Your TL;DR Guide to Ecotourism on East Oahu
TL;DR: Tropical Farms is a small farm located off the Kamehameha highway in the community of Kaneohe. Once a small stand, the operation now provides a tourist stop were guests can crack macadamia nuts, by souvenirs, and enjoy a beverage or two. Bring your own reusable bag (or pay for one there). You only need 30 minutes or so to enjoy this Eastside destination.
- A Brief History Behind Tropical Farms
- The Logistics: What to Know Before you Go
- What to Expect at Tropical Farms
- From the blog
Driving around the East side of Oahu is a pleasure. The beautiful Kamehameha Highway winds around the Ko’olau Mountain Range and curves along the Pacific Ocean. While driving around the Eastern side of the island, we decided to head over to Tropical Farms.
After stopping for some spam masubi and fruit at a stand on the side of the highway, we finally arrived and were warmly greeted at Tropical Farms – the “Macademia Nut Farm Outlet.”
What followed was a beautiful stop-over, filled with treats, macadamia nuts, and lovely sight-seeing. Read on for what you should know before heading out to this fantastic farming destination!
A Brief History Behind Tropical Farms
The community of Kaneohe (which means “Bamboo Husband“) was once known for its agricultural production. And while the area today is now more residential, it still is home to several farms and ranches, like Tropical Farms.
Tropical Farms started in 1987 as a small stand on the side of the road. Now, the operation has grown to feature more artists and goods, while allowing guests to get a hands-on experience at the farm.
Tropical Farms has dubbed itself “the little country store on your way to the north shore” – and it is indeed the perfect little spot to spend some time and grab a few unique souvenirs. However, the East Side of the Island is one of my favorite’s and I highly recommend spending a whole day there.
The Logistics: What to Know Before you Go
At a Glance
Address: 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy # A, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Hours: 9AM-5:30PM Daily
Cost: Free to Enter
Parking: Free, limited gravel lot
Logistically, this macadamia nut farm is pretty easy to visit. No entrance fee or reservation required.
Parking at the Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet
There is one gravel parking lot that is able to accommodate everyone. We arrived around the middle of the day and had no issues snagging a spot near the entrance. If anyone has difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, you may want to drop them off first and then park – the lot is unpaved.
Lastly, keep in mind that many tour bus do stop here on their route. We fortuitously came in between buses, but it can get crowded in the shop depending on the tour schedules.
What to Expect at Tropical Farms
Samples and Souvenirs: Unique Shopping at Tropical Farms
After parking, we were warmly welcomed by a man at the front entrance who directed us to some Kona Coffee samples inside the building. Following his advice, I grabbed a cup to sip on as I explored the store. Various smaller vendors appeared to have set-up shop inside – with a local jeweler and artist occupying the patio area that wrapped around one side of the building.
A few more steps inside, and I was greeted by rows of macadamia nuts to sample, various infused honeys to peruse, and several other souvenirs (from guava butter to lotion to bags).
We loaded up on treats and were then ready to explore the back part of the farm.
Get Hands-On: Cracking Macadamia Nuts
Have you ever cracked a macadamia nut? The answer, by the end of your visit will be a YES.
Out back, behind the shop are tons of macadamia nuts (and chickens). I had a ton of fun cracking the nuts and getting my fill of snacks in the process. The sound of something roasted filled the air and the chickens went absolutely crazy as the cracked (now empty) shells were scatted on the ground.
It only takes a few minutes, but you really could sit, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. And all you need to crack the nuts are your hands and the large stones laying around. There is also a stand selling some beverages but it was empty when we arrived.
Nestled in the peaceful community of Kaneohe is Tropical Farms – aka the Macadamia Nut Outlet. Although you only need a short amount of time (30 minutes or so) to enjoy this brief venture, it certainly is worth the trip. Perfect for families or adventurers looking for a pit-stop, Tropical Farms is on my must-visit list.
Have you been to the Macadamia Nut Outlet? What was your trip like?
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