in bulk buying so you can stock up on local favorites like saimin, seaweed, and mac nuts for less.

Most Sack N Save locations also have a food court with popular chains like Zippy’s and Champs Roast Beef.

In addition to discounts, these smaller chains try to reflect local Hawaii tastes in their offerings. From crack seed to musubi, they provide products you can’t find at mainland chains. So explore them to discover new grocery finds.

Organic Food Stores and Health Food Stores

Popular Organic Food Store Chains

Some of the most popular organic food store chains across Hawaii include Whole Foods Market, Down to Earth Organic & Natural, and Celestial Natural Foods. These retailers offer a wide range of certified organic groceries as well as vitamin and supplement selections.

• Whole Foods Market – With locations on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, Whole Foods is a leader in making organic, non-GMO, and artisanal foods accessible. Shoppers will find fresh seafood and meat, local produce, dairy and eggs, bulk bins, and Whole Foods’ own 365 organic product line.
• Down to Earth Organic & Natural – This homegrown chain offers all-organic produce sections filled with Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables. Down to Earth also features sustainable seafood and meat, natural body care, supplements, and a robust selection of vegetarian and vegan specialty items.
• Celestial Natural Foods – With three stores on the Big Island, Celestial Natural Foods prides itself on working with over 50 local farmers. Shoppers will find the islands’ best selection of Hawaii-grown and made food, spirits, and artisan products.

Independent Organic Retailers

Beyond the larger grocery chains, Hawaii is also home to fantastic independent health food stores, co-ops, farmer’s markets, and farm stands offering organic fare. Every island has hidden gems touting farm-fresh produce, grass-fed meats, artisan baked goods and prepared foods, and specialty products.

For example, on Oahu Kokua Market Natural Foods Co-Op in Honolulu has served members since the 1970s. Part-owner operated with over 3,000 members, Kokua Market focuses exclusively on high-quality organics, including over 300 locally made products.

The Kauai Community Market Co-Op on Kauai island sources from over 30 local farms to create a vibrant Saturday farmer’s market.

These are just a sampling of exceptional organic grocers that source from local farmers and food artisans to provide Hawaii residents and visitors access to the state’s amazing bounty of fresh, additive-free fare.

Why Shop Organic in Hawaii

Beyond supporting local economies and sustainable agriculture, shopping at organic stores when visiting or living in Hawaii ensures you are getting nutritious, wholesome food. Hawaii’s tropical climate allows year-round growing seasons and small organic farms across the islands yield delicious heirloom fruits and vegetables that often travel from farm to table within 24 hours.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture reports over 7,000 certified organic farms and businesses in the state. By leveraging this impressive infrastructure, organic grocers help make Hawaii one of the most sustainable and health-conscious food destinations in the country.

Farmers Markets for Fresh Local Produce

Hawaii is home to many lively farmers markets that offer an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce and goods. Farmers markets are a great way to support local agriculture while getting your hands on the islands’ best fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and more.

Popular Farmers Markets

Some of the most popular farmers markets in Hawaii include:

• KCC Farmers Market in Honolulu – This bustling Saturday market features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, plants, prepared foods, crafts, and more.
• Waimea Town Market on the Big Island – Running year-round on Saturdays, this North Kohala market is known for its wide array of locally grown produce.
• Kauai Farmers Market in Lihue – Open on Thursdays, this south shore market offers fresh-picked Kauai crops and products.
• Maui Farmers Market in Kahului – A Central Maui staple since 1992, this weekday market provides an abundance of Maui-grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Benefits of Buying Local Produce

There are many great reasons to shop for fresh produce at Hawaii farmers markets, including:

• Support Local Farmers – Money spent at farmers markets goes directly to the hardworking local farmers who grow the produce.
• Fresher Produce – Crops sold at markets are picked at peak ripeness, since they don’t have to endure long shipping times.
• Environmental Sustainability – Buying local reduces the pollution from long-distance food transport.
• Discover New Produce – Markets offer unique tropical and indigenous Hawaiian crops that you won’t find at grocery stores.
• Make Connections – Interacting with farmers allows you to learn more about how and where your food is grown.

Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets

To make the most of your farmers market shopping experience in Hawaii, keep these tips in mind:

• Arrive early for the best selection.
• Bring reusable bags to reduce waste.
• Come prepared with cash, as some vendors don’t accept cards.
• Try something new – those odd-looking fruits and veggies can be delicious!
• Ask the farmers questions and share recipes.
• Pick what’s in season for exceptional flavor.

Hawaii’s farmers markets offer all the lush bounty of the islands in one vibrant, engaging marketplace. Shop for impossibly fresh produce, support hardworking farmers, discover new crops, and make connections over food with these lively community markets.

Warehouse Club Stores: Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart

Warehouse club stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart offer bulk items at discounted prices to members. These warehouse retailers provide excellent deals on groceries and household goods for Hawaii residents.

Costco

With 12 locations across 4 islands, Costco is one of the most popular warehouse chains in Hawaii. They offer members low prices on everything from fresh produce, meat and seafood to appliances, furniture, and more. Some perks of shopping at Costco include:

• Bulk savings – Buy items in large quantities to save money.
• Kirkland Signature brand – Costco’s high-quality private label on many grocery items.
• Pharmacy & optical services.
• Food court with tasty deals like hot dogs, pizza, and acai bowls.

An added bonus is that Costco accepts EBT payments, making healthy bulk groceries accessible to more local families.

Sam’s Club

Operating 7 warehouse locations in Hawaii, Sam’s Club offers many of the same bulk-sized goods and savings as Costco to its members. Some things that make Sam’s Club stand out are:

• Groceries focused on business sizes – Great for restaurants, caterers, and small businesses.
• Special services for business members.
• In-store Optical Center.
• Pharmacy with as low as $4 generic prescriptions.

While Sam’s Club doesn’t accept EBT, they do have their own credit card and payment financing options.

Walmart

As one of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart brings its signature low prices to its 4 Hawaii locations. While they don’t require a membership, you get everyday low prices on:

• Top grocery brands.
• Fresh produce.
• Meat and seafood.
• Bakery items.
• Household essentials.

Walmart also accepts EBT as a payment method. Their convenient locations across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island make it easy to shop for all you need to stock your kitchen.

By leveraging bulk quantities and membership fees, warehouse stores in Hawaii like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart’s everyday low prices provide locals excellent value. These retailers make it more affordable for families to buy quality groceries and fill their pantries without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

With this guide detailing the major supermarket chains, local grocers, organic food stores, farmers markets and warehouse clubs in Hawaii, you now have all the information you need to choose the best places to buy groceries for your upcoming visit.

No matter which island(s) you are traveling to, you’ll have high quality options to shop for food essentials, local specialties, organic produce and more. Have fun exploring the grocery scene across this beautiful island state!

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