Kona International Market - anybody been?

[BevL]

It seems a new open air market place has opened up since our last visit. Anybody been there? Is it worth a visit? Looks like the flea markets in Florida from the online picture, but if they truly have "unique merchandise" like the website says, it might be worth a visit.

TIA - down to three sleeps, then one in the hotel at the airport which is arguably part of our vacation!!!

Bev

 

[DeniseM]

We enjoyed it - it's quite large and they have a variety of products. I did more shopping there than anywhere else on the BI.

 

[BevL]

Thanks, Denise, that's the kind of endorsement I was looking for. Sounds like it's on the list.

BTW, I'm using your Hawaii packing list this year. Down to one carry on suitcase, so thanks much. Hubby brings more clothes and has a bit of room, so if I buy anything, it'll be in his suitcase on the way home!!

 

[DeniseM]

You will enjoy traveling light - it's liberating! And you will be the first one to the car rental from your plane! We have this duffle bag that folds up very small and can be packed in an outside pocket and sometimes I take that if I think I will be bring more home. Another tip - take an older pair of tennis shoes and throw them away when you leave instead of bringing them home. The flat rate $8 box that you can buy at the post office is also a good solution.

 

[pacheco18]

I was just there

I did not think the shopping on the Big Island was particularly good but the Int'l Market had some nice things. I bought a fabulous hand painted (design done to order) lazy susan done by a local artist (being shipped)

 

[BevL]

Sounds perfect. We are looking for something original for my niece and her husband. They came with us two years ago and were supposed to come with us this trip. However, in July they phoned with a vacation buster - their baby is due in two weeks!!!

They're thrilled as eveyrone, them included, had pretty much given up hope. But they're still a bit bummed out about missing another trip to Hawaii. Hopefully we'll find something that will tell them how much we missed them!!

 

[teepeeca]

My wife and I were there a couple of times in the Oct/Nov timeframe. Found a few things. One gift was for our daughter---greenish Tahitian pearls---perfectly round, about 10 mm, great luster and color, and no imperfections.

Also bought some wine stoppers. The rubber portion (or maybe synthetic rubber)---stopper portion --has a guarantee NOT to leak, even if the bottle is on its side, lying down. The top is made of "frosted glass", with a design of a petroglyph; honu; bird; etc. Comes in various colors. Even though we gave some (most) for gifts, we kept a couple for ourselves, and the wine does NOT leak out when the bottle is on its side.

I think you could spend some time there.

Tony

 

[Hawaiibarb]

Where is it?

I can think of two "markets" and I'm wondering which you are referring to. One is right in Kona next to the Catholic Church, and the other is a little farther out, going South. If there is still a different one, I'd be interested in knowing where.....I love the Big Island.

 

[teepeeca]

Hawaiibarb

The one I'm talking about is on your way from the airport, into Kailua-Kona.

From the airport, it is on your right side, about a quarter to half mile before you reach "Palani' (?) road, the main road going into Kailua-Kona. I think the building roofs are of blue color.

If you know where the "old" airport was (just north of the main Kailua-Kona area), then you would be in the general vicinity.

Sorry I can't be of more help --- I can picture it in my mind---BUT ---I'm "bad" in giving directions.

Tony

 

[lynne]

The one I'm talking about is on your way from the airport, into Kailua-Kona.

From the airport, it is on your right side, about a quarter to half mile before you reach "Palani' (?) road, the main road going into Kailua-Kona. I think the building roofs are of blue color.

If you know where the "old" airport was (just north of the main Kailua-Kona area), then you would be in the general vicinity.

Sorry I can't be of more help --- I can picture it in my mind---BUT ---I'm "bad" in giving directions.

Tony

International Market is next to HPM. This is the same area where they are building the new Kona Commons Shopping Complex.