Nearly every macadamia nut grown commercially in the United States comes from Hawaiʻi, and the Big Island is the center of it. Three farms here have visitor centers open to the public, and the tastings are free.
The three farms are far apart, so visit the one closest to where you’re staying. Mauna Loa is just south of Hilo, Ahualoa Family Farms and its shop, The Nuthouse, are up in Honokaʻa, and Hamakua Macadamia is near Waimea.
Macadamia orchards like this one are easy to spot as you drive around the Big Island. Photo credits: Brian Holsclaw on Flickr
Visit a macadamia nut farm on the Big Island
The farms below run from the Hilo side around to the Kohala coast. All three are free to walk into, and the Honokaʻa and Kawaihae shops sit close enough to pair on a single drive.
Near Hilo: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation
Mauna Loa (website) runs a visitor center in Keaʻau, just south of Hilo, open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm. A self-guided nature walk winds through the grounds past macadamia trees and other island plants. The shop hands out free samples of its classic roasted nuts and sells dairy-free macadamia ice cream by the scoop.
Near Honokaʻa: Ahualoa Family Farms
Ahualoa Family Farms (website) grows macadamia nuts in Honokaʻa, the town on the road up to Waipiʻo Valley, and sells them alongside Hāmākua coffee at its farm store, The Nuthouse, on Mamane Street. It’s open Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm. Stop in for a cup of coffee and to pick a favorite from the flavored mac nuts.
You can buy macnut products from Ahualoa Family Farms at the “Nuthouse” in Honokaʻa. Credit: Ahualoa Family Farms
Near Waimea: Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company
The Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company (website) has a visitor center on Maluokalani Street in Kawaihae, on the coast below Waimea, open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. It puts out free samples of 14 macadamia flavors and sells macadamia ice cream and coffee drinks. A viewing gallery overlooks the cannery, best seen on a weekday when it is running.
Macadamia nuts in local food and candies
Macadamia goes into coffee, pesto, and nut butter here, and the nuts are eaten raw or roasted, whole or chopped. Our favorite is the simplest one: chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. Grab a box if you spot them.
You’ll find them at the three farm stores above, at most grocery stores, and at Big Island farmers markets. For other island snacks to take home, see our guide to Big Island local foods and where to buy each.
Macadamia nuts come in a tough shell. Photo credits: Sarah Kerr on Flickr
Related: farms on the Big Island also grow coffee, cacao, and vanilla, and run visitor tours. Our Big Island farm tours guide compares them, most under $30.