diff --git a/build.py b/build.py
index 76461605e4..1caf6e4b55 100755
--- a/build.py
+++ b/build.py
@@ -72,7 +72,10 @@ if sys.platform == 'win32':
 else:
     variables.GIT = 'git'
     variables.GJSLINT = 'gjslint'
-    variables.JAVA = 'java'
+    if sys.platform == 'darwin':
+        variables.JAVA = '/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/JavaAppletPlugin.plugin/Contents/Home/bin/java'
+    else:
+        variables.JAVA = 'java'
     variables.JAR = 'jar'
     variables.JSDOC = 'jsdoc'
     variables.NODE = 'node'