chocolate factory tour kona

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory

Plantation Tour

see below for current tour availability

Please book your reservation online above. We look forward to seeing you!

PLEASE BE SURE YOU HAVE SELECTED THE CORRECT DATE BEFORE YOU PRESS THE “COMPLETE BOOKING” TAB

OHCF is an active working plantation and advance and confirmed reservations are required for all tours. We are located in the Keauhou area of Kona. The cost is $25 per person, $10 for children aged 6-12 and children under 5 are free. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will provide you with directions to the farm. Please be sure to use the directions provided by OHCF, and feel free to call if you have any questions. Please arrive 15 minutes before tour time. In consideration of all our guests, we do strive to start each tour on time.

For any further information, feel free to call us at 888-447-2626 or email at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you! Remember... Chocolate is Aloha!

 The OHC ‘Ohana

is now open to the public

Tuesday - Friday

Hope to see you soon!

Our chocolate is also available for purchase online

and at many fine local shops (see Contact Us).

DIRECTIONS TO THE ORIGINAL HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

VISITORS PLEASE NOTE:

Please use the directions provided by OHCF

• From the main intersection downtown Kailua-Kona, HI
• QUEEN KAAHUMANU HWY/HAWAII BELT RD/HI-11 intersection with PALANI ROAD. GO SOUTH. Continue to travel South on Highway 11 for 4.8 miles.
• Turn LEFT onto KAMEHAMEHA III RD. ( this is the 8th traffic signal South from the Palani Road intersection)
• Turn RIGHT at the stop sign onto WALUA RD. 0.1 miles
• Turn LEFT onto KAHOOLELE ST. 0.1 miles (This street is only 200 yards South of the Walua Road stop sign)
• Turn RIGHT into the FIRST and ONLY driveway. Our black gate will be open and there is a gold OHCF logo on our rock wall. Once you turn into the gravel driveway take the FIRST paved drive to the left. Follow parking sign. End at 78-6772 Makenawai St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740-8958 US. Our driveway is actually on Kahoolele Street. 808-322-2626 .

TOLL FREE 888-447-2626

78-6772 Makenawai Street, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740

TEL 808-322-2626 | FAX 808-322-6737 | [email protected]

© 2021 Original Hawaiian Chocolate

The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory

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The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hawaiian Chocolate: Big Island Cacao Farm Tours & Chocolate Shops

Updated: Jan 4, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

Have you ever wanted to visit a chocolate farm, and try a fresh chocolate fruit straight off the tree? Of course you have! For those of you not in-the-know, the chocolate tree is called Theobroma cacao , and it grows within 25 degrees of the equator, putting Hawaii right at the edge of its growing region.

Hawaii is the only US state which can grow cacao, and actually has one of the highest concentrations of tourist-accessible farms in the world , with a huge chunk of them right on the Big Island. Chocolate makers are in high concentration here, as well, with most of them making chocolate from cacao tree to chocolate bar all in the same place.

Hawaiian chocolate is hard to find off of the islands, since local demand is so high. Therefore, one of the most unique things you can do on your Hawaiian vacation is tour a cacao plantation.

But other than trying a fresh chocolate fruit, on each of these tours you'll also learn all the steps of chocolate making , the culture of Hawaiian cacao , and how making chocolate on Hawaii contributes to sustainable farming locally.

Unlike my other chocolate travel guides , this one has more of a farm focus than a shop focus, so only retail shops have their address written down (though the general area of each farm is marked on the map below).

Hawaiian Chocolate Culture

Big island travel tips, the locavore store, island naturals (3 locations), abundant life natural foods, foodland (3 locations), original hawaiian chocolate, red water cafe, kuaiwi farm, ocean grace farms, kona origins chocolate, hawaiian crown, mauna kea cacao farm, puna chocolate (2 locations), lavaloha chocolate, hilo shark's chocolate, kahi ola mau farm (honoka'a chocolate), hamakua chocolate farm, barefoot chocolatini, chocolate (kokoleka) farm, hilo chocolate & cacao festival, big island chocolate map.

Although the city of Honolulu, and Oahu as a whole, get much more tourism than the Big Island, I'd argue that the Big Island is a better chocolate destination. This is where the state's highest concentration of cacao farmers and chocolate makers resides.

Even though most all of the farms are tiny by world standards, they still have plenty of trees for demonstration & explanation. Some of the farms even have enough trees to do full fermentations by themselves, meaning that they now have material of good enough quality to turn into chocolate.

Hawaii is therefore the best place in America to learn about chocolate . The Big Island in particular offers great insight into how chocolate is made , and a wonderful opportunity to chat with cacao farmers one-on-one.

Also note that Hawaii's islands were formed thousands of years ago by violent volcanic explosions. There are still active volcanoes that make up parts of some islands, including three here on the Big Island.

Last year, Mt. Kilauea erupted violently, destroying many homes and farmland, and displacing lots of people. Some of this farmland included cacao farms, but farms and regions on the south side of the island are currently safe to visit .

Farm tours are on the expensive side, at $40-65USD per person, though kids are free on many of the tours. It's really a perfect family activity, and luckily the visits take up a whole afternoon, averaging two hours & choc full of samples!

Place names. For everyone else who just can't seem to remember the difference between all of the Hawaiian cities that start with K, here's a map of the Big Island. The Big Island is indeed the biggest island in the Hawaiian island chain, but its full name is actually the Big Island of Hawai'i (hence the nickname). Fun fact: w 's in the Hawaiian language are pronounced as v 's; don't let that throw you off when hearing location names.

The Big Island IS big. The island itself takes about an hour to cross at one of two or three points, and two hours to get up either coast. This doesn't sound like a long time, but it sure adds up if you're planning to visit more than one chocolate stop! Most places start to close around 4 or 5pm, as well, so be sure to start your days early.

