Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market

Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Wednesday nights!

If you are looking for a unique Hawaiian experience filled with fun, food, and live music, look no further than Uncle’s on the East side of the Big Island. Uncle Robert’s Kalapana Awa Bar and Farmers Market is so much more than just a farmer’s market as advertised. It is an evening filled with local friendly people selling handmade crafts, fresh fruits, and vegetables, a variety of food and drinks, while live music is playing center stage. Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market has been a gathering place for family and friends to get together and spend a festive evening together for years. This is a unique place where you can come and make new friends and try the freshly prepared local cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

Food and Libations

When you arrive, you will get the feeling that you have gone back in time about 50 years to see the Hawaiian outdoor gathering place from the movies. You will get the feeling of a vintage, authentic, and genuine upbeat vibe where everyone of all ages is welcome. Make sure to bring cash for the variety of food vendors that will entice you with their culinary delights. The options range from traditional Hawaiian fare, to Thai, Mexican, Lebanese, vegan, wood fire oven baked pizza, poke bombs, desserts, and more. The menu always changes. They also offer a full bar if you would like to have a libation or two. Don’t forget to try the local Kava drink. When in Rome, right? Look for the tiki hut near the entrance of the market. This hut certainly adds to the allure and ambiance of the entire experience. Try sipping the kava drink that is served in a coconut shell. It will numb your lips and is supposed to make you feel slightly euphoric. It tastes a bit like a mud puddle, but it’s fun and definitely different.

Join the Fun!

Make sure to arrive early to get a seat at the picnic tables. This place gets packed! Don’t feel shy to ask to sit down next to someone and make a new friend. It is mostly under a covered roof, just in case it rains. There are several local Hawaiian bands that play throughout the evening, so stick around to hear them all. Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar and Farmers Market is family friendly and great for both local and mainland visitors alike.

There is free off-street parking as well as parking on the lava closer to the market, which will cost $3 dollars. Park carefully on the side of the street and be prepared to walk a couple of blocks if arriving later in the evening. Uncle Roberts is located in Kalapana, at the end of Pahoa Kalapana Rd., near the new Kaimu Black Sand Beach. It starts around 5 pm and ends around 9 p.m. or pau (meaning finished or done). Walk up the stairs at the entrance and follow the trail to the ocean before sundown. It is a magical place.

This is a popular venue for all to enjoy and is the social event to be at on Wednesdays. So, plan ahead, arrive early, stake out a spot a picnic table, bring cash so that you can sample all of the good eats, and enjoy the live Hawaiian music.