Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm - Hilo, Hawaii

While in Hilo, my friends and I stopped at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm. I wanted to visit a macadamia nut farm, which was something on my "to do list."  However, after visiting the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, I will have to return to Hilo to visit another farm elsewhere to compare the differences between the two.

Driving down a 3 mile road, you can see rows of macadamia nut trees along the street.  Just look behind the pine and you'll see the macadamia nut trees ...

I heard from a friend to never eat raw macadamia nuts unless you want to get sick to your stomach since it happened to her.  However, thanks to a reader, I learned that one can eat raw macadamia nuts! 

After driving down the road, we approached the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm visitor's area.  It's a small area for visitors to get a glimpse of production, while there's also a store for those who would like buy any Mauna Loa prodcuts.

The lady gave us tons of samples and even chased us down to give us even more macadamia nuts to try.  I heard a review that it was the opposite for someone else who actually felt scared to try samples, but I had a good experience.  The lady giving us samples was kind and generous! Thank goodness...

Although I would prefer to tell you all the wonderful things I experienced at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, I can only say that overall, it wasn't  the greatest.  From what I hear, you may want to try the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Farm instead.

I noticed there were a number of Chinese tour groups at the Mauna Loa Macamia Nut Farm and I thought to myself, "If only they could see another macadamia nut farm," because the Mauna Loa sight seemed more about purchasing products than actually learning about anything related to macadamia nuts. 

In fact, there's a self-guided tour where you witness the production of macadamia nuts, but you are basically walking outside, down a hall, looking into windows.  There are signs that tell you what is going on, but it's not that interesting.

I have to be honest with you.  The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm didn't have much to offer, except for the samples and a quick self-guided tour. There's a small cafe behind the store and a garden, but there's not much else.

I did find this sign interesting though ...

If you visit, let me know your experience!