What is in season in Honolulu. and what to order when the market changes.

Spring

  • Yellowfin ahi: March through May the spring ahi run brings sashimi-grade Hawaiian yellowfin into the Honolulu Fish Auction; poke counters cycle through new colour grades weekly.
  • Ali'i tomatoes: Ho Farms Ali'i tomatoes hit the KCC Farmers Market from March; small-batch heirlooms from the Big Island.
  • Ulu (breadfruit): Spring ulu starts ripening in April from backyard trees across Manoa and Kalihi; chefs roast, fry or pound it like poi.
  • Local strawberries: Kula upcountry Maui strawberries arrive at Honolulu farmers markets through April; the season is short, eat them fast.

Summer

  • Ka'u mangoes: Big Island Ka'u and Manoa Valley mangoes peak June through August; the most prized are the long-thin Hayden and the rounder Pirie varieties.
  • Hawaiian lychee: Backyard lychee trees fruit June and July; the KCC Farmers Market sells branches still attached.
  • Kona coffee cherries: Big Island coffee farmers start the picking season in late summer; the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival runs in November to celebrate the harvest.
  • Apple bananas: Backyard apple bananas (smaller, tarter than Cavendish) ripen year-round but peak summer; sold at every farmers market.

Autumn

  • Ahi belly (otoro): October through November Hawaiian bigeye ahi belly hits sushi counters as the fish fatten before winter; Sasabune and Sushi Izakaya Gaku cycle it through.
  • Hamakua mushrooms: Hamakua Mushrooms on the Big Island send fresh shiitake, alii and pioppini to Honolulu chefs from autumn; Mud Hen Water and Senia plate them weekly.
  • Sweet potato (uala): Native Hawaiian uala (purple-fleshed sweet potato) harvests through autumn; chefs work it into purees and chips.
  • Lilikoi (passionfruit): October peak for the passionfruit that flavors mai tais at Monkeypod and pastry tarts at Cake Works.

Winter

  • Onaga (long-tailed red snapper): Onaga peaks December through February and dominates Honolulu sushi counters; Sasabune treats it as a core nigiri course.
  • Whale season is peak ahi: Hawaiian humpback whales return December through April; ahi runs alongside them peak January and February at the Fish Auction.
  • Persimmons: Local Fuyu persimmons hit Honolulu farmers markets December and January; great in salads and chiffon cakes.
  • Hawaiian opihi (limpets): Reef opihi peak in cool months at the foot of cliffs; sold raw at Tamashiro-era markets and Maguro Brothers when supply allows.

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