macadamia nuts tour

Big Island’s Macadamia Nut Farms: A Tour Guide

Macadamia nut farms are essential in Hawaii’s Big Island’s verdant landscape and unique culture. Originally from Australia, macadamia trees found their new home in the fertile volcanic soil of Hawaii in the late 19th century. Over time, these rich, delicious nuts have become synonymous with Hawaii’s flavor, significantly contributing to the local economy and enhancing the island’s appeal to visitors. This post offers a comprehensive guide to macadamia nut farms on the Big Island, from understanding the significance of this unique nut to exploring some of the top macadamia nut farms that welcome visitors.

• Understanding The Macadamia Nut 
• Macadamia Nut Farming Process 
• Top Macadamia Nut Farms On Big Island 
• Guided Tour Of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation 
• Exploring Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company 
• The Unique Appeal Of Ahualoa Farms 

A Taste Of Hawaii: Macadamia Nut Products And Dishes

The bottom line, understanding the macadamia nut  .

The macadamia nut, with its creamy taste and high nutritional value, is native to Australia. It was introduced to Hawaii in the 1880s and quickly became a significant crop due to Hawaii’s ideal growing conditions. With a cultivation process that takes years before the first harvest, these trees are a testament to patience and care. Today, Hawaii is one of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, which have become an integral part of the island’s agricultural economy and cultural identity.

Moreover, the macadamia nut is renowned for its rich buttery taste and its health benefits. These nuts are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. Unique features such as the nut’s hard shell and the process of dry roasting also contribute to its distinct flavor and texture, making it a beloved ingredient in savory dishes and sweet treats.

Macadamia Nut Farming Process  

The farming process of macadamia nuts is a tale of time and patience. It begins with planting seedlings, which takes five to twelve years to produce the first harvest. These trees, once mature, can produce nuts for up to 100 years, making them a long-term investment for farmers. The harvest usually takes place from August to March, during which the nuts are picked from the ground rather than the tree, as they fall naturally when ripe.

Hawaii’s tropical climate and volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for macadamia trees to thrive. The trees require well-drained soil and a steady supply of rainfall, which the Big Island readily provides. Moreover, the local farming community strongly emphasizes sustainable farming practices. From utilizing solar energy to ensuring efficient water use, these farms continue to innovate to reduce their ecological footprint while producing high-quality nuts.

Top Macadamia Nut Farms On Big Island  

Big Island boasts several renowned macadamia nut farms that produce some of the finest nuts and welcome visitors for a unique farm-to-table experience. Each farm has its specialties and attractions, adding to the diversity of the island’s macadamia nut farm touring experience.

One of the most prominent names is the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, with a history dating back to 1949 and an expansive orchard that impresses every visitor. On the other hand, the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality, offers a delightful range of flavored macadamia nuts. Ahualoa Farms presents a smaller-scale, intimate farm experience for those interested in organic farming. These, along with other farms, offer a variety of touring experiences to cater to the different interests of visitors.

Guided Tour Of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation  

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is arguably the most famous macadamia nut farm on Big Island. With its sprawling plantation and rich history dating back to 1949, the corporation has carved a niche in the global macadamia industry. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the plantation, which offers an insight into the scale of macadamia nut production and a glimpse of the majestic Mauna Loa volcano in the backdrop.

The guided tour also includes a visit to the processing factory, where visitors can observe the fascinating journey of the nut from the tree to the packet. The experience concludes with a tasting session, where one can savor the different flavors of Mauna Loa’s macadamia nuts. The variety will surely delight every palate, from salted and roasted to honey-roasted or even covered in chocolate.

Exploring Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company  

The Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company offers a unique farm experience with a strong focus on sustainability. This company prides itself on its 100% Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts; a visit here is a testament to its commitment to quality. The farm tour provides an in-depth look at how they cultivate and process their nuts, all while employing environmentally-friendly farming practices.

