New Hawai‘i Labeling Law Requires Origin Notice on Macadamia Products

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, macadamia nut products sold in Hawai‘i must carry a label stating when any macadamia nuts in the package were not grown in the state. Act 199, passed by the Hawai‘i State Legislature and enacted in 2024, amends §HRS 486-120.5 to strengthen truth-in-labeling requirements and give consumers clearer information about the origin of macadamia ingredients.

The law requires packagers to print the statement, "This package contains macadamia nuts that were not grown in Hawaiʻi," on packaging when raw or processed macadamia nuts include any nuts not grown within the state. The statute does not require disclosure of the exact geographic source of those nuts, nor does it require manufacturers to state the percentage of macadamias that are from outside Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Measurement Standards Branch worked with the industry since the law was enacted in 2024 to provide guidance on the new packaging requirements.

The new rules include exemptions for products in which macadamia nuts are not the predominant ingredient. Items such as candies, energy bars, cookies and other baked goods, and ice cream are among the examples cited as not subject to the mandatory notice. Retailers should examine ingredient lists carefully to determine whether a package must carry the statement.

Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, said the measure intends to preserve the premium reputation of Hawai‘i-grown macadamias and to stop misuse of origin claims. "Truth in labeling should prevent companies from misusing the origin of the actual macadamia product used and help to assure consumers that they are getting a true Hawai‘i product rather than one that has been outsourced from another country," Hurd said.

For Big Island County, where macadamia products are a visible part of local agriculture and the souvenir market, the rule change means packagers and small producers will need to review their packaging immediately to ensure compliance. Gift shops, farmers markets and producers that blend Hawai‘i-grown nuts with imports will see labels change, and consumers can expect more transparent declaration of mixed-origin products.

Federal statistics put the value of Hawai‘i’s macadamia nut crop in 2023 at about $3.9 million, with roughly 37 million pounds harvested. Questions about the labeling requirements may be directed to the Measurement Standards Branch at 808-832-0690 or dab.ms@hawaii.gov.