MAC Saturday Market Has It All for Christmas Shopping

photo by Léo Azambuja

By Léo Azambuja

The Holiday Season is in full swing on Molokai. With several Christmas bazaars and markets spread throughout the island, a particular market stands out with a wide selection of last-minute gifts; the MAC Saturday Market at the Molokai Community Health Center.

“We’re all so happy to be here, because for me this isn’t a business. This is my fun Saturday job that keeps me connected to the community,” photographer Betts Cruz said. “You can sit underneath the tree, listen to music, shop, run into people you haven’t seen in a while. It’s great. It really is great.”

The Mac Saturday Market opened in July 2024 to fill a void left by the original Saturday Farmers Market held in Kaunakakai for many years. That market had closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic (it only reopened last October). So, last year, the nonprofit organization Molokai Arts Center partnered with the Health Center to bring a new market on their property.

“We’re like a big ‘ohana. We know each other for years. We’re like old timers here, and it is good to get new people,” said Jodi Bocoboc, who used to sell Hawaiian gifts at the old Farmers Market for decades, and joined the MAC Market when it opened last year.

The MAC Saturday Market does feel like an ‘ohana gathering every week. Many vendors, like Bocoboc and Cruz, come from the old Saturday Farmers Market and have known each other for decades. 

A band plays music under the shade of a large tree, while residents and visitors mingle with vendors. People can buy lunch from IYKYK Kine Grinds, or some pork eggrolls or seafood spring rolls from Tien Nguyen-Smith, and enjoy it while sitting at a picnic table under the tree.

There is something for everyone at the market, which makes it a perfect one-stop-shop for Christmas gifts. 

Diane Adachi, owner of D&D Crafts, sells pillowcases and baby blankets that are a hit among parents of newborn babies. Her husband, Clarence Adachi, manufactures stunning tabletop clocks, using many kinds of locally sourced woods. While they may look like expensive gifts, the clocks from Adachi’s Wood Art are surprisingly affordable.

Do you have a sweet tooth or need a gift for someone who has one? Chelsea Adachi, of Kalu’s Cookies, makes delicious sea salt chocolate chip cookies. She also has other flavors, such as macadamia nut and white chocolate, all with a bit of sea salt.

Molokai Made Ceramics is a family affair. Erlie May Scherling, got all her kids, Mathayus, Alena and Jared, to make usable ceramic art for sale at the market. The Scherling kids also have an ear for music, and Mathayus practices with the prestigious Hawaii Youth Symphonic Orchestra on Oahu. 

Carol Klein has 50 years of jewelry making in her resumé, and you can see how her experience translates to beauty through her art pieces.

Molokai by Air offers postcards, magnets, canvasses, calendars, framed photos and other gifts, all carrying Cruz’s original photography. 

“I have people that come just for my cards,” Cruz said, adding she has printed a calendar for 16 years, and former customer just asked her to send one over the mail. “I just sold a canvas, and it’s because she bought a canvas a couple years ago and she wanted a new one.”

Marge Bento is also a gifted a photographer, and sells her art printed in postcards, notepads, canvasses and other gifts.

If you want Molokai-harvested honey, you might have to double your budget, so you can buy honey from Ron Davis’ Bee Happy Molokai and Ray Lam’s Secret Garden Molokai.

Daniel Juario Jr., owner of Mauka Kine Kamo, designs hunting clothing with camouflaged patterns specifically for Molokai’s landscape. 

“I came up with the haole koa design, which is where the axis deer hangout, and I made it in different colors,” Juario said.

His clothing can also be worn by fishermen and hikers, providing protection from the sun. And there will be new stuff at Mauka Kine Kamo in the near future.

“I’m actually launching my new line of swimwear and activewear,” Juario said.

Adam and Geralyn Haspier are among some of the old-timers at the market. They sell a vast and colorful selection of insulated bottles and mugs laser-engraved with Molokai designs. 

Afa Taueetia and Saydee Duvauchelle. Photo by Léo Azambuja

Afa Taueetia and Saydee Duvauchelle sell island gifts, hats and South Pacific jewelry and clothing.

And a market is only complete if it has produce, which is offered by Marc Aquino. He usually offers a large selection of vegetables and fruits from different producers on island. At the end of each market, mostly of it is gone. 

There are many other vendors at the MAC Saturday Market, and you will just have to go there to pick what you need for yourself and for your friends and family for this Christmas. 

The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Molokai Community Health Center. Visit www.molokaiartscenter.org for more information.