In addition to the farm tour, Hamakua offers a product range that stands out for its innovative flavors. From wasabi-flavored to Kona coffee-glazed macadamia nuts, the variety of products reflects the fusion of Hawaiian tastes with the versatile macadamia nut. A visit to Hamakua is incomplete without a stop at their gift shop, where visitors can buy these unique flavors to bring a piece of Hawaii back home.

The Unique Appeal Of Ahualoa Farms  

For those who appreciate organic farming and small-scale operations, Ahualoa Farms is the place to visit. Nestled in the beautiful Hamakua Coast, this farm cultivates its macadamia nuts without pesticides or herbicides. The farm offers intimate tours, where visitors can learn about organic farming practices and the dedicated process that goes into each nut.

The charm of Ahualoa lies not just in its organic farming practices but also in its community connection. The farm sources its other ingredients from local growers, fostering a sense of community and contributing to the local economy. The result is a range of organic macadamia nut products that showcase the best of Big Island’s local produce.

Macadamia nuts lend their rich, buttery flavor to various products and dishes. From the iconic macadamia nut chocolate to macadamia nut oil, butter, and even macadamia nut-infused coffee, the options are plentiful. These products make excellent gifts and souvenirs, bringing visitors home a taste of Hawaii.

In addition to products, macadamia nuts also feature in many traditional Hawaiian dishes. For instance, the famous Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi is a delightful dish where the nutty crust perfectly complements the succulent fish. Restaurants and food stalls across Big Island offer an array of such macadamia nut-based dishes, allowing visitors to enjoy the local cuisine in its authentic form.

Tips For Planning Your Macadamia Nut Farm Tour  

Consider the time of year when planning your macadamia nut farm tour on Big Island. While macadamia trees produce nuts year-round, the main harvest season from August to March offers the most activity. Pre-booking might be necessary for some farms, especially for larger groups, so checking with the farms in advance is always a good idea.

Consider also planning for other attractions nearby. Many farms are close to other places of interest, such as national parks or coffee plantations. Combining these visits can make for a more fulfilling experience. Lastly, leave space in your suitcase for the wonderful macadamia products you want to bring home!

Experiencing the macadamia nut farms on Big Island is more than just a fun day out; it’s a journey into the heart of Hawaii’s agricultural heritage, a testament to its sustainable future, and a celebration of its unique flavors. From understanding the cultivation process of this remarkable nut to tasting the diverse products it influences, each farm visit tells a story of its own.

Whether you choose to explore the vast orchards of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, delve into the sustainable practices at Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, or discover the organic charm of Ahualoa Farms, your journey will be filled with enchanting sights, delightful flavors, and memorable encounters. So next time you find yourself on Big Island, don’t forget to venture beyond the pristine beaches and breathtaking volcanoes. Let the trail of the macadamia nut guide you through an experience that truly encapsulates the spirit of Hawaii.

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How to Tour a Big Island Macadamia Nut Factory

Are you looking for the best things to do in waikoloa, hawaii keep scrolling to see how to tour the hamakua big island macadamia nut factory, which is a top kona activity., this guide to visiting a big island macadamia nut factory was written by hawaii travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

If you’re looking for  things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii with kids , then this is one activity you won’t want to miss.

The  Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory  is a hidden gem on the Big Island. Here, they offer free macadamia nut tastings, an informative video presentation, as well as show windows where you can see a working macadamia nut factory.

This is one of the coolest free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Plus, they have an incredible store with all kinds of macadamia nut products and even island-made ice cream!

You will be able to tour a real macadamia nut farm Big Island offers just minutes from Waikoloa Resorts and get some of the best macadamia nuts in Hawaii! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Their prices are very reasonable, so don’t forget about them when it comes time to go  souvenir  shopping either…you’ll be glad you did! Oh yeah…and there are always FREE samples too!!

Keep scrolling to read my full guide to visiting a Big Island macadamia nut factory in Hawaii!

Don’t have time to read many Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting the Big Island.

