Hawaiian Host

Name

Hawaiian Host

Legal name

Hawaiian Host LLC

Website

https://hawaiianhostgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hawaiian Host Group is a Honolulu-based, PE-owned manufacturer of premium chocolate-covered macadamia confections and macadamia nut snacks, operating five brands (Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, Kapua Orchards) across 23+ countries via wholesale, D2C e-commerce, owned retail boutiques, and foodservice channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Confectionery

NAICS

Confectionery Manufacturing from Purchased Chocolate (311352), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152)

SIC

Sugar & Confectionery Products (2060), Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024)

akta.pro primary industry

Chocolate & Candy Snacks Manufacturing (AFAKAIAM)

Keywords

• Chocolate covered macadamias
• Premium macadamia nuts
• Artisanal chocolate confections
• Macadamia nut processing
• Hawaiian snack manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Honolulu

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Consumer Product Sales: Direct sales of branded macadamia nut products, chocolate-covered confections, artisanal chocolates, and plant-based ice cream to consumers through e-commerce and retail locations. HHG produces 40+ unique products sold in over 23 countries.
2. Wholesale and Retail Distribution: B2B sales of HHG products through major retail chains (ABC Stores, Foodland, Longs Drugs), specialty stores, convenience stores, military commissaries, and international distributors. Products placed on United Airlines flights.
3. Artisanal Chocolate Retail: KOHO brand operates flagship and pop-up boutique retail locations selling premium artisanal bonbons, chocolate tablets, and chocolate-covered macadamias. Premium pricing with customization options for gifting.
4. Macadamia Farming Operations: Through the MacFarms and Kapua Orchards acquisitions, HHG now operates macadamia farming operations on 4,000 acres in South Kona, Hawai'i Island, with 240,000 trees and state-of-the-art processing facilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Hawaiian Host Group manufactures, markets, and distributes premium chocolate-covered macadamia nut confections, roasted and flavored macadamia nuts, artisanal bonbons, chocolate tablets, and macadamia milk-based plant-based ice cream across a portfolio of consumer brands. Products are produced at company-owned chocolate and macadamia processing facilities in Honolulu and Kea'au using macadamia nuts sourced from company-owned orchards, and are sold in over 23 countries through owned retail, e-commerce, wholesale, foodservice, and international distribution channels.

Product overview

Hawaiian Host Group operates as a diversified macadamia and chocolate products company with a portfolio of five consumer brands and one supplier brand. The portfolio includes: Hawaiian Host (flagship chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and gift products), Mauna Loa (premium roasted macadamia nuts and Nice Cream plant-based ice cream), MacFarms (better-for-you snack nuts), KOHO (premium artisanal chocolates with bonbons and tablets), and Kapua Orchards (premium whole nut brand). Products range from chocolate-covered macadamia confections and flavored nuts to artisanal bonbons, chocolate bars, and plant-based ice cream. The company manufactures products in Honolulu and Kea'au facilities and operates macadamia orchards near South Kona, selling in over 23 countries with approximately 500 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hawaiian Host: Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and confections, positioned as a gift from Hawaii to the world
• Mauna Loa
• MacFarms
• KOHO
• Kapua Orchards
• Royal Hawaiian Orchards

