Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, near Hilo

It's lovely to drive to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, on a country road lined with Norfolk pines, past rows and rows of macadamia nut trees! We drove on a rainy Hilo day, which worked quite well since it was too wet to do anything else outside. A sunny day, though, is better for the Nature Walk by the Visitor Center, which is not a path but a lawn dotted with interesting tropical plants that are labeled. The Visitor Center is a fairly plain shop selling macadamia nuts. Across from the Visitor Center is a building with a side balcony where you can walk past huge photos explaining the history of the company. It is very interesting to see these historic photos!

To get to the beautiful farm road called Macadamia Nut Road, you must first drive 6 miles out of Hilo on Highway 11, which is full of traffic lights.
While out this way, visit Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, which is really beautiful! There are tropical flowers and bright trees, plus cute poison dart frogs and other animals. The playground for kids is wonderful.
Nani Mau Gardens is also out this way, and offers a pretty walk through the formal, tropical gardens (open Mon-Fri 10-5, admission $5).

Directions

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm is located at 16-701 Macadamia Road, Keaau. It is a 17 minute drive from Hilo. Open Mon-Sat 9-4, closed Sunday. It is free to visit.

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