Hawai'i the Big Island - Hawaii - page 424

can watch the humble mac nut as it moves along the assembly line from cracking to
roasting to chocolate dipping and packaging.
The gift shop, of course, has every variation ready for purchase, with tasters. The fact-
ory is well signed about 5 miles south of Hilo. The 3-mile access road dips through acres
of macadamia trees.
Big Island Candies CANDY TOUR
MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 800-935-5510, 935-8890; www.bigislandcandies.com ; 585 Hinano St; 8:30am-5pm)
This immaculate candy factory delights everyone, judging from the hordes of tourists
embarking upon its free self-guided tour. Taste the chocolate and macadamia confections
and you'll be hooked, too.
Festivals & Events
Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival MUSIC FESTIVAL
( 961-5711; www.ehcc.org ; 556 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo High School; adult/child $10/free) A mid-
July, two-day concert featuring virtuoso musicians in ukulele, steel guitar, slack key gui-
tar and falsetto singing.
May Day Lei Day Festival LEI FESTIVAL
( 934-7010; www.hilopalace.com ; 38 Haili St, Palace Theater) Beautiful lei displays, demon-
strations, live music and hula on the first Sunday in May.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration HISTORIC DAY
( 935-9338; Mokuola) On June 11, observe the historic reenactment of King Kame-
hameha's history, plus music and crafts.
Fourth of July INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Entertainment and food all day at Liliʻuokalani Park; fireworks display from Mokuola
(Coconut Island).
Hawaiʻi County Fair FAIR
(799 Piʻilani St, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium; adult/student $3/2) Pure nostalgia comes to
town in September, with carnival rides, games and cotton candy.