Products and services

• Hawaiian Host chocolate-covered macadamia confections Flagship brand of chocolate-covered macadamia nut confections, including the iconic AlohaMacs milk chocolate-covered macadamias, positioned as 'a gift from Hawai'i to the world.' Sold via e-commerce, ABC Stores, Foodland, Longs Drugs, military commissaries, United Airlines flights, and international distributors for individual consumers and gifting.
• Mauna Loa premium roasted and flavored macadamia nuts Premium Hawaiian roasted macadamia nut brand offering roasted, flavored macadamia nut products. Motto: 'Macadamia Powered Paradise.' Brand motivates consumers toward healthier lifestyles and well-being. Sold in retail, e-commerce, and the Mauna Loa Visitor Center.
• MacFarms better-for-you macadamia snacks Better-for-you macadamia nut snack brand marketed as packing the 'taste of paradise' into macadamia nuts, with positioning around clean ingredients and healthier snacking. Acquired in 2023.
• KOHO artisanal Island-inspired chocolates Premier line of Island-inspired artisanal chocolates featuring hand-painted bonbons with exotic flavors (Macadamia Praline, Liliko'i Caramel, Guava Caramel, Mango Ginger Caramel) and premium chocolate tablets made with locally sourced Hawaiian cacao. Includes a customization bar for bespoke gift boxes at the Waikiki flagship.
• Kapua Orchards premium macadamia nuts Premium macadamia brand with 240,000 hand-picked trees on Hawai'i Island, cracked fresh on site for maximum quality. Part of the HHG portfolio acquired via MacFarms.
• Mauna Loa Nice Cream (plant-based ice cream) Dairy-free, plant-based ice cream made with macadamia milk, including Strawberry Guava and other tropical flavors. Sold via retail and featured in sampling events such as the Surfrider Foundation 'Christmas in July' auction.
• Hawaiian Host 95th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Limited-edition anniversary packaging of Hawaiian Host's original chocolate-covered macadamia confections marking 95 years of company history.
• Paradise Collection Premium macadamia confection collection featuring Strawberries & Cream, Ube, and Matcha Green Tea varieties with pan-coated white chocolate. Award-recognized innovation line.
• Maui Caramacs Iconic Hawaiian Host chocolate-covered caramel confection featuring softer, smoother caramel with improved shape consistency, produced on upgraded equipment after the 2024 Honolulu factory renovation.
• Hawaiian Host & Uncle's Ice Cream Sandwich collaborations Series of limited-edition ice cream sandwich collaborations featuring Hawaiian Host macadamia confections (including Matcha Green Tea) with Uncle's Ice Cream, distributed through ABC Stores, Foodland, Longs Drugs, and military commissaries.
• Hawaiian Host Chocolate Sauce (Japan-exclusive) First Japan-made product under the Hawaiian Host brand, developed as an OEM chocolate sauce offering tailored to Japanese consumer preferences.
• Flavors of Aloha Collection chocolate bars Line of chocolate bars featuring five Hawaiian-inspired flavors: Tropical Sunrise Swirl, Island Bounty, Pau Hana, Rocky Road to Paradise, and Surfer's Breakfast. Sold through HawaiianHost.com and ABC Stores.

