Macadamia nuts are popular throughout the U.S., with a sweet, buttery flavor that works well in cookies, pies, and pastries of all kinds. They're especially popular in Hawaii, and many famous dishes and sweets from the islands include them. But macadamia nuts aren't native to Hawaii, so how did they become so widespread here? Find out more about their history in the following guide.

How Macadamia Nuts Came to Hawaii

William Herbert Purvis was an investor in Hawaii in the late 19th century. He was also a plant collector. During a trip to Australia, he encountered the macadamia tree, which is native to that continent. He brought back some of the nuts, and in 1882, planted them back in Hawaii.

Because the nuts’  sweet flavor went well with desserts and confections, they quickly grew popular with the sugar producers operating on the islands. Commercial production started 40 years later, led by Ernest Van Tassel.

How Macadamia Nuts Are Eaten Today

Macadamia nuts make a delicious snack on their own, either roasted or raw. Chocolate-dipped nuts are an even more popular local treat. They're also often paired with white chocolate in delicious cookies or used as a topping on other treats like cakes and a wide range of fancy desserts.

Hawaii's bakeries and restaurants use them in macadamia nut cream pies, so you can enjoy this island favorite as part of an unforgettably sweet treat.

For the most delicious macadamia nut cream pie on Oahu, visit Ted's Bakery. Based in Haleiwa, HI, and with additional locations and authorized vendors across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, they are one of Hawaii's most popular restaurants and bakeries. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside a mouthwatering bakery selection. Find out more about their menu on their website, or call (808) 638-8207 to place a pie order.