Ahualoa Family Farms: Growing More Than Macadamia Nuts

Credit: Aaron Yoshino

At Ahualoa Family Farms on Hawaiʻi Island, owner Chad Cleveland has built more than a successful agricultural business – he has cultivated a company guided by community, sustainability, and a genuine love for farming.

Born and raised on a Southern California citrus farm and armed with a degree in Agronomy from Cal Poly Pomona, Cleveland says agriculture has always been part of who he is. “Farming’s in my heart,” he explains, adding that he also has “a passion, or addiction, for business.” That combination of agricultural knowledge and entrepreneurial drive ultimately led him to Ahualoa Family Farms.

When Cleveland acquired the business in 2017, he was not actively looking to enter the macadamia nut industry. In fact, he originally wanted to pursue more exotic crops. However, after meeting a retired couple who had created a small but promising macadamia nut operation, he recognized an opportunity. The business was rebranded as Ahualoa Family Farms, reflecting the importance of both family and community. Since then, the business has more than doubled in size through largely organic growth.

“People find our products, try our products, they love them. The product sells itself,” Cleveland says. “People find us. A lot of this has been organic growth.”

A major milestone came when the company purchased and restored Hawaiʻi’s oldest macadamia nut processing facility. Today, Ahualoa Family Farms works with more than 70 small growers across Hawaiʻi Island, helping strengthen local agriculture while producing premium, small-batch products. “Our specialty is supporting all the local farmers,” Cleveland says. “We’re kind of the only ones that actually buy from all the different farmers in the area.”

Credit: Aaron Yoshino

What distinguishes the company, according to Cleveland, is not simply the quality of its ingredients but “the art, soul and passion that goes into everything we make.” Products are crafted in small batches using fresh ingredients and locally grown macadamia nuts. The company’s philosophy centers on aloha, ʻāina, and ʻohana – principles that influence everything from sourcing and production to relationships with farmers, employees and customers.

Cleveland’s favorite product, Hawaiian Island Honey Macadamia Nuts, reflects that approach: fresh local macadamia nuts and Hawaiian honey, thoughtfully crafted and shared with pride. And perhaps his outlook on both business and life is best captured by one of his favorite sayings: “There’s nothing that a day at the beach can’t fix.”