Hilo, HI Edition: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, Volcano Winery & Big Island Candies

By Candace Nelson - 6:10 PM

IMG_9538

My final day in Hawaii was spent on the big island of Hawaii.

IMG_9546

The first stop was at Wailuku River State Park to see Rainbow Falls.

IMG_9547

Then, we went to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.

IMG_9548

It’s the official visitor center and retail store for Mauna Loa macadamia nuts, located on a working macadamia orchard and near the processing facility in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi.

IMG_9549

There is a large shop celebrating Hawaiʻi’s famous macadamia nuts along with local products and souvenirs.

IMG_9551

My favorites were the garlic onion.

IMG_9552

Next, it was the Volcano Winery, America's southernmost winery.

IMG_9553

Volcano Winery blends traditional grape wines with tropical fruits and honey to make unique wines such as Symphony Mele, Hawaiian Guava-Grape, Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, and others that reflect the island’s agricultural bounty.

IMG_9554

The volcanic soils and high elevation give a distinct character to the grapes and tea crops grown on site.

IMG_9557

We had a simple lunchmeat sandwich and chips for lunch to go with our tasting.

IMG_9558

Founded in 1986 by retired Oʻahu veterinarian Lynn “Doc” McKinney as a passion project growing Symphony grapes in Volcano’s volcanic soil and cool high-elevation climate.

IMG_9559

McKinney soon began experimenting by blending local tropical fruits (like jaboticaba, guava, lilikoi/passion fruit) and honey wines, creating distinctive Hawaiian-style wines that were so different the U.S. government had to classify them in a special category.

IMG_9560

The winery opened to the public in 1993 and was sold in 1999 to Del Bothof, whose family continues to operate it.

IMG_9576

Then, we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

IMG_9585

We finished the day at Big Island Candies.

IMG_9602

Big Island Candies is a beloved Hawaiian sweets company and gift shop based in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, founded in 1977 by Allan and Irma Ikawa with the goal of making the finest macadamia-nut-based confections using top-quality local ingredients

IMG_9608

Its iconic Macadamia Nut Shortbread cookies, diagonally dipped in rich chocolate, remain the signature item and a classic Hawaiʻi treat.

IMG_9609

The company also makes decadent chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, truffles, brownies, biscotti, and other artisan chocolates crafted with Big Island macadamia nuts, Kona and Kaʻū coffee, island eggs, and high-grade chocolate.

IMG_9610

Many products are beautifully packaged and sold as “omiyage” gifts — souvenirs travelers bring home for friends and family.

IMG_9550

The Hilo flagship store features a gift shop filled with confections and seasonal assortments, and large windows let visitors view production of some treats on weekdays.

IMG_9616

Free samples of cookies and Kona coffee are often available inside, and there’s also a snack counter with ice cream, smoothies, and other refreshments.

IMG_9625

Big Island Candies combines premium island-grown ingredients, handcrafted techniques, and distinctive Hawaii-inspired products, making it a must-stop for sweet lovers and a classic Hawaiian gift choice.

IMG_9674

  • Share:

You Might Also Like

0 comments

All work property of Candace Nelson. Powered by Blogger.