Oahu Revealed - The Mac Nut Farm

I was lucky to live in Hawaii for nearly seven years and let me tell you - I did not take it for granted! I drove all over the island, exploring every nook and cranny. I hiked as many trails as I could (some illegal!) I kayaked and I camped and I snorkeled. I discovered rock climbing. I visited the other islands - OFTEN. And I spent A LOT of time on the beach!

Oahu. The third largest and the most populated island. Many people are well aware of the main Oahu tourist attractions:

Waikiki
Diamondhead
Kokohead Crater
Hanauma Bay
Pearl Harbor
North Shore
Polynesian Cultural Center
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Iolani Palace
Bishop Museum

These are all great places to explore on Oahu. But I actually have a favorite spot that not many people even know about  The Mac Nut Farm.  http://www.macnutfarm.com

The Mac Nut Farm is a hidden gem and a blast to visit! It's a family owned farm that was started in 1987. Today you can find every flavor of macadamia nut and macadamia nut products (chocolates!) and coffee in the gift shop And they have free samples of everything! They also carry local products like art and jewelry. I've picked up a few special pieces of local art here.

The best thing about the Mac Nut Farm is the tour (done by Alii Tour). This isn't some old boring farm tour. This is a big production with talented performers! Hop on a bus with some local guys dressed up in costume and acting the part. Get ready to laugh! The tour guides flirt shamelessly with the women. They drive you around the property and point out plants and where famous TV shows and movies have been filmed. (Gilligan's Island, Fantasy Island, 50 First Dates, Lost, Tears of the Sun and Along Came Polly.) There is a brief stop at a scenic luau area where the tour guides entertain and educate by teaching how to start a fire with sticks and crack a coconut. You get to try your hand at cracking the coconut too and then you get to snack on it! They also throw in a little fire dance, because what Hawaiian tour isn't complete without a fire dance? And then they head off again this time to a little man made pond where everyone jumps on a boat for a short ride. Back on the bus and back around to where it all started with plenty of chances for pictures along the way.

As you can see, the Mac Nut Farm was a memorable experience for me! I went several times while I lived on Oahu. I highly recommend it. But the tours are only twice a day so book your tour early and plan your trip around it.

What's your favorite out-of-the-way spot on Oahu?

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