Welcome to one of the most memorable side quests in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening! The island of Koholint is filled with quirky characters who all want something, and luckily, they all have something to give in return. This guide will walk you through the entire fourteen-step trading sequence, a grand journey of bartering that begins with a simple toy from the Trendy Game and ends with an essential item that reveals some of the island’s greatest secrets.
Yoshi Doll
Your grand trading adventure on Koholint Island begins in Mabe Village at the Trendy Game. For ten rupees, you can try your luck with the crane. Maneuver it over to the Yoshi Doll and grab it to kick things off.
Yoshi Doll for Bow
With the doll secured, visit the large house at the north end of the village where a mother is trying to soothe her crying baby. She’ll be overjoyed to take the Yoshi Doll and will trade you a bright red Bow in return. This bow is just what a certain little CiaoCiao needs.
Bow for Dog Food
Head to the smaller of the two houses with the Chain Chomps and give the bow to the one inside. In thanks, you’ll receive a can of Dog Food.
Dog Food for Bananas
This savory treat is the key to getting some fruit. Make your way to Sale’s House O’ Bananas on Toronbo Shores. The resident alligator, Sale, has a craving for dog food and will happily part with a bunch of Bananas for the can.
Bananas for Stick
Those bananas are your ticket past Kanalet Castle, where you’ll find a group of monkeys by a broken bridge. Offer them the fruit, and they will quickly build a new path for you, leaving behind a single Stick.
Stick for Honeycomb
You may have seen Marin’s father, Tarin, trying to get honey from a beehive near Ukuku Prairie. Find him there and lend him the Stick. After a comical chase scene with some angry bees, you can claim the Honeycomb he drops.
Honeycomb for Pineapple
Your sweet prize is destined for the kitchen of a culinary artist. Find the Bear Chef inside his house in Animal Village; he’ll be thrilled to take the Honeycomb and will give you a juicy Pineapple.
Pineapple for Flowers
Carry that Pineapple up to the Tal Tal Mountain Range. You’ll come across a man named Papahl who is lost and starving. Give him the Pineapple to restore his energy, and he’ll give you a beautiful Hibiscus flower.
Flowers for Love Letter
Return to Animal Village with the flower and present it to Christine the goat. She will be so flattered that she asks you to deliver a Love Letter to her admirer.
Love Letter for Broom
Your next stop is Mr. Write, who lives in a house just north of the Mysterious Forest. Give him the letter, and in his delight, he will reward you with a Broom. An elderly woman in Mabe Village could certainly use this.
Broom for Fish Hook
Find Grandma Ulrira, who is often sweeping outside her house, and give it to her. For your help, she’ll give you a Fishing Hook she found.
Fish Hook for Mermaid’s Necklace
Head to Martha’s Bay, where you’ll see a fisherman in a boat under the bridge. Swim under the bridge to reach him and return his lost Fishing Hook. He’ll be so grateful that he gives you his next catch: a Mermaid’s Necklace.
Mermaid’s Necklace for Mermaid’s Scale
While still in Martha’s Bay, find the mermaid swimming in the water and give her the necklace. In exchange, she will give you a single Mermaid’s Scale.This scale is the final key.
Mermaid’s Scale for ???
Take the Mermaid’s Scale to the mermaid statue south of Martha’s Bay and place the scale upon it. The statue will slide aside, revealing a hidden entrance. Descend into the passage to claim your ultimate reward!