Beyond the Mana Up companies, guests will find more local handiwork and craftsmanship throughout the Visitor Center at every turn. When we were there (a Tuesday during business hours) there was very little going on inside. But we have an ulterior motive; we like to get their unsalted crushed fines, and broken nuts, for baking and adding to pancakes. Are the nuts processed at the Mauna Lia factory free of cross contamination with other nuts e.g. Book online, pay at the hotel. The visitor center near Asheville is a one-stop shop for all things Blue Ridge Parkway. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts. It's a fun 3-mile drive through macadamia nut orchards with fun fact signs about mac nuts along the way. For that matter, we live in the Philippines a Mauna Loa box of candy they wanted $10.00 for we can buy at the local Costco Philippines Store (S & R Shopping) for $4.09, after they ship the product 6,000 miles and pay all the import fees and costs. We were driving by on a rainy day and decided to stop in due to weather. After two years of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Mauna Loa has opened its, Danielle Laubenstein, Senior Director of Global Marketing for Mauna Loa, shared, My hope for guests coming to the Visitor Center is a sense of coming home to a place that is nostalgic, but refreshed and new. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. If Your In The Area--- It's Worth The Stop. Really not worth the trip. Couldn't decide how many Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. Factory tour is a couple of windows that you can look through, It was only on the last time I was there that I actually saw people working. Visiting Mauna Loas Visitor Center is a must when it comes to visiting Hawaii Island. No reservation costs. Additionally, the store has a small cafe that serves reasonably priced food (e.g., hot dog) and ice cream. And you will end up taking some away . Thanks! Made with Non-GMO ingredients and flavors inspired by Hawaii, our dry roasted macadamias are the perfect gluten-free everyday snack. The installation is located right next to the center and directly powers 85% of Mauna Loas processing plant with solar energy. Could buy for less than $4.00 and did at the Walmart a few miles away. Once you see it, make your way down Macadamia Road to arrive at Macadamia Powered Paradise! Get directions here If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. You can walk around the grounds in 15 to 20 minutes. See our camping page for more information. Our address is 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau, HI 96749. Located in the middle of a 2,500-acre macadamia orchard near Hilo, the Visitor Center is one of Hawai'i Island's most popular tourist destinations. Touristy, no doubt. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. You would have to check online and make an inquiry. I'm reading the reviews and everyone says it is a self-guided tour and all you can do is look through the windows. IMHO having been there several times..yes. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut has produced macadamia nuts roasted to golden perfection for over 30 years. Relative to our stop at another macadamia nut factory on Oahu, the samples didn't seem very generous. The road to the factory has rows and rows of Macadamia trees. Mauna Loa is happy to welcome our ohana to our newly renovated Visitor Center store. Now, contrary to most reviewers, my family and I really LIKE the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company. Enjoyed seeing all the varieties of macadamias available for purchase. Buttery, dry-roasted macadamia nuts, are draped in rich milk chocolate for indulgent snacking perfection. We were headed south towards Volcanoes National Park and hadn't gotten to see or learn about Macadamia nuts. Read our, Very Overpriced and not much to see, Use your time better at other places. Visitors are invited to explore the Mauna Loa Visitor Center, view the ~3,000-panel solar farm, and see the production facility in action through its windows. Nothing much to see. The Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company (in Kawaihae, north of Kona website) The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation (close to Hilo, website) Both above have visitor center where you can see how the nuts are processed and the Hamakua Macademia Nut Company also offers free samples and coffee at their visitor center. Copyright 2023 Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is open: We recommend booking Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Learn more about the history of lei with Oahu based lei maker, Dillyn. GPS coordinates for Mauna Loa Road Lookout Shelter: 19.49283, -155.38551, Pu'u Ula'ula - Red Hill Cabin: 19.53034, -155.46440, Mauna Loa Summit Cabin : 19.46647, -155.58201 . First, they do not take cash. It's a good look around prices on the products are good. We toured entire attraction in about 1 hour. Friendly associates, clean store, lots of selections for the macadamia lovers. