The Hawaiian Islands are known for pristine beaches in a variety of colors, lush scenery, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and booming tourism industry. You might be surprised to learn, however, that you can find a variety of other industries and agriculture in the Aloha State, including, but not limited to, the production of coffee, chocolate, and, our favorite, macadamia nuts. I challenge you to find someone who has never heard of — or even tasted — a Mauna Loa macadamia nut. But fewer have experienced the process it takes to make your favorite tasty Hawaiian treat, which is why a visit to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center absolutely must be added to your Hawaiian bucket list.
Though the macadamia nut tree originated in Australia and wasn’t planted in Hawaii until 1882, the Aloha State is one of the world’s largest producers of macadamia nuts, and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is single biggest producer of the tasty snack in the entire world.
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In business for more than 30 years, the tasty mac nuts roasted to golden pefection at Mauna Loa are hard to beat, and if you want to learn about this tasty Hawaiian snack, there’s no better attraction than the iconic Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.
MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
As you make your way to the Visitor Center, you will drive through three miles of macadamia nut orchards. Once there, you’ll be greeted by the Mauna Loa mascot. Be sure to take a photo with him before you step inside.
MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
Once you step inside the Visitor Center, you will discover the nut and chocolate processing plant where macadamia nuts are husked and carefully dried to exact moisture specifications.
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Watch as workers create a delicious array of macadamia nut products that are packaged right here at the plant, enjoy chocolate demonstrations where Mauna Loa experts hand-dip tasty macadamia nut shortbread cookies into pure, rich milk chocolate, and see first hand how quality and taste are king here at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.
MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
You can even enjoy a variety of free samples — talk about the tastiest attraction on Hawaii Island!
MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
Don’t forget to check out the gift shop before you leave to stock up on macadamia nuts, chocolates, and other goodies. They make excellent souvenirs and gifts, but we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to keep everything for yourself.
MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
Whether you’re love macadamia nuts more than anything or are looking for an ideal rainy day activity in Hilo, a trip to the Mauna Loa factory is as fascinating as it is delicious.
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Address: 16-701 Macadamia Road, Hilo, HI 96720
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MAUNA LOA Macadamia Nuts/Facebook
Michael Hollander/Google
Maria Gizella Nemcsics/Google
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Have you ever been to this uniquely Hawaiian attraction? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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