Miraculous Māmaki Herbal Tea

Mamaki, the Healer of the Forest

Deep in Hawaiʻi’s lush volcanic forests grows a remarkable plant, long cherished by Native Hawaiians for its traditional medicinal and cultural uses. Known as the healer of the forest, māmaki is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea, prized for its flavor and restorative character.

• Natural tasting notes: Hazelnut, bamboo, and honey; soothing, naturally sweet, and slightly earthy
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Grown in Volcano, Hawaiʻi 
• One 1 oz bag brews approximately 2.5–4 gallons, depending on strength
  

Flavor & Benefits of Hawaiian Māmaki Tea

Unlike traditional tea, māmaki is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of a plant in the nettle family, native to Hawaiʻi. It brews into a beautiful amber cup, naturally sweet and slightly earthy, with delicate notes of hazelnut, bamboo, and honey. Silky and medium-bodied, it’s a soothing, caffeine-free pleasure to enjoy morning, afternoon, or evening.

Beyond its inviting flavor, māmaki contains naturally occurring antioxidants and polyphenols—plant compounds studied for their potential health benefits. In a 2022 laboratory study, researchers found that certain māmaki tea extracts demonstrated greater antioxidant activity than the green tea samples tested. Although research into its effects on human health is still developing, these findings offer a fascinating scientific perspective on a plant Native Hawaiians have valued for generations.

Rooted in Hawaiian Tradition, Nurturing the Forest

For generations, māmaki has held a special place in Hawaiian life. Traditionally brewed as an herbal remedy, its leaves were valued for their restorative qualities, while its bark and fibers were used to make kapa, the traditional cloth of Hawaiʻi.

Māmaki also plays an important role in Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems. Its leaves provide food for the caterpillars of the Kamehameha butterfly, one of Hawaiʻi’s few native butterflies, making this plant an important part of the islands’ forest biodiversity.

Our māmaki is grown without pesticides using regenerative practices at 4,000 feet on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa. Cultivated with care for the land, it celebrates the enduring connection between Hawaiʻi’s native plants, wildlife, and cultural traditions.

How to Brew Māmaki Tea

Hot Māmaki Tea

Add 1–2 tablespoons of loose māmaki leaves to 8–10 oz of boiling water. Steep for approximately 10 minutes, or longer for a fuller-bodied, more syrupy infusion.

Iced Māmaki Tea: Overnight Steep

Crumble ¼ cup of loose māmaki leaves into a quart-sized glass jar or French press. Fill with boiling water and allow to steep overnight. Strain, chill, and enjoy.

A Few Brewing Tips

• Steep it twice. Don’t discard the leaves after your first infusion. Māmaki can be brewed a second time.
• Enjoy its natural sweetness. Māmaki is lovely on its own, though a drizzle of local honey beautifully complements its delicate flavors.
• Brew ahead. Prepare a half gallon or full gallon overnight, refrigerate, and enjoy throughout the week. For a refreshing variation, try adding cinnamon, honey, or a splash of apple or guava juice.

To learn more, check out our article, All About Mamaki Tea: From Benefits to Brewing.