Find out about the delicious creamy nut that’s so healthy and tasty that astronauts snack on it in outer space!
For more than 30 years, Mauna Loa has concocted delicious treats from macadamia nuts and you can sample them for free, plus see how they are made at the visitor center five miles south of Hilo.
After turning off Hwy. 11 on to Macadamia Road, you’ll drive three miles through scenic, producing nut orchards. At the visitor center, enjoy free samples of a variety of different flavors of mac nuts — honey roasted, Maui onion and garlic, wasabi and teriyaki, cookies and creme, Kona coffee glaze and more — plus cookies and candies. On most weekdays, watch workers processing the goodies, accompanied by a video.
Cool down with a scoop of delicious chocolate, vanilla and coconut macadamia nut ice cream at the snack bar. The gift shop has a great selection of souvenirs, including some creations made by island residents.
Stretch your legs in the tropical garden where signage identifies plants.
Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.