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Gift shop, which sells packaged nuts at decent prices, is open daily; factory is closed on weekends and holidays. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center 3.5 509 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Keaau Visitor Centers Closed now Visit website Call Email Write a review About Visiting Mauna Loas Visitor Center is a must when it comes to visiting Hawaii Island. There is no fee. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center is temporarily closed. We were offered a small cup with one each of their popular flavors of macadams. Address: 16-701 Macadamia Road, Hilo, HI 96720 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. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The name "Mauna Loa" is a Hawaiian term that means "Long Mountain" and refers to the massive size and huge lava flow of this largest single mountain mass.Occupying a land area of 5,271 sq. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation began converting five old sugar plantations to macadamia plantations at the rate of 1000 acres a year. The brands that are featured include Wai Meli, Big Island Coffee Roasters, Ao Organics Hawaii, Little Hands Hawaii, Sea Salts of Hawaii, Liko Lehua, Kaimana Jerky, Hawaiian Vanilla Co., Western Aloha, Malama Mushrooms, Ua Body, Kapa Nui Nails, Po Naturals and Pawniolo Pets. Expected that there would be some sort of set up to explain their business. KEAAU, September, 2022 - The iconic Hawaii-based macadamia nut brand, Mauna Loa, has reopened its Visitor Center in Keaau. Hopefully that has changed, cause they lost a lot of sales. Find Nearby Explore Our Dairy-Free Ice Cream Purchase with Dairy-Free Ice Cream Big Island Mac Nut Explore Flavor Dairy-Free Ice Cream After two years of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Mauna Loa has opened its Visitor Center. Which is correct? The best choice for dry roasted macadamia nuts, period. Visitors can view the plant where the nuts are husked and dried. Touristy, no doubt. Visiting Mauna Loas Visitor Center is a must when it comes to visiting Hawaii Island. The store offers other products as well including souvenirs, postcards, coffee, tea, jewelry, mugs, t-shirts, etc. Share your experience with us in the comments below! We would recommend you use your time better. The Mauna Loa Visitor Center has a viewing area for visitors to take photos of the packing area. more, Experience Hawai'i Big Island Helicopter Flight from Kona, Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour, Kona's Deluxe Snorkel - Beat the Crowds to Captain Cook and Place of Refuge, Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour, Snorkel Tour to Captain Cook Monument Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument. Its two active volcanoes testify to the ongoing birth of the islands: quiet Mauna Loa (13, Arguably Hilo's most beautiful spot, these sprawling Japanese gardens are perfect for picnicking. The reductions in blood cholesterol with the macadamia nut diet are greater than what would be expected solely on the basis of the type of fat consumed, suggesting that there are other bioactive factors in macadamia nuts. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. For a savory snack, try our Maui Onion & Garlic Mac Nuts conveniently packed in 200 calorie packs. Facilities were clean. The Mauna Loa visitor center is worth a quick stop to see the assembly line if it's open, watch an (albeit outdated) video about the nut process, and walk around the nice tropical garden behind the center. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Today's Paper Eventually, nine strains were developed that could consistently produce a high-quality nut. Visiting Mauna Loa's Visitor Center is a must when it comes to visiting Hawaii Island. By 1976, the sugar plantation business in Hawaii was waning. Very overpriced. From windows above, watch the prized mac nut move along the assembly line from cracking and roasting to chocolate dipping and packaging. Is it cheaper to buy Mauna Loa products at the factory or at Walmart, Costco, etc? Yes, you can see the rows of Macadamia Nut Trees. Hotels near Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory & Visitors Center, Keaau Enter your dates and choose from 119 hotels and other places to stay Type your . Also, to further reduce reliance on non-organic fertilizer, waste macadamia husks are composted and returned as organic fertilizer to the orchards. Thought it was better than the Tropical Dreams Mac ice cream. No reservation costs. Website. Beginning in 1946, in the shadow of Mauna Loa volcano herself, we learned to grow and roast our macadamias to produce a nut with luscious buttery flavor and satisfying crunchbecoming a Hawaiian icon in the process. Is your Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center open? Mauna Loa Visitor's Center. That was the beginning of a long partnership between MAUNA LOA and the University of Hawaii, which continues today. Mauna Loa launched a new look featuring illustrations of iconic locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Explore different ways to experience this place. Very Overpriced and not much to see, Use your time better at other places. Find hotels near Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory & Visitors Center, USA online. What hotels are near Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center? The best thing about it was the macadamia nut ice cream dished out at the snack bar to the rear. One spot had a button which you'd expect if you pushed it you'd hear something- it was broken. