sustainability
An Eco-friendly Nut
Hawaii's macadamia industry is built on sustainable practices developed over a century of research and farming. We are committed to sustainable agriculture and protecting Hawaii's natural resources.
Hawaii Macadamia Nut Cultivation
Fun fact for macadamia nut lovers
Hawaii was the first place to cultivate these nuts commercially. In the late 1800s, plant collectors encountered them in Australia — and they happened to import the species best suited to Hawaii's tropical climate: Macadamia integrifolia. It was a lucky break. By the turn of the century, this smooth-shelled nut was thriving at Hawaii's lower elevations.
That set the stage for decades of macadamia research by the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station and a century of farmers tending 100% Hawaii-grown nuts. Today, our industry is centered on the Big Island, known for its active volcanoes and the youngest soils in our island chain. Because our trees can live as long as 100 years, growing them has become a lifestyle that extends back generations on Hawaii’s family farms.
A Naturally Eco-Friendly Nut
The natural habitat of macadamia trees is in rainforests, and they tend to flourish on farms alongside pineapple, guava, coffee, papaya, mango and bananas when farmers emulate the principles of nature.
Our farmers have adopted sustainable practices that protect the land, such as relying on the natural drought tolerance of macadamia trees. This allows many of Hawaii’s growers to skip irrigation, save our groundwater, and rely on rain to feed their trees.
Giving back to the ʻāina
After harvesting, macadamia husks and shells are recycled into mulch, ground covers, and compost, boosting soil health and reducing erosion.
Boosting soil health
In a region with abundant rocky lava landscapes, these soil amendments play a critical role: All boost soil health by reducing erosion, increasing moisture and adding nutrients. Watch the video to learn more.
Embracing biodiversity
Hawaii’s macadamia nut farmers embrace a diversity of sustainable practices – from minimizing pesticides in their fields to full organic certification. At least one a farm is using biomass energy made from macadamia shells, and others have adopted solar power, making the industry more eco-friendly.
Join our mission towards a sustainable future by choosing 100% Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts.
As Hawaii enters its second century of commercially growing macadamias, we aim to ensure that our farming communities – and our islands’ unique environments – thrive for generations to come.
HMNA Membership
Become a Member today!
Join HMNA today and be part of our macadamia nut industry's continued growth and success.