Popular Big Island Tours/Activities

• Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour (you can ONLY do this on the Big Island)
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour (this is the BEST way to see lava if you aren’t renting a car)
• Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour (this is a cool adventure for teens and adults)
• Swim with Dolphins (this is a unique experience for kids of all ages and adults)
• Kona ATV Tour (we love this one because they also do cultural activities)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Big Island Resorts/Hotels

• Hilton Waikoloa Village (this is a mega resort where you can swim with dolphins or just enjoy their massive pool area)
• Courtyard by Marriott’s King Kamehameha Beach Hotel (this is a moderately-priced Kona hotel right on a little lagoon)
• Fairmont Orchid (this is a swanky resort with an awesome pool area and beach)

Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii? One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Big Island Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Where is the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory?

The Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory is located about 50 minutes north of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The address is  61-3251 Maluokalani St. Kawaihae, Hawaii 96743 .

I recommend using GPS to find it as it’s tucked away from the highway. Their sign by the road is also pretty faded, so it’s easy to miss.

What’s the History Behind Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company?

The Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company was founded in 1993. They use 100% locally grown Hawaiian macadamia nuts in their products.

This company is part of the Edmund C. Olson Trust II, which owns more than 1300 acres of macadamia nut farms. They have a focus on sustainability and conservation.

How to Visit this Big Island Macadamia Nut Factory

It’s pretty awesome that there’s a Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory Visitor’s Center that is open to the public.

You can enjoy the visitor center and go on a Big Island macadamia nut tour with this incredible Hawaiian macadamia nut company.

Free Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts Tasting

As soon as we entered, Danette warmly welcomed us and ushered us over to the macadamia nut-tasting area. We got to try SO many yummy flavors like buttered rum, soy sauce, pumpkin pie, and more.

She put each nut into a little cup so it was easy for us to taste them. My 5-year-old loved the seasonal flavors (specifically the pumpkin pie one). I preferred the chili pepper ones because they had a little kick!

How to Crack a Macadamia Nut Activity

Right near the entrance, there are a couple of metal nutcrackers where people can try to crack their own macadamia nuts. It’s a fun activity, and my 5-year-old was able to do this easily.

Just remember not to actually eat the nuts. It’s a liability issue.

Self-Guided Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory Tour

One of the highlights of visiting the Hamakua Macadamia Factory is getting to see the process of getting the products out on shelves. They have large showroom windows with labels, so you know what step of the process they are working on.

When we were there, they were adding labels to the cans of Hawaii macadamia nuts as well as the lids. My son watched this for about 10 minutes. The workers were so friendly and kept showing him exactly what they were doing.

It made this macadamia nut tour Big Island offers kid-friendly and quite amazing.

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm Video

After you watch the workers in the assembly line, you can sit down for a few moments and watch an informative video that shows the Hamakua Mac Nut farm.

The video is a little outdated, but the information is all really great, and we learned a LOT about macadamia nuts and how to tell if it’s ready to eat.

Hamakua Gift Shop

They have a really impressive gift shop filled with their own Hamakua macadamia nut items as well as other local Big Island products.

This is a great place to stock up on Big Island souvenirs to bring home to friends or family. We ended up buying extra Hawaiian nuts just to have on hand for the holiday season.

You’ll find anything from Hawaiian macadamia nut cookies, Kona Coffee, chocolates galore, and so much more.

Hawaii Macadamia Nuts FAQs

Nope. In fact, they are actually from Australia. The macadamia nut tree was brought to the Big Island in 1881 by William Purvis, a sugar cane plantation manager. Hawaii’s climate is perfect for growing the nut, and Hawaii is currently the #3 macadamia nut producer in the world, with various macadamia nut farms in Hawaii.

A scientist named John Macadam first classified the macadamia tree in the mid-1800s in Melbourne, Australia.

They work with more than 200 local Hawaii macadamia nut farms to get all the nuts they use in their products.

Yes, you will find some macadamia farms on Hawaii’s Big Island. The Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory is one of the biggest macadamia nut factories Hilo offers, while Hamakua is one macadamia nut farm close to Kona.

