I know that this may seem like the most cliched activity, but visiting the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm near Hilo is a great activity on the Big Island. And yes, there are endless samples! When you live in the mainland USA you might only get macadamia nuts at Christmas or special occasions, but when you’re in Hawaii you can enjoy them year round. I’ve got all the information for visiting the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut tasting room, including things to do onsite and MY favorites for the best tasting macadamia nut varieties.
Have you been to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm on the Big Island or do you just compulsively buy the mac nuts and snack on them at all times? If you are driving the Mamalahoa Highway between the Kona Coast and Hilo, you should plan on stopping in here. If you have any questions about visiting this amazing macadamia nut heaven or driving between Kailua-Kona and Hilo, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to help others plan an unforgettable Aloha trip!
Highlights of Visiting the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
I wouldn’t be lying if I said this is one of the most snackable stops you can make when you’re traveling on the Big Island. Mauna Loa Macadamia Farm knows that the best way for them to sell their amazing nuts is to let you try absolutely every seasoning. Like visiting a coffee farm or the Lavaloha Chocolate Farm, you’ll get to try plenty of good, local products.
When you arrive at the visitor center you’ll have already seen hundreds if not thousands of macadamia nut trees. Once you’re inside the visitor center, that’s when you get to not just taste lots of different varieties of Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts, but you actually learn about their history and the process of harvesting. It’s pretty interesting. One of the highlights of stopping at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm is the orchard right outside. Yes, there are macadamia nut trees around the property, but here you’ll also find lots of beautiful flowering trees and fruit trees that you’re welcome to pick from. My favorite is the giant starfruit tree. I know we are there for the mac nuts, but have you ever harvested your own fresh starfruit? I think it’s pretty cool.
Tips for a Good Macadamia Nut Farm Visit
This may seem like a nob-brainer, but before you pull up to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, you should know if you’re allergic to mac nuts. Some people are very allergic to some nuts, but can have macadamia nuts. I’m the opposite. I can have most nuts but I’m allergic to mac nuts. I choose to have them in tiny portions so I can enjoy the flavors, but I’m really careful. Even if you’re not planning to sample anything, consider how strong your allergy is and whether or not it’s safe to be around them in such concentration.
In my solid, tried and true opinion, the best varieties of macadamia nuts available are the Maui onion and garlic and then the Kona coffee glazed. You can’t go wrong with the basic sea salt too. But try them all!
When you visit Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts, take your time actually reading the exhibits. You will for sure learn something. For example, did you know that macadamia nuts are not picked, but are collected off the ground? There are lots of unique facts to discover and some cool history to learn here.
Being Prepared for the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm
This is a really easy stop to make when you’re driving between Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo. Since you won’t be wandering through the orchards collecting nuts, all of your activity will be at the visitor center. Come with an appetite for samples and ice cream, and maybe some sunblock if you want to spend time outside in the gardens. I would allot a half hour for this stop, and don’t forget to get some macadamia nuts to bring home to your family
Parking at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center
There is plenty of parking at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut visitor center. Pay attention to signs though and don’t block the warehouse entrance or fire lane. Yes, this is an area for guests to visit, but it’s also a bit of farm industry. Be safe and don’t block a forklift or something.
Mauna Loa Mac Nut Visitor Center Operating Info
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: 9:00 am to 4:00n pm, closed on Sundays
- Visitor Center phone number: 808-982-6562
- Company website: Hawaiian Host
- Visitor Center address: 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, HI 96749
More Hilo Things to Do
Hilo is a very fun and functional city. It’s very chill and the surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. Hilo serves as a wonderful home base for exploring both Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the area from Hilo up through the Hamakua Coast. There are plenty of scenic drives on the Big Island. You can easily enjoy the city itself, the beaches and the natural wonders all the way to the Waipio Valley and return to your stay each evening. Such a great hub. Here are my favorite things to do when we’re in Hilo.
- paddleboard on Hilo Bay or Reed’s Bay
- hiking at Akaka Falls State Park
- day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- visit Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
- do the Onomea Bay Trail
- drive up Mauna Kea to the visitor center and observatories
- enjoy the Hilo farmers market
- drive up to the Hamakua Coast, stopping at Laupahoehoe Beach Park and all the farm stands
- BONUS: if there’s an eruption, visit Hawaii Volcanoes NP for lava glow
You can easily spend four or five days in Hilo exploring the east coast of the Big Island, but these ideas are a good start if you are limited for time.
More Hilo travel ideas:
Where to Stay in Hilo
When you’ve made your way to the east side of the Big Island, you’ll be able to choose where you want to stay, and that may not actually be directly in Hilo. There are lots of unique inns and bed and breakfasts from the town of Volcano all the way up the coast to Honokaa (such a cute town). I like to stay in Hilo proper as there are great biking areas and tons of great restaurants, but some people prefer a quieter atmosphere. Find a hotel or vacation rental below.
I hope you’ll consider doing the Mauna Loa Macadamia Farm tour. It’s a great way to sample lots of flavors and learn about this famous Hawaiian export. If you have any other questions about visiting the farm or doing a little road trip between Hilo and the Kona Coast, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a beautiful Hawaii trip. Aloha!
