LIHU‘E n In every bit of a Miki Macs product, there is a bit of aloha. Joyce Takahashi, proprietor for a business that just fell into place, said, “Everything is handmade. It’s kind of slow to start.” Currently, Miki Macs
LIHU‘E n In every bit of a Miki Macs product, there is a bit of aloha.
Joyce Takahashi, proprietor for a business that just fell into place, said, “Everything is handmade. It’s kind of slow to start.”
Currently, Miki Macs offers three specialty macadamia nut confections, with a fourth item being a gift basket combining all three items.
Mini cake bites may contain chocolate chips and are a combination of coconut and pineapple. The Chocolate Coated Brittle is the second item on the list, and the Caramel Corn features gourmet popping corn. Additionally, a Gift Bag containing an assortment of all three items is also available.
All items should be refrigerated or kept in a cool, dry place after opening, the price list recommends.
One of the unique features of the Miki Macs is the packaging, with each bag featuring an origami-style fold at the top where it is sealed off. This is just another human touch as the package itself becomes a “ribboned” presentation garnished with a stamped “Handmade with aloha” label.
Takahashi said all of the products feature macadamia nuts that come from their Kalaheo farm. Additionally, Takahashi recommends that orders be placed at least one to two weeks in advance of when needed to ensure freshness.
She bakes to fill orders because at present, Miki Macs is a cottage industry.
Takahashi was fortunate that the Lions allowed her to display her wares during their recent District Convention, and interest was keen as a steady stream of Lions, as well as guests at the Kaua‘i Beach Hotel stopped by to sample her products.
“People say they remember the farm,” Takahashi said. Francis Takahashi used to grow and harvest the hard-shelled nut for shipping off-island. Currently, the farm is maintained by Joyce’s husband, Francis, and her sister-in-law, Sandra Henmi who lives on the farm.
She is unsure about when the first trees were planted, or how much of the farm is devoted to macadamia nut trees, but knows that her husband and sister-in-law work hard to keep up the farm.
“I started doing this because we had the nuts,” Takahashi said. “I used to make similar items for people as gifts, and they seemed to like it.”
Retired as a teacher, Takahashi said it seemed like a good idea to start a business based on what she was enjoying.
With no storefront to peddle her wares, Takahashi said people can call 241-1324, or e-mail mikimacs@hawaiiantel.net to get a pricelist, or to place orders.
She can ship to other locations, but says for now, she just uses the post office because her volume is not that great.
Actual postage and shipping charges will be added to the prices listed on the pricelist.
As for which one is her favorite, Takahashi says, “It’s hard to say. Once I start eating them, I can’t stop, so I try not to ‘sample’ too much while I’m making them.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