Macadamia nuts are generally good for you. They provide you with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and so much more. Flavored macadamia nuts, especially chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, aren’t as healthy but still a decent snack to enjoy.

Yes, they are tree nuts, as there are tons of macadamia trees all over the Big Island’s land. You can go on a Big Island macadamia nut tour to learn the macadamia nut history, see the trees, and get some free samples too!

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm Wrap Up

We thought the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory was a really fun stop on our drive around the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s a pretty short drive from Waikoloa and is one of the best macadamia nut factory Big Island offers.

If you’re heading back to Kona with kids, take the road leading up to Waimea. They have a really awesome playground where kids can get some wiggles out. Plus, the weather is much cooler up there if you need a break from the heat.

These Big Island macadamia nut farm tours are worth it for the entire family! From the free samples to the self-guided tour, this macadamia plantation is awesome! If you want a macadamia nut farm tour on the Big Island, Hamakua does not disappoint!

Looking for more things to do near Kona Hawaii? Find out  how to swim with dolphins in Kona ,  Aloha Adventure Farm ATV tour review ,  Hawaii Keiki Museum review ,  Voyagers of the Pacific Luau review , and how to visit the Painted Church in Hawaii.

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Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center

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Macadamia nuts.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation invites visitors to witness the growing, harvesting and processing of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts into many Mauna Loa products. Hundreds of rows of macadamia nut trees line Macadamia Road on the 3-mile drive leading to the visitor center and processing plant.  Visitors can view the plant where the nuts are husked and dried.  An array of macadamia nut products are created and processed here and are available for purchase directly from the shop.

— article continued below —

Mauna Loa harvests some 35 million pounds of macadamia nuts a year for use in cooking, making confections, and for sale to the public at visitor centers and stores throughout Hawai`i and internationally. The mature macadamia nut trees create wonderful shade with their dark green foliage and white, raceme blossoms in Winter and Spring. The main harvest is in Summer and Fall.

In 1881, the first macadamia tree was brought to Hawaii from Australia, and the first pioneer plantation began in 1921.  It was in 1922 that the University of Hawaii embarked on 20 years of testing and research. Some 60,000 trees were observed and tested in a painstaking process of selection and grafting. Eventually, nine strains were developed that could consistently produce a high-quality nut. That was the beginning of a long partnership between MAUNA LOA and the University of Hawaii, which continues today.

The original plantation of what was to become Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation was established in 1946. The very first macadamia nut trees were planted early that year near Kea'au on the Big Island of Hawaii, where that plantation continues to thrive today.

In 1956, the first commercial crop was harvested.  Macadamia trees take seven years to produce a commercial crop and 15 years before they a producing consistently. By 1976, the sugar plantation business in Hawaii was waning.  Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation began converting five old sugar plantations to macadamia plantations at the rate of 1000 acres a year. Most of those trees are still producing the premium macadamia nuts that they use to produce the commercial nuts today.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation reduces its carbon footprint by burning macadamia husks, shells, and waste kernel to generate the energy required to power its Hilo processing facility. This renewable biofuel accounts for 60% of the facility's electricity usage; greatly reducing Mauna Loa's reliance on oil produced energy.

Mauna Loa has also reduced its overall reliance on electrical energy by channeling the generated steam to heat the factory's nut drying tanks. Also, to further reduce reliance on non-organic fertilizer, waste macadamia husks are composted and returned as organic fertilizer to the orchards.

"We live in such special and delicate surroundings that we sometimes take it for granted. It is surreal to see volcanoes and lush forests every day and we easily forget how privileged we are or the responsibility we all have in preserving and protecting our environment," stated Charles Young, Plant Manager at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.