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. km, Mauna Loa covers about 51% of the area of the Island of Hawai'i, and the weight of this mammoth . Kona Hawaii, Coffee and Chocolate Tours Plus Gift Shop, Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument Snorkel - Small-Group Experience, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes Waterfalls Sightseeing and History, Kulaniapia Falls Daypass with Activity Discount. Overall, the cost was reasonable. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. In 2021, our 76-year-old brand entered a new chapter. The visitor center is open every day from 9am to 5pm. We went to Walmart a couple days after visiting here and the macadamias were cheaper by $2/bag. Our shore excursion stops at this place for "lunch" but it is not clear what sort of food is available. Team members from across our organization worked together to make this happen and we are all excited to welcome local and global guests to the Visitor Center again.. The unassuming bump on Mauna Loa's southeast flank would be easily, Even among Hawaii's many wonders, this national park stands out. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. In hindsight, we could have spent our time better doing almost anything else. In addition to Mauna Loa, fellow local brand Hawaiian Host and Hawaiis leading incubator Mana Up will be selling at our store. Mauna Loa has also reduced its overall reliance on electrical energy by channeling the generated steam to heat the factory's nut drying tanks. The Mauna Loa macadamia nut brand has reopened its Visitor Center in Keaau. My hope for guests coming to the Visitor Center is a sense of coming home to a place that is nostalgic, but refreshed and new, Danielle Laubenstein, senior director of global marketing for Mauna Loa, said in a press release. And you will end up taking some away . Try the Macadamia Nut Ice Creams, they are delicious. Explore different ways to experience this place. Visitors should park in the Visitors Parking Lot and check in at the Visitor Control Center. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). This location is primarily a store/gift shop where you can get free tastings and the best prices on Mauna Loa products. Neither has public telephones or public transportation. Claim this business (808) 966-8618. The Mauna Loa Visitor Center reopened on Thursday after being closed for more than two years. Get a map, talk to a ranger, pick up some merchandise, learn about other area offerings, and explore parkway-themed exhibits. The clerk was apologetic, but they still lost a sale and we wasted our time walking around the store. The brands that are featured include: Wai Meli, Big Island Coffee Roasters, Ao Organics Hawaii, Little Hands Hawaii, Sea Salts of Hawaii, Liko Lehua, Kaimana Jerky, Hawaiian Vanilla Co., Western Aloha, Mlama Mushrooms, Ua Body, Kapa Nui Nails, P Naturals, and Pawniolo Pets. It is a trip so well worth the taking! For future updates to our visitor center, check back here or sign up for our emails to get up-to-date information. As of August 2021, it's still temporarily closed. Cool down with this blended treat using our Strawberry Guava Dairy-Free Ice Cream. Hiking includes a short loop with access to the Mountains-to-Sea trail. Our phone line is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. I love macadamia nuts, so I circled the Mauna Loa factory as a must stop on the return trip from Volcano National Park. Very overpriced. When is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center open? There is not much of a tour to see, its a short walk on outside of building looking in windows to factory, more of a stop to taste all the nut flavors and buy bags of nuts. It's a fun place to go on a rainy day. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation is also known for its efforts to produce renewable energy to power its Hilo processing facility. The original Macadamia nut comes from Hawaii. For a savory snack, try our Maui Onion & Garlic Mac Nuts conveniently packed in 200 calorie packs. Read More Mauna Kea Beach Drive 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Friendly associates, clean store, lots of selections for the macadamia lovers. Look for our updated logo on the side of Hawaii Belt Road. