Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company near Hilo is a popular visitor destination known for its sprawling orchards and on-site processing facility. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour, watch the nut packaging process, and sample a variety of sweet and savory macadamia nut treats in the gift shop. It's a tasty and educational stop for nut lovers and families alike.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, Big Island
Here's where you can literally go nuts! Located near Hilo, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company is a good place to visit if you like macadamia nuts and would like to learn more about the process of harvesting and processing them.
The grounds are home to around 800,000 trees, which are regularly maintained and harvested throughout the year. Visitors can do a self-guided tour. There is a walkway that leads along the factory building with large windows from where the various stages of the production and packaging process can be observed while videos explain the nut processing.
Also, there is a large gift shop where you can buy and sample the famous macadamia nuts, as well as popular varieties like chocolate and candied nuts. They also have other items, including postcards, jewelry, magnets and more.
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company was started in 1946 and made its first harvest in 1956, and in 2004 became a subsidiary of the Hersheys Corporation. Their processing plant and headquarters are located in Hilo, Hawaii.
Key Features of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company
- Factory tour: Self-guided walkway with viewing windows and educational videos
- Gift shop and tasting: Sample and buy chocolate-covered, roasted, and flavored nuts
- 800,000 macadamia trees: Orchards cover the surrounding grounds of the facility
- Convenient Hilo location: Just a short drive from downtown and Highway 11
- Owned by Hershey's: The brand became a Hershey subsidiary in 2004
- Additional offerings: Coffee bar, snack counter, souvenirs, and local treats
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company?
You can take a self-guided tour, watch the nut processing through large windows, enjoy free samples, and shop for macadamia treats and souvenirs in the gift shop.
Is there a guided tour available?
No, the tour is self-guided. Informational signs and videos walk you through the harvesting and packaging process as you view it from large observation windows.
What kinds of products are sold in the store?
You'll find macadamia nuts in various flavors (chocolate-covered, honey roasted, wasabi, etc.), coffee, gift baskets, snacks, and locally made souvenirs.
Where is it located?
The facility is located at 16-701 Macadamia Rd in Keaau, just a few miles south of Hilo. It's easily accessible via Highway 11 with a short turnoff onto Macadamia Road.
Is parking available?
Yes, there is ample free parking onsite for cars and tour buses.