JoesNuts Macadamia Farm — Local services in Hawaii

For WWOOFers: This place will make you learn a bit about non-violent communication. In my time there, I did witness quite a bit of yelling, cussing, racial slurs, and belittling, this is true. However, Diane (the owner) also has a part of her that feels deeply maternal and actually wants to help you grow as a person, even if she doesn't necessarily understand healthy ways of going about that. I appreciated her because she saw I enjoyed art and allowed me to take on some mural projects as part of my work and even payed me for it. She generally tried to match our work with what we were passionate about and tried to be flexible. She also took us on a couple trips in the time I was there, once to Costco and to a thrift store, to the beach, and once to a local art walk night. We helped out on her friend's farm who was out of town, picking macadamia nuts in exchange for some landscaping and afterwards she would sometimes take us to a local place to get some coffee and explore. Now Diane, I want you to know that I really appreciated some of what you did, but what these other WWOOFers have said about your communication style and behavior is very true and I hope that you can see this truth about yourself and work on that. It will attract better things for you if you can find a way to communicate more peacefully. I felt that it was in you, that part that wanted to nurture the way you did your dogs, but it was hidden under layers of defense mechanisms you must have built over the years. I don't know who hurt you so bad, but they can't hurt you now. You are the big bad farm owner lady and while a little discipline for your workers is good, there is a better way to motivated than screaming and terrifying them, even if that's how you learned to communicate. Beyond that, during my stay we had an ample supply of bananas, mangoes, avocados, coffee, bread, peanut butter, nutella, and top ramen. Diane also would sometimes trade banana leaves (is that right?) for Lao Lao, this delicious traditional pork and tarot root dish from a local restaurant. She also brought us McDonalds once or twice. Bob, the farm manager, was also a mixed batch in that yes, he did often get a little carried away in conversation, often talking over whomever he was talking to, but he also is a storyteller and willing tour guide. After a while, yes, it could feel overwhelming to converse, but under that he had some great stories and if you don't feel like listening, then it's best to just go explore! This experience is all how you take it. Hawai'i is a very spiritual place and if you were drawn to this place, there is probably a reason you ended up there, some lesson you need to learn. If you want to be somewhere that won't challenge you in the way you communicate with others, don't go to Joe's Nuts. But, if you're willing to work towards a better understanding of those who are in pain, to empathize and show respect NOT because it was shown to you, but because it is what is right, this may be your place. Just make sure you are strong emotionally and able to take a little yelling here and there... and please, if you go, show Diane as much love as you can. It softens her heart a little bit and maybe, like the grinch, after enough love her heart will explode to ten times its size. When I look back, I had an overall pleasant experience. While I would sometimes feel terrified by the yelling, I also enjoyed the beautiful property, the animals, the fresh fruits, the other WWOOFers, the sunsets at two-step beach, adventures with Bob, down time to read, and the occasional tenderness Diane would show. Had I been at another farm, maybe I would have had a better time, but I wasn't so I don't know. I was grateful to be at such a beautiful place, so close to the beautiful painted church, and surrounded with kind WWOOFers. Again, the experience is what you make it. D, you'll probably still take offense to this but I see you and I know you don't mean to be this way, it's just how you were conditioned to be. I hope all is well with you and the pooches. Give...

DO NOT WWOOF HERE! Horrible experience here. My partner and I came to wwoof for Diane (owner) and Bob ("farm manager"---more like drunk and high 24/7 bum). We were told that we would be help exchanging 4 hours a day for 6 days per week, sounded fine to us. We were given the task of picking 5 half bags of macadamia nuts each per day, this around 200 lbs each per day! Heaps! In exchange we were given a bed in a leaky tent. We were given the worst, thinnest blankets. Literally United Airlines in flight blankets lol. We were so cold and had to ask for better blankets, then we were given a slightly thicker blanket but were still freezing at night. We were also given food staples (rice, pasta, and some fruit/veg grown on the property). Anyways, we worked super hard to try to reach 5 bags each but it was damn near impossible to fill 3 each in the given 4 hours, so we would either have to work overtime or simply not meet their quota. When I told Bob that 5 bags wasn't a realistic goal he responded with antecdotes about how they get pro pickers who can pick 5 in 2 hours blah blah. Not helpful, just made me feel like i was bad at the task. They expect so much work for so little in return. The picking involved crawling along the lava rock ground, sorting, and picking the best nuts. This is exhausting and back breaking. They ought to use nets or machines like modern farms do. When my partner and I were spending time in the common area, cooking and relaxing, Bob wouldn't stop ranting. It was super annoying and basic, he was always going on about how he was so active in the occupy wall street movement. He was especially rude to my partner, he wouldn't let her speak and acted like she wasn't a part of the conversation. We left after 5 days. We didn't give much notice, unfortunately, as we needed out immediately. I told Bob it wasn't working out and we found a better opportunity. He was upset. After we left, I got a string of texts from the Owner Diane, saying "f u" and called us losers. All together a funky, cold, uncomfortable, and exhausting situation that came to a nasty end. Glad to be gone. TL;DR: the people are rude, they overwork you, don't accommodate you, and are insanely...

First, I want to express that if I had read some of the replies to the reviews about your establishment, I likely would have chosen not to visit. Many of the responses to less favorable reviews include rude comments, which is unwelcoming. I hope others take heed of the feedback from previous customers before deciding to stop by.

Your website indicates that the establishment is open most days; however, when the closed sign is displayed, there are no directions provided regarding the next opening time. During a recent visit, we briefly pulled our car in to turn around and check if anyone was available to ask about when you would reopen. A staff member approached us, and when we asked for clarification, she responded rudely. She pointed to the sign and informed us that our car was obstructing the area. This experience was unexpected, especially considering that it is a family-run business located in Hawaii, where the local culture is known for its hospitality. Update to original post: After sharing my initial review, I reached out to Joe's Nuts via email to give them a chance to demonstrate that they care about their customers who wish to visit their nut farm. Below is their response, which further highlights their poor customer service:

Their response: "not to be rude, but the two signs said closed, the farm mgr was out doing chores and i was busy with the other help and i believe i had the chain saw in hand, with the dogs barking, i just couldnt hear and needed to reload. do i care if you return or your comment nope, but it wasnt a bad scenario, it just was a morning faux pax."

The last sentence is evidence that customer service is not a priority for them. Every negative review seems to be met with excuse after excuse.

And your response continues to show the lack of customer service you only seem to know how to provide. This review is meant for others to decide if visiting your farm is...