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Chocolate-Covered Macadamias. We went to Walmart a couple days after visiting here and the macadamias were cheaper by $2/bag. I felt there should be some type of sale, or bundle price for buying multiple packages. Boxes of Chocolate were $10 and up. Visiting Mauna Loas Visitor Center is a must when it comes to visiting Hawaii Island. The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts company grows 10,000 acres of macadamia trees on the eastern side of the Big Island. Couldn't decide how many The Mana Up area of the Mauna Loa Visitor Center includes a section featuring 14 up-and-coming Big Island retail brands. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Located in the middle of a 2,500-acre macadamia orchard near Hilo, the center which was closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of Hawaii Island's most popular tourist destinations. 16-701 Macadamia Rd, Keaau, Island of Hawaii, HI 96749-8020, Science Museums Observatories & Planetariums. Y, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm and Factory (Hilo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Maunakea Visitor Information Station: Tickets & Tours, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Mokupapapa Discovery Center: Tickets & Tours, Imiloa Astronomy Center: Tickets & Tours, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area: Tickets & Tours, Paris Seine River Sightseeing and Gourmet Dinner Cruise with 3 Course Menu, Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour, Emerald Cave Clear-Bottom Kayak Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Shuttle, Toronto Pearson International Airport Plaza Premium Lounges, Ketchikan Private Family Tour! The anchialine ponds, which flow to the ocean, are. . Visitor Center: Stop by to ask a question or pick up a map. This is just the first phase of the opening as we plan for more exciting opportunities in the future.. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Located in the middle of a 2,500-acre macadamia orchard near Hilo, the Visitor Center is one of Hawai'i Island's most popular tourist destinations. We could see inside their processing area because they have windows so visitors can view the inside, but no one working in the plant on Sunday. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. At the end of the narrow, one-lane Mauna Loa Road is Mauna Loa Lookout. Look for our updated logo on the side of Hawaii Belt Road. It's also no better for you than ice cream.. Blech! I dont recall the prices being really low.so I am guessing costco or walmart will give you just as good a pricenot sure though! Hawaii macadamia nut farmers are struggling amidst foreign competition and the. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut accepts credit cards. In 1956, the first commercial crop was harvested. Have fun. The gift shop is huge but the factory tour was less than expected. Yes, our Mauna Loa gift shop is now open. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. There was not much to it. more. Pronounced Key-A-Veh, it's the perfect BBQ flavor to add to your summer snack rotation! There really wasn't anything. This is just the first phase of the opening as we plan for more exciting opportunities in the future., California Consumer Privacy Protection Act, Click to add a Complimentary Gift Message below. Beginning in 1946, in the shadow of Mauna Loa volcano herself, we learned to grow and roast our macadamias to produce a nut with luscious buttery flavor and satisfying crunchbecoming a Hawaiian icon in the process. While I like their products, I do not see a reason to pay a 200% mark up. Factory was not in full production mode when we visited in June. Return to top Related articles. California Consumer Privacy Protection Act, Click to add a Complimentary Gift Message below. If not, where else do you recommend to buy? What restaurants are near Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center? Save your money and buy at Walmart! For that matter, we live in the Philippines a Mauna Loa box of candy they wanted $10.00 for we can buy at the local Costco Philippines Store (S & R Shopping) for $4.09, after they ship the product 6,000 miles and pay all the import fees and costs. Copyright 2021 ThisWeek Hawaii Created by Hagadone Media. . These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Get directions here. This is a self tour of the factory. Most of those trees are still producing the premium macadamia nuts that they use to produce the commercial nuts today. NC We live on an isolated chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so we all benefit when we work together to grow our opportunities and success as a community, said Meli James, Co-Founder of Mana Up. