Honolulu’s longtime Latin American market is heading to Central Oahu, with Mercado de la Raza opening a second storefront at Waipio’s Koa Ridge and throwing a block party to celebrate this Saturday. The family-friendly bash is set to feature local food and drink pop-ups, music and kids’ activities, and the new shop will stay open later into the afternoon for anyone ready to turn party time into pantry time. Owners Alex Villarino and Megahn Chun say the Waipio spot is meant to be more than a store, and they are eyeing community programming and educational space for local families.
As reported by Hawaii News Now, the block party runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Koa parking lot at Koa Ridge, and the market itself will be open for shoppers until 6 p.m. Megahn Chun told Hawaii News Now, “We are envisioning this to be a community hub, a gathering place,” and said the team plans a mezzanine for cooking classes and a bilingual children's library.
Block Party Logistics
The celebration is set for the Royal Koa lot, at the property listed as 94-1245 Hulukupuna St., which leasing listings identify as part of the Royal Koa Center. According to the market’s site, the Waipio shop will mirror the Beretania location’s hours, opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For the latest on vendors and programming, check MercadoDeLaRaza.com.
A Longtime Island Anchor
Mercado de la Raza began as a small Latin market in the mid-1990s and has grown into a go-to source on Oʻahu for hard-to-find Latin ingredients and snacks. Current owners Villarino and Chun took over in recent years and have leaned into community programming along with a monthly pop-up series that spotlights Latin producers, according to Honolulu Magazine. That neighborhood focus is a big reason they say a second location in Central Oahu made sense, since it gives nearby shoppers easier access and creates another outlet for small Latin food makers.
Central Oahu residents can expect a festive ribbon-cutting feel, with a roster of pop-up vendors, family activities and exclusive merchandise available while supplies last. More details on hours, upcoming events and vendor lineups are posted on the market’s website at MercadoDeLaRaza.com.