Including 1.5 ounces of macadamia nuts, each day may lead to an improvement in blood cholesterol levels, according to a study funded by The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY).  Macadamia nuts are a concentrated source of monounsaturated fat, which, when eaten regularly may help displace sources of cholesterol-raising saturated fats in the diet, however, the data indicate there may be other healthful compounds in macadamia nuts. The reductions in blood cholesterol with the macadamia nut diet are greater than what would be expected solely on the basis of the type of fat consumed, suggesting that there are other bioactive factors in macadamia nuts.

The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is located on a plantation on Macadamia Road off Highway 11 between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park.

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If you get lost in Hawaii, this sign at the Macadamia Nut Farm will help find your way home.

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• Best Tourist Attractions in Oahu , Uncategorized

The Macadamia Nut Farm in Oahu is a popular spot on our Ohana Circle Island Tour .  Aside from over 15 types of Macadamia nuts and Kona Coffee samples, make sure to check all the fun happening outside. Here is a sign found on the Macadamia Nut farm that can help any lost tourists find their way home! Definitely one of the best things to do in Oahu !

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The best macadamia nut farms in Hawaii to visit

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If you’ve ever enjoyed macadamia nuts, there’s a good chance they came from Hawaii. Today I am going to talk about the best macadamia nut farms to visit in Hawaii.

If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do in Hawaii, this one is for you!

If this is right up your alley, you might also enjoy the best pineapple farms to visit in Hawaii .

No matter which island you’ll be visiting, I recommend having a rental car; I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental . You’ll find the best prices, great service, and free cancellation. You won’t pay until you arrive, so reserve early to get the best deal.

Are macadamia nuts indigenous to Hawaii?

Just like most of the animals in Hawaii, macadamia nuts are not indigenous to Hawaii. The macadamia nut is originally from Australia, but Hawaii has created an industry from the macadamia nut.

By the way, did you know that pineapples aren’t native to Hawaii either!? It’s true. The iconic Hawaiian fruit isn’t originally from Hawaii. Now you know. 

Macadamia Nut Farms in Hawaii

There are several Macadamia Nut Farms in Hawaii. The farms are on the islands of Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Molokai. 

Macadamia nut farms on the Big Island

I’ve written several posts with things to do on the Big Island , but I don’t think I’ve mentioned macadamia nut farms yet – oops! It’s funny because visiting a macadamia nut farm is one of my first Hawaii memories as a child.

There are not one but two macadamia nut farms you can visit on The Big Island.

Mauna Loa Visitors Center

Do you know the little blue jars of macadamia nuts? These are from Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm! You can buy them all over the mainland US. 

One of my earliest memories on the Big Island is visiting  Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm.  You can take a self-guided tour, enjoy some samples, and stock up on snacks for your Big Island road trips.

Important note: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm is more like a big gift shop and not truly a “farm tour,” but it’s definitely worth checking out!

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Visitors Center

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company offers macadamia nuts, chocolates, and coffee grown right on the Big Island. They also have a visitors center which offers factory tours.

You can also purchase the products on their website . 

More things to do on the Big Island:

• 20 things to do in Hilo
• Where to find sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii
• 25 best things to do in Kona
• The 10 best tours on the Big Island
• The Best Happy Hours in Kona

Macadamia nut farms on Oahu

Tropical farms.

Tropical Farms is “the little country store on the way the North Shore.” Although Tropical Farms does not offer tours, it’s definitely worth a stop for chocolates, coffee, gift baskets, and macadamia nuts on your way to the North Shore.

Make sure you also check out things to do on the North Shore of Oahu . Even if you’re staying in Waikiki, I highly recommend a trip to the North Shore.

The North Shore is my favorite part of Oahu!

More things to do in Oahu:

• 10 best things to do in Waikiki
• 10 best things to do in Oahu
• What is the best luau on Oahu?
• The best Oahu snorkeling

Macadamia nut farms in Maui

Maui tropical plantation.

I mentioned riding the train at Maui Tropical Plantation in my 50 things to do in Maui post. 

Maui Tropical Plantation is a working plantation and agricultural theme park located on 500 acres. 