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We live on an isolated chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so we all benefit when we work together to grow our opportunities and success as a community, Meli James, co-founder of Mana Up, said in a press release. Long drive through the macademia nut tree fields to get to the visitor center. We spent about 30-40 min here, brought a number of different flavoured Macadamia Nuts. Submit a request. Then you arrive and there is a shop to the left and the factory to the right. Please call us: 808-966-8614. E Komo Mai! Wonderful gift shop and visitors' gallery. Kilauea volcano lies at the center of activity in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. ), Kahului Shore Excursion: Maui Tropical Plantation and Iao Valley Tour, Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Day Tour from Split. While I haven't been to the factory in Hilo, I've eaten my fair share of macadamia nuts from Mauna Loa. Deluxe Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument, Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii, Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour, Sea Cave Snorkel Adventure on Navy Speed Boat! Hello, As part of our mission to see Hawaii flourish, we are excited to feature these brands as part of our store experience. We're so honored to have sponsored the 2022 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade! Monday, June 12, 2023| If you don't have an opportunity to see this don't worry just buy some of their macadamia nuts at Walmart or longs drugs. From the website: Mauna Loa has the best macadamia nuts inspired by Hawaii. Great product, but very overpriced at the factory tourist trap. Please check back for updates on when they become available for visits again. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. The, Hilo's 12-acre zoo is a terrific, family-friendly spot. The staff was all very friendly and helpful and gave a sample of nuts to try. Really good stuff. Especially if you truly loved the Hawaiian weather as much as I did, this is definitely for you!! Hello, is there an actual entrance fee to the factory or can you just drive in an walk around for free? Downside first..we decided to buy some macadamia nuts, but when we went to pay for them we were told "NO CASH, CREDIT CARD only". This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Planning a trip and notice that most tours allow 15-20-30 min at this stop. The original plantation of what was to become Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation was established in 1946. Basically a series of videos while gazing through the glass at an empty factory floor. Non-Dairy Ice Cream Product Information; How do I apply my discount code? This renewable biofuel accounts for 60% of the facility's electricity usage; greatly reducing Mauna Loa's reliance on oil produced energy. We had guests knocking on our doors almost daily in anticipation of our reopening, reflected Hawaiian Host Group President & CEO, Ed Schultz. Last time we were there (Oct 2022) they would only accept credit cards.no cash. But the one good thing is the ship . The factory and store are nestled in the groves of trees. But mac nut fans might enjoy glimpses of Mauna Loa's plantation and working factory. Check the visitor center for more hiking information. Macadamia Road south of Hilo leads to the Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm and visitor center. Including 1.5 ounces of macadamia nuts, each day may lead to an improvement in blood cholesterol levels, according to a study funded by The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY). Not really a tour, but you can buy some nuts! 94% of travellers recommend this experience. Hike a Trail: A 1.4-mile loop trail starts at the far end of the visitor center parking lot. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. KEAAU, September, 2022 The iconic Hawaii-based macadamia nut brand, Mauna Loa, has reopened its Visitor Center in Keaau. The trip around the grounds of this plantation to experience some of the utter beauty of untamed nature combined with the beauty of sculpted nature is breathtaking. Don't buy the Ice Cream, it is icey and awefull. Stroll along paved paths past tropical foliage to view a modest collection of tropical birds,, Hawaii's Japanese immigrant community is sizable and influential, especially in Hilo. Macadamia trees take seven years to produce a commercial crop and 15 years before they a producing consistently. KEAAU, September, 2022 The iconic Hawaii-based macadamia nut brand, Mauna Loa, has reopened its Visitor Center in Keaau. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation reduces its carbon footprint by burning macadamia husks, shells, and waste kernel to generate the energy required to power its Hilo processing facility. Good availability and great rates. Learn more about the history of lei with Oahu based lei maker, Dillyn. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Why are my macadamias so small/so large/different sizes? This partnership is a great example of what can happen when we collaborate. "Much stingier on their macadamia nut samples as compared to." Candy Store in Kea'au, HI They have hot dogs, chili dogs and hamburgers only I believe. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center (Keaau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. There is a building across from the shop and that is where you walk past windows and read information on the wall, as you look down at the workers inside.