Quantifiable outcome

• Voted Hawai'i's Best Omiyage by readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in the 2025 Hawai'i's Best People's Choice Awards
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Southwest Maui InvitationalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2025Mauna Loa returned as the Official Snack Nut Sponsor of the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational college basketball tournament scheduled for November 24-26, 2025 in Maui, Hawai'i. The sponsorship includes giveaways, contests, and sampling to engage fans and promote the brand's connection to Hawai'i.
• University of Hawai'i at ManoaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2024HHG partnered with the University of Hawai'i at Manoa through its $12 million Honolulu facility renovation. HHG engages students in engineering programs and offers pathways to STEM careers on the Islands as part of workforce development and nurturing local talent.
• Make-A-Wish Hawai'icoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2024HHG has partnered with Make-A-Wish Hawai'i (MAWH) as a platinum sponsor of its annual superhero-themed fundraising gala. The partnership supports life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. HHG has supported MAWH for several years, contributing to record-breaking galas. The partnership embodies the Spirit of Hawai'i and aloha.
• Hawaii Community Foundation (Maui Strong Fund)minorOthers · 12 August 2023HHG donated $10,000 to the Maui Strong Fund by Hawaii Community Foundation to provide rapid resources to communities affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires, prioritizing shelter, food, financial assistance, and other critical services.
• Hawaii Red CrossminorOthers · 12 August 2023HHG donated $10,000 to the Hawaii Red Cross, which provided over 2,100 overnight shelter stays for wildfire evacuees, along with food, emotional support, and relief supply distribution following the 2023 Maui wildfires.
• Maui Food BankminorOthers · 12 August 2023HHG donated $28,500 of products to Maui Food Bank and first responders as part of Maui wildfire relief efforts in August 2023.
• Schauffele Family Foundation / Xander SchauffeleminorOthers · 12 August 2023The Schauffele Family Foundation and Hawaiian Host Group each pledged to match donations to the Help Maui Rise fundraiser dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 each, resulting in a potential total contribution of over $400,000 to Hawaii Community Foundation's wildfire relief efforts.
• National Confectioners AssociationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 August 2023HHG leveraged its industry network to collaborate with the National Confectioners Association and its members/partners to raise $100,000 or more for Maui wildfire relief. The NCA is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry.
• MasterClassminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023HHG enhanced its Talent Development program in January 2023 by providing MasterClass subscriptions for all team members across departments, locations, and levels. The company watches one MasterClass course per quarter together, including sessions by Bob Iger and others. Team members have watched over 41,905+ minutes of MasterClass content.
• Mana UpcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 September 2022Mauna Loa partnered with Mana Up, a Hawai'i-based accelerator, at the reopening of the Mauna Loa Visitor Center in Kea'au in September 2022. The partnership features 14 rising Hawai'i Island-based brands at the Visitor Center, providing small local businesses access to a global audience of travelers. Mana Up founders served as mentors for Mauna Loa executives prior to the collaboration.
• Island HarvestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2022Island Harvest is one of HHG's long-term local macadamia nut suppliers, with a partnership spanning over 20 years. A family-owned business founded by James Trump in 1991, Island Harvest operates a 700-acre farm in Kohala on Hawai'i Island. Nathan and Andrew Trump (General Manager and Vice President) hosted Lunch & Learn sessions for HHG team members on macadamia farming in Hawai'i.
• Restaurant SuntorycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 April 2022KOHO Chocolates partnered with Restaurant Suntory in Waikiki for an exclusive Japanese whisky pairing menu following the restaurant's $2 million reopening. Four KOHO chocolate flavors are paired with Japanese whiskies including Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Hakushu 12 Years, Yamazaki 18 Years, and Yamazaki 12 Years. The partnership is described as continuous with plans to expand to Suntory restaurants in Japan.
• DSD RenewablescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2022Hawaiian Host Group partnered with DSD Renewables (DSD) to complete a 1.2 MW solar farm and 500 kW battery storage system for Mauna Loa's Kea'au facility. DSD designed, implemented, and serves as long-term owner and manager of the solar and storage assets. The installation powers 85% of the processing plant with solar energy.
• No Ka Oi EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2022No Ka Oi Energy in Maui brought the solar project to DSD Renewables and assisted in development. No Ka Oi Energy is proud to be working toward increasing clean, renewable energy in Hawai'i.
• Outrigger Waikiki Beach ResortcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2021KOHO's flagship boutique is located on the ground floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort on Kalakaua Ave. The partnership provides a prestigious retail location for KOHO artisanal chocolates with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony held at the opening.
• Barry Callebaut GroupminorOthers · 12 October 2021Barry Callebaut Group is HHG's key chocolate supplier. HHG President & CEO Ed Schultz was invited to speak at BCG's annual leadership summit about how HHG handled challenges during the pandemic. BCG is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products with over 60 production facilities and 12,000+ employees.
• Surfrider Foundation O'ahuminorOthers · 30 July 2021Mauna Loa Nice Cream participated in the Surfrider Foundation O'ahu's 'Christmas in July' auction and event, sampling dairy-free strawberry guava nice cream to event attendees. All proceeds supported the Foundation's ocean-cleanup efforts. The Surfrider Foundation has 80 chapters and 100 youth clubs nationwide.
• Uncle's Ice CreamcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2021Hawaiian Host and Uncle's Ice Cream launched their fifth flavor collaboration featuring a Double Chocolate Matcha Ice Cream Sandwich with Hawaiian Host's Matcha Green Tea macadamia confections. The partnership has produced multiple successful ice cream sandwich flavors and is distributed through 90+ retailers across O'ahu including ABC Stores, Foodland, military commissaries, and more.
• Eater / Netflix AAPI CampaignminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2021Hawaiian Host was featured in an Eater and Netflix partnership for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, roundup of AAPI-owned snacks. Netflix featured shows highlighting AAPI-created stories while Eater featured AAPI-owned businesses including Hawaiian Host's Tiki Deluxe Milk Chocolate Macadamias.
• Kahala (Brand Partnership)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 May 2021Mauna Loa partnered with fellow local Hawai'i brand Kahala to bring the Aloha spirit to the mainland with a pop-up shop at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles.
• Ukulele Festival Hawai'iminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 April 2021Hawaiian Host was named the 2021 title sponsor of Ukulele Festival Hawai'i, the world's first and original 'ukulele festival, partnering with the original chocolate-covered macadamia confectioner to share laughter, love, and hope.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• See's Candies: Iconic American boxed chocolate and confectionery brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Directly comparable to Hawaiian Host in premium boxed chocolate gifting, seasonal assortments, and omiyage-style gifting occasions across the US.
• Sahale Snacks: Premium better-for-you nut and trail-mix snack brand owned by Snyder's-Lance/Campbell. Directly comparable to Mauna Loa and MacFarms in the premium, flavored, better-for-you nut snacks category at retail.
• Blue Diamond Growers: The world's largest almond marketer and a cooperative of California almond growers. Directly comparable to Hawaiian Host as a vertically integrated tree-nut snack brand with a broad portfolio of flavored, value-added nut products sold through mass-market retail and food service.
• Russell Stover Chocolates: Major US boxed chocolate and seasonal confectionery brand owned by Lindt & Sprüngli. Directly comparable to Hawaiian Host in mass-market premium boxed chocolate, gift assortments, and Valentine/holiday gifting channels.
• Big Island Candies: Hawai'i-based premium chocolate and shortbread manufacturer with a flagship Hilo visitor destination and broad distribution. A direct regional competitor for Hawaiian tourist/omiyage share and premium Hawaiian chocolate gifting.

