Located in historic Kawaihae, near Puʻukoholā Heiau in South Kohala, Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company is dedicated to producing 100% Hawaiʻi-grown macadamia nuts. We ensure that all of our macadamia nuts originate exclusively from Hawaiʻi Island farms.
Macadamia nuts are sourced from orchards owned and managed directly by Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company and subsidiaries of the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2, as well as local farms of varying size. This localized approach offers our consumers a genuine taste of Hawaiʻi while fostering local economic growth and sustainability.
At our processing facility in Kawaihae, a significant portion of the energy needs—about 65%—is met through solar panels. These panels harness the abundant sunlight in Hawaiʻi, offering a clean and renewable energy source. This not only helps the environment but also aligns with sustainable and cost-effective operations.
The remaining energy requirements for our facility are largely fulfilled by a bio-mass boiler. This system utilizes crushed macadamia nut shells, a by-product of processing, as fuel. By repurposing what would otherwise be waste, our facility utilizes circular sustainability practices which not only minimizes waste but also reduces dependency on external energy sources.
Together, the integration of solar energy and bio-mass fuel makes our facility highly efficient and environmentally conscious, setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices.
Visitor Center - Kawaihae
Savor our Hawaiʻi grown macadamia nut products and discover delicious Kaʻū coffee. On weekdays from 9am-3pm, observe the cannery at work, processing and packaging our products. Come by and let us share a little taste of Hawaiʻi with you!
Ka'ū Coffee Mill Cafe - Kailua-Kona
Enjoy freshly roasted and brewed Ka’ū coffee along with a wide variety of espresso drinks and other delicious beverages! Stop by to sample and purchase 100% Kaʻū coffee, 100% Hawaiʻi grown macadamia nuts, and merchandise at a convenient location that sits within walking distance of all that Kona has to offer!
Since 2009, the Olson Trust has been an owner of the Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company. The Trust is committed to continuing Edmund C. Olson’s legacy and uses the money that it receives from it's holdings to support Hawaiʻi’s agriculture, environment, and people.
Located in historic Kawaihae, near Puʻukoholā Heiau in South Kohala, Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company is dedicated to producing 100% Hawaiʻi-grown macadamia nuts. We ensure that all of our macadamia nuts originate exclusively from Hawaiʻi Island farms.
Macadamia nuts are sourced from orchards owned and managed directly by Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company and subsidiaries of the Edmund C. Olson Trust No. 2, as well as local farms of varying size. This localized approach offers our consumers a genuine taste of Hawaiʻi while fostering local economic growth and sustainability.
At our processing facility in Kawaihae, a significant portion of the energy needs—about 65%—is met through solar panels. These panels harness the abundant sunlight in Hawaiʻi, offering a clean and renewable energy source. This not only helps the environment but also aligns with sustainable and cost-effective operations.
The remaining energy requirements for our facility are largely fulfilled by a bio-mass boiler. This system utilizes crushed macadamia nut shells, a by-product of processing, as fuel. By repurposing what would otherwise be waste, our facility utilizes circular sustainability practices which not only minimizes waste but also reduces dependency on external energy sources.
Together, the integration of solar energy and bio-mass fuel makes our facility highly efficient and environmentally conscious, setting a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices.
Visitor Center - Kawaihae
Savor our Hawaiʻi grown macadamia nut products and discover delicious Kaʻū coffee. On weekdays from 9am-3pm, observe the cannery at work, processing and packaging our products. Come by and let us share a little taste of Hawaiʻi with you!
Ka'ū Coffee Mill Cafe - Kailua-Kona
Enjoy freshly roasted and brewed Ka’ū coffee along with a wide variety of espresso drinks and other delicious beverages! Stop by to sample and purchase 100% Kaʻū coffee, 100% Hawaiʻi grown macadamia nuts, and merchandise at a convenient location that sits within walking distance of all that Kona has to offer!
Since 2009, the Olson Trust has been an owner of the Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Company. The Trust is committed to continuing Edmund C. Olson’s legacy and uses the money that it receives from it's holdings to support Hawaiʻi’s agriculture, environment, and people.
History of the Industry
1850's
Origins
The macadamia was named for John Macadam, a scientist, philosopher, and good friend of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens director who first classified and described the tree.
A subtropical evergreen of the Proteaceae family, the macadamia tree can grow up to 40 feet tall, with dark green, holly-like leaves, first used as an ornamental.
1881
Hawaiʻi's First Macadamia Tree
An Australian plant collector and sugar cane plantation manager named William Purvis came to Hawai‘i Island and brought with him Hawai’i’s first macadamia nut tree. He planted it in Kapulena on the Hāmākua Coast. Many believe the tree is still growing there today.
1920's
Commercial Production
Commercial production of macadamia nuts started in the 1920’s on the western side of Hawai‘i Island in Keauhou-Kona, and also in the east, near Honokaʻa.
1950's
Honokaʻa Sugar Company
By 1950 Honoka‘a Sugar Company was the largest mac nut producer in the Territory of Hawaiʻi, with 450 acres of trees. For the next 20 years, the industry “went nuts”. It grew exponentially as farming and production methods evolved, until Hawaiʻi Island was the world’s largest producer of “The Perfect Nut”.
Today
Mac Nut Industry
Today, about 570 growers farm around 17,000 acres of macadamia trees, producing 40 million pounds of in-shell nuts, valued at over $30 million.
Additionally, nuts are imported from South Africa and Australia, who currently lead the world market, with Hawaiʻi at #3. Here on Hawaiʻi Island, most macadamia nut growers are small, independent orchards, and that’s where we come in!
New Look, Same Quality
Brand Refresh
While we’ve refreshed our logo, our commitment to quality, flavor, and sharing the spirit of aloha remains unchanged. We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have you with us on this journey!
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Visitor Center Updates
Exciting news! Our Visitor Center just got an update, blending island charm with modern vibes. Come and see our new look as you explore your favorite macadamia nut products!
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