Sadly, Maui Tropical Plantation is now closed indefinitely. 😭

More things to do in Maui:

• Black sand beaches in Maui
• Maui vs. Kauai
• 7 day Maui Itinerary
• The best luau in Maui

Macadamia nut farms in Molokai

Purdy’s natural macadamia nut farm.

If you want to visit “the friendly isle” and are looking for things to do in Molokai, look no further. 

This 5-acre homestead and macadamia nut farm in Molokai offers “Na Hua ‘O Ka Aina” or “the fruits of the land.” 

Tuddie and Kammie Purdy have been offering tours of their farm since 1980. If you want to learn about macadamia nuts, Hawaiian culture, and life on Molokai, this is a must.

Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut farm also offers an online virtual tour. This is a small family farm on a remote island, so make sure to call first to check availability. 

Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm is the most authentic farm tour on this list, so I highly recommend checking it out if you’re able to make it to Molokai. 

Although most people don’t spend an entire vacation in Molokai, it’s easy to access from Maui. You can take a quick inter-island flight and spend a day or two visiting Molokai.

Things to do in Molokai:

• Take a  helicopter tour of West Maui and Molokai. (This departs from Maui but is one of the best helicopter tours in Hawaii and a great way to see Molokai if you can’t make it there otherwise.) 
• Enjoy Live Music at Hale Kealoha.
• Send a friend a coconut at the US Post Office outside of Ho‘olehua.
• Visit Papohaku Beach Park.
• Check out Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
• Hike at Kalawa Valley.

I hope that you enjoyed this list of macadamia nut farms in Hawaii. If you plan to visit Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, or Molokai, check out a macadamia nut farm!

Want even more Hawaii travel ideas? Check out some of my most popular Hawaii blog posts:

• The 10 best Hawaii tours
• Is Hawaii safe?
• The 8 best beaches in Hilo
• What is the best luau in Hawaii?
• 10 things to know before going to Hawaii
• How much does it cost to go to Hawaii?
• How to survive the flight to Hawaii & how to fight jet lag in Hawaii

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am only taking on a few clients for 2021. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I would recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

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Holuakoa Coffee Shack

An excellent option for a relaxing coffee break, the Holuakoa Coffee Shack serves up delicious food and drinks in a serene garden setting.

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Oahu Macadamia Nut Farm

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

Website Address Tropical Farms 49-227A Kamehameha Hwy Ka’a’awa HI 96744 Phone (808) 237-1960 Email [email protected]

The Island’s Freshest Macadamia Nuts Tropical Farms is a small farm tucked away in the windward (east) coast of Oahu, between an ancient fish pond and the Ko’olau Mountain Range. It began as a roadside stand in 1987, but has grown to become a common destination on Oahu circle-island bus tour s.

Macadamia nuts and coffee are harvested onsite and sold within the store. Because of this, the location has some of the freshest stores of nuts and coffee on the island. Farm visitors are invited to try their hand at cracking macadamia nuts by hand in the courtyard.

But even if that’s too much of a challenge, several sample stations are available within the store with roasted and flavored nuts. The farm is one of the only places in Hawaii to sample certain unique flavors, such as cinnamon and garlic.

Outside of the macadamia and coffee shop, other small shops offer locally made jewelry, wooden carvings and more. Tropical Farms also offers a guided tour of the plantation and fishpond, called the Ali’i tour, which includes cultural demonstrations.

History of Macadamia Nuts in Hawaii Though Hawaii has become the macadamia nut capital of the world, macadamia nuts are not native plants. They were brought to Hawaii from Australia in the late 1800s.

The early growers found that Hawaii’s well-drained lava land was perfect for growing the trees. The University of Hawaii helped to develop the signature crunch and sweetness of Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts. And Hawaii’s tropical climate made it so that the nuts could be harvested year-round.

Macadamia Nut Information Macadamia nuts grow on medium-sized trees in subtropical regions. After harvesting, the nuts are shelled and roasted for best flavor. They can then be made to exhibit almost any flavor – salty, sweet, sour, chocolate-covered and more.