Emerging players

• So Delicious Dairy Free: Plant-based dairy alternative brand (Turtle Mountain) producing dairy-free ice cream and creamers. Comparable as an emerging plant-based frozen dessert player overlapping with Mauna Loa Nice Cream's macadamia-milk ice cream innovation.

Broad incumbents

• Ghirardelli Chocolate Company: Premium American chocolate brand owned by Lindt & Sprüngli, with strong gifting and foodservice presence. Comparable as a broader incumbent in premium chocolate squares, baking chips, and gift-boxed confections.
• Godiva Chocolatier: Global premium chocolate brand (owned by Yıldız Holding) with boutiques and broad distribution. A broader incumbent in premium chocolate confections and gifting that overlaps with Hawaiian Host's KOHO and AlohaMacs premium tier.
• Wonderful Pistachios: Vertically integrated premium nut snacks brand from The Wonderful Company. Comparable as a broader incumbent in single-nut premium snacking and better-for-you positioning, parallel to Mauna Loa's branded macadamia strategy.
• Lindt & Sprüngli: Swiss premium chocolate manufacturer with global retail and Lindor/excellence brands. A broader incumbent in premium chocolate gifting, with overlapping customer occasions and retail channels to Hawaiian Host and KOHO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hawaiianhostgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hawaiianhostgroup
• Instagraminstagram.com/hawaiian.host.group
• TikToktiktok.com/@hawaiianhostgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Host