In an effort to further honor the ‘āina that has nourished our people and business, illustrations of some of the most beloved locations throughout Hawai‘i—ones that especially embody the mana of the islands—are featured on the new packaging for our dry roasted and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Our hope is that with each glimpse of Mauna Loa’s packaging, each bite of our signature snack, you’ll be treated to the taste—and beauty—of the islands.
NĀ PALI COAST - Transport to the Nā Pali Coast of Kaua'i, one of the most recognizable coasts in the entire state, as you enjoy two of our most popular flavored macadamia nuts: Hawaiian Sea Salt and Honey Roasted. This sacred place’s lush valleys, showcased on the packaging of both flavors, were once home to Polynesian settlers who first arrived around 1200 AD. Whether you trek along its rugged cliffs that rise 4,000 feet from the ocean, or admire the emerald green peaks as you cruise along the coastline, you’ll be enchanted by the once flourishing grounds of the state’s oldest island.
KOHALA COAST - The Unsalted flavor features the picturesque Kohala Coast, the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, where the Big Island truly began. A journey through the jet-black lava fields, where the Kohala volcano erupted and formed this area more than 120,000 years ago, leads you to a verdant oasis and the white sandy beaches of the island’s sun-drenched Gold Coast.
THE ROAD TO HANA - Get a peek into the majestic Road to Hana through the illustration on the packaging of our Kiawe Smoked BBQ flavor. If you’re not familiar, this 52-mile stretch of road from Pāʻia to Hāna, Maui, takes you on an exciting trip through the rainforest and alongside waterfalls, and boasts some of the most epic island views. That is, if you can stand the hairpin twists and turns along the way.
KAHAKULOA HEAD - Of course, our Maui Onion & Garlic flavored macadamias also feature a scenic landmark on Maui, but a lesser-known one: Kahakuloa Head, a remote area known for being King Kahekili's favorite spot for cliff jumping. A drive along the narrow, winding, one-lane road that hugs the coastline to get to the unspoiled area, what locals refer to as “the elephant rock,” is undoubtedly part of the amazing experience and one you won’t soon forget.
WAIMOKU FALLS - Further transport yourself to two more noteworthy places on Maui—if only in your mind—as you indulge in our chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Our Dark Chocolate variety features Waimoku Falls, a 400-foot waterfall at the end of Pīpīwai Trail, reachable by walking two miles through grand banyan trees and a bamboo forest. Located in the Kīpahulu district, this entire coastal area was a treasured place where native people lived sustainably for hundreds of years, thanks to resources from its fertile soil and thriving ocean.
‘IAO VALLEY - Explore West Maui’s culturally and spiritually rich ‘Īao Valley as you luxuriate in our Milk Chocolate Coconut covered macadamia nuts. The botanical garden features a variety of canoe plants brought to the islands by ancient Polynesians, and as you wander along the stream you may find, and smell the fragrance of, several fruiting guava and mountain apple trees. Venture a little more than 100 steps to Kuka‘emoku lookout, commonly called ‘Īao Needle, for stunning views of the valley and Wailuku. The valley’s 4,000-acre, 10-mile long park of great historical significance, is known as the end site of Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army in an effort to unite the islands in 1790. However you choose to explore, don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as this area is one of the wettest in Hawai‘i.
HANALEI VALLEY - To delight in the picturesque Hanalei Valley, the breathtaking agricultural site on the North Shore of Kaua'i, head towards the sleepy surf town of Hanalei, or check out our Milk Chocolate Toffee covered macadamia nuts. More than just a beautiful scene, the featured taro fields are ones that have been cultivated by native Hawaiians for centuries, and are where the bulk of the poi comes from that is produced and sold in Hawai‘i. If you’ve never tasted the purple-colored starchy paste that’s pounded from cooked taro root, this is your sign to do so.
KO‘OLAU RANGE - Finally, let your mind wander through O‘ahu’s Windward Coast as you reach for a package of our Milk Chocolate covered macadamias. The cloud-enveloped summit of the Ko‘olau Range was once referred to as wao akua, or realm of the gods, due to the valuable resources that were only to be accessed by kahuna (priests). Discover another Windward side wonder after climbing a steep and often slippery hike through muddy embankments on the way to the first and second peaks of Olomana Trail. Embark upon this popular, albeit challenging, hike in Kailua and soak in the stunning vistas of the Ko‘olau Range, Kailua Bay, and Waimānalo once you reach its first peak. According to legend, Olomana was a renowned giant warrior who cared for the land from Kaoio Point to Makapu‘u Point. If the adventure is not in the cards, let the illustration on the decadent Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel macadamia nuts captivate you.
Whether you’re a Hawai‘i resident, a frequent visitor, or simply admire the islands from afar, we encourage you to explore the history, sights, sounds and flavors of these truly unique and unforgettable places in paradise—the ones that inspire us everyday.