The nuts not only taste delicious, but they also have health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants and have been found to reduce overall cholesterol levels.

Visit the Oahu Macadamia Nut Farm

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Purdy’s Natural Macadamia Nut Farm

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At Purdy’s All-Natural Macadamia Nut Farm, Tuddie and Kammy Purdy make it their mission to educate the world about these amazing trees. Upon coming by for a visit, you’ll get to tour the five-acre farm and watch hands-on demonstrations on how to plant and grow macadamia nut trees. Then, to bring it all together, you’ll learn how to harvest and process the nuts while enjoying plenty of samples along the way.

Is there really anything better than sitting in the shade of a macadamia nut tree and cracking nuts amongst friends? If you don’t know, then it’s definitely time for a trip to Purdy’s All-Natural Macadamia Nut Farm in the Hoolehua District on Molokai. This five-acre farm, owned by Tuddie and Kammy Purdy, offers endless opportunities to learn about planting, growing, and harvesting macadamia nut trees. Throughout that journey, you’ll get to sample the trees’ bounty and many other products made onsite.  

The Purdy’s have been at it since the early 1980s, so you can trust that they’re plenty knowledgeable. They’re a bit quirky, too, especially Tuddie, who has a no-nonsense vibe and a straightforward way of stating things. To avoid any sass, just keep the questions to a minimum. If you’re not worried about backtalk and dry humor, though, ask away. There’s plenty to learn if you can read between the lines.

Each tour follows a set course, so don’t try to deviate from the schedule. The Purdy’s will first lead you around the farm to look at their 50 old-growth nut trees. They’ll share fun facts about macadamia nuts as you walk along, including when and how people began cultivating them. If you’re lucky, you will see them harvest a few mac nuts, which simply involves picking them off the ground. They never pull the nuts off the tree, so they ensure every last one is at peak ripeness.

Once you make it back to the production area, you’ll get to learn how to crack open macadamia nuts and even try it yourself. You can sample the raw nuts that you crack open to see what they taste like right off the tree. The Purdy’s will also provide samples of their roasted nuts, honey, and other amazing products. Be sure to try each one in the order they’re presented to you to get the full experience and avoid messing up their system.

Items you may get to try include:

Natural Macadamia Nuts Available raw and roasted, the Natural Macadamia Nuts have the perfect level of sweetness and a truly unique crunch. They’re the ideal snack to take on the trails, to the beach, or anywhere your adventures take you. These nuts are also excellent for baking or putting on top of salads if that’s your thing.

Macadamia Blossom Honey Macadamia Blossom Honey has the perfect level of sweetness in every last drop, making it a must-have pantry staple. This honey comes from the pollen bees collected from the mac nut tree flowers. This helps build exquisitely fresh floral undertones that pair well with the rich honey flavors.

Macadamia Honey Mustard Why stop at honey when you can have Macadamia Honey Mustard? With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, this condiment elevates burgers, hot dogs, and so much more with ease. After getting a taste, you’ll undoubtedly want to put it on everything, so it’s probably best to get more than one bottle.  

After you finish all the samples, the Purdy’s will invite you to head into the gift shop and buy whatever suits your fancy. All their top products are on the shelves, ready for you to enjoy on your trip or take home as gifts to family and friends. If you start hankering for their mac nut deliciousness down the road, you can buy more through their website upon returning home.

Insider Tips: -The credit card machine only runs on Saturdays. Be sure to bring cash to avoid being unable to buy anything. -The cats and kittens on the farm work hard at keeping vermin away. So, definitely avoid feeding them and petting them while you’re there.

Email Address

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 44715 Kamuela, Hawaii 96743

Physical Address: 61-3251 Maluokalani St. Kawaihae, Hawaii 96743

Phone: Toll Free – 888-643-6688 Local – 808-882-1690 E-Mail: [email protected]

Store Hours:

Open Daily 9:00am – 4:30pm (Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Ironman Triathlon)