Best Prices on Groceries on the Big Island (Hilo, Kailua: coupons, house)

[goat1of2]

I get it: grains and cow products are REALLY pricey in HI because they aren't produced locally. Which supermarkets on the Big Island have the best prices on everything else? And, can I get a loyalty/membership card before I travel there for my vacation?

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by goat1of2

I get it: grains and cow products are REALLY pricey in HI because they aren't produced locally. Which supermarkets on the Big Island have the best prices on everything else? And, can I get a loyalty/membership card before I travel there for my vacation?

Eat local: fish and poi ... have an "authentic" experience ... dare you

[goat1of2]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Eat local: fish and poi ... have an "authentic" experience ... dare you

I'd be fine with that except I don't have the foggiest what "poi" is nor would I know how to cook it. Since my budget is tight, I won't be eating out much. But I'll be sure to try poi for at least one restaurant meal...and any other local goodies you might suggest.

The question remains: where do locals buy stuff like vegetable oil, rice, meats, sugar, salt, toilet paper etc. at the best prices?

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by goat1of2

I'd be fine with that except I don't have the foggiest what "poi" is nor would I know how to cook it. Since my budget is tight, I won't be eating out much. But I'll be sure to try poi for at least one restaurant meal...and any other local goodies you might suggest.

The question remains: where do locals buy stuff like vegetable oil, rice, meats, sugar, salt, toilet paper etc. at the best prices?

I apologize ... I was having a bit of fun with you ... the Hawaiians and Locals reading this are chuckling. Poi is indeed a local "authentic" staple food. But few visitors can stand it. You Should try it if for no other reason than to say you have ... and perhaps you will be among the very few who say: "Hey, pretty good!"

I've been gone a few years now so I can't refer you to a specific "best" source ... other than to say that you'll find completely modern, huge supermarkets in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona that will have everything you want of course. The only "better" source that locals use are the farmer's markets in both those towns. There you will find great veggies, fruits and fish. All other stuff you'll find best prices in the big stores.

Have a great vacation — and enjoy the Poi!

[MickeyE]

My daughter works part-time at The House of Meats, a local meat market and the last time we were in Maui (2006) she said the cost of beef was just about the same, or a bit lower in cost than here.

We shopped at the Safeway in Lahaina and signed up for a members card, which got us some good bargins on foodstuffs.

We did notice vegetables and fruits could be anywhere from lower to the same to much higher in cost. We didn't try the farmer's markets though.

Mickey

[whynot?]

As mentioned below, there are major Safeway and Sack 'N' Save stores in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. You can get a discount card from either on-demand. Wal-Mart is also in both towns, and Costco and Kmart are in K-K.

The farm markets are great for produce, cheeses, breads, smoked fish, etc. They're kind of spread around, and often open for a few hours on certain days, but ask the locals.

Poi is pounded taro, BTW. It's an acquired taste, but ono with some smoked marlin. Definitely try it -- especially if you're somewhere where they're making it fresh.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by whynot?

The farm markets are great for produce, cheeses, breads, smoked fish, etc. They're kind of spread around, and often open for a few hours on certain days, but ask the locals.

On Oahu, the folks who sell at the farmer's markets caravan from town to town, with a "minder" from the city riding herd. When they get to a new town, they set up, but can't sell till the city "minder" blows his whistle. After a while, he blows his whistle again, and they get back in the caravan to the next town.

Hank

[whynot?]

I meant legal farm markets -- we have several here on Maui. And the OP is vacationing on the Big Island.

[cynmkolohe]

Cost U Less > Stores > Hawaii-Hilo (http://www.costuless.com/stores.php?l=2&subsection=Hawaii-Hilo&id=14 - broken link)

I'm hearing more people talk about specials at Cost U Less these days. Bumped into someone at Abundant Life (natural food store at the bayfront) a few days ago and she told me that Cost U Less had better prices on the couple of things I was purchasing--soy milk and organic chicken broth. I'll be keeping that in mind for my next shopping trip!

[hotzcatz]

We have the second largest cattle ranch in the United States on the Island of Hawaii. Our mayor says in case of a barge strike or any other reason the barges quit bringing food to our island "at least we can always eat the cows." They are grass fed cows since we have grass and not grain but they are cows none the less. If you are in Honokaa there is J.J's butcher shop right along the main street. They slaughter their own beef, I believe. There is another slaughterhouse in Hilo, too.

There is a discount card for Foodland that you can get just for asking for it at the courtesy counter. KTA usually has good prices and you don't need a card. They usually have extra coupons available at the courtesy counter if you forget to bring yours.

There are farmer's markets scattered around the island, a big one in Hilo on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I think it is and there is one frequently over by Kona, too. Pahoa has one on the weekends and there's one in Waimea on Saturday mornings.

There is a Safeway in Kona and Hilo. Costco is in Kona.