Big Island Abalone Corp.

Located at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA), Big Island Abalone Corp. farms premium Ezo abalone. Spread over 10 acres, two million abalone inhabit tanks and are grown in a system using a constant supply of pure, cold and nutrient-rich seawater, which is pumped from a depth of 3,000 feet off Keahole Point on the Big Island. The farm also raises a special blend of algae that feed the abalone to achieve optimal taste, texture, color, nutrition and shell characteristics in the end product. The farm exists in a near-perfect environment for growing its Kona Coast Abalone.

In business since 1998, Big Island Abalone Corp. employs 17 people who operate this unique farm — the only abalone farm in Hawaii.

The live abalone can be purchased at the farm, the Hilo farmers’ market, KTA Superstores, Don Quixote and Marukai Wholesale Mart. Retort packaged abalone is now available at selected ABC Stores. It is also available at restaurants such as Hayama Restaurant, Sushi Kazu and Hiroshi. The quality of the abalone has been praised by Iron Chefs and served at fine dining restaurants in New York and Tokyo. It is shipped live to markets in Japan and the U.S. mainland regularly.

A farm tour gives you an opportunity to see, touch and sample abalone. To make reservations for a farm tour, please contact Lyndsey DeSilva at (808) 334-0034.