Cell signal. It is horrible outside of Hilo, seriously, and at several points along the highway you won't get any signal at all. This can be scary if it starts raining and your car hydroplanes, like mine did at several points, so be sure you download Google Maps on to your phone before setting out and drive slowly.

Big Island Chocolate Shops (Retailers)

When you just don't have the time to go on a Hawaiian chocolate tour, or you want a nice large selection of makers, you'll want to visit a retailer. The shops below have a decently large selection of local Hawaiian chocolates, and are located across the big island.

If you want to get to the local selection as fast as possible, ask about Sharkey's or Pa’auilo Chocolate; they have the biggest distribution locally. Chocolate retailers are marked on the map in purple.

The smallest of all the Big Island chocolate retailers, Locavore only sells Hawaiian products, no exceptions. This means that for those of you with a penchant for supporting local businesses, but not enough time to visit them each individually, this is your stop.

Its location in downtown Hilo doesn't hurt, either. When I went in, I spent nearly $100USD on local honeys, jams, and chocolates, happily filling up an entire reusable bag (which I then bought). Be sure to ask for samples of anything you're interested in, as you never know what they've got on hand!

Address: 60 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Hours: 9am-6pm, weekdays; 9am-5pm, Sat.; 10am-4pm, Sun.

This Hawaiian chain is like Whole Foods, but much smaller. They maintain a huge fruit & prepared food area, as well as a dedicated chocolate and sweets area, where several local chocolate makers are represented. But unlike the chain grocer's Foodland, they carry more "raw" and "super food" chocolates from around the US & abroad, and overall a larger organic food selection.

Address: 1221 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA (Hilo location)

Hours: 7am-8pm, Mon.-Sat; 8am-7pm Sun. (Hilo hours)

This is your local natural foods store, all organic with a focus on vegan & vegetarian options, and prepared foods for takeaway. They have a small selection of local chocolates, such as Sharkey's and Pa’auilo Chocolates, and ones imported from the mainland and abroad.

But the biggest pull for Abundant Naturals (as it's known locally) is that it's located right in downtown Hilo, along with Locavore. This makes it the most accessible as both a chocolate stop and a lunch break.

Address: 292 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Friday, 8:30am-7pm; Wed/Sat 7am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm

While Foodland is first & foremost a large grocery store, they also have a much larger than average selection of both local Hawaiian and regional American chocolates. If you're pressed for time, but know that you're near a Foodland, it's worth stopping in for a short perusal of the chocolate selection.

Sometimes they even have a special section for Hawaiian chocolate bars, so be sure to ask about that. If they take you to the Hawaiian Host chocolates, be more specific and as about "high end" Hawaiian chocolates, and feel free to namedrop "Manoa" (one of the easiest-to-find Hawaiian chocolates).

Address: 16-586 Old Volcano Rd #102, Kea'au, HI 96749, USA

Hours & Prices: 6am-10pm, daily (Kea'au location)

Waikoloa & Kailua-Kona Chocolate

Most visitors to the Big Island stay around Kona and Captain Cook, where many military families are also based. Lucky for all of you, the west side of the Big Island also has some beautiful cacao farms to visit! It's not all beaches, though those are beautiful, too.

This is the oldest still-standing chocolate factory on the Big Island. Started in the 1980's, the shop is bean to bar using only Hawaiian cacao, and now sells three types of chocolate designed to show off the terror of Hawaii as a whole: forastero milk, forastero dark, and criollo dark.

The company uses the cacao trees on their property, as well as cacao from local producers, to make their bars and other products. As soon as you walk into their shop, an employee will offer you a little paper cup with curated samples of each type of chocolate, which I'll let you judge for yourself, but I didn't buy much.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory tours are only offered twice a week, and I wasn't on the island either of those days, so I only visited their shop. But other visitors have had only good things to say, though it's on the shorter end of the cacao tour spectrum.

Advance reservations are required for all tours, which are held at 9am on Wednesday and 9am & 11am on Fridays. The tours cost $20 per person, and take place right next to their shop.

Address: 78-6772 Makenawai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Shop Hours: 10am-3pm, Tue.-Fri.

A rather unconventional stop for a chocolate lover, Red Water Cafe is primarily a restaurant (and quite a delicious one, I might add!). But the owner, David Abrahams, also makes his own chocolate from bean to bar, selling it in the cafe & using it in the menu.

The chocolate itself is fine, very chocolatey and earthy, but the kava bar is bitter & numbing (apparently, exactly as it should be). The chocolate is good and made in-house, but I'd recommend the flourless chocolate cake above all.

Address: 65-1299 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

Cafe Hours: 3-11pm, Mon.-Sat.

Una & Leon have had cacao trees since 2001, and have been adding to their cacao tree agroforestry plot for much longer. Each farm tour lasts 2 hours and takes you all across their well-used plot of land. The cacao trees are out back, but planted all around them, above & below, are different levels of flora.

From tall trees to coffee bushes and ground covering plants like turmeric or tomatoes, each patch of land has a purpose. Their plants work together in harmony, but I'll let Una tell you more specifics— she's been caring for the farm for over four decades.

At the end of the tour you'll get a taste of some of the chocolate products the couple makes on-site: chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, dried banana slices, and chocolate bars. Tours are offered by request, with at least a day's notice; they cost $15 and include a $5 credit towards purchases.

Pro-tip: don't use the address on Google for their farm, because it won't take you to the right place; pull over and follow their map once you reach Green Mountain Rd. Address emailed after booking is confirmed.

I'm reluctant to add Ocean Grace to the list, but I've been told that the family behind the operation is quite lovely, and thorough in their tours. I tried to reach out, however, and received no response.

But if you'll be in the immediate area and want to tour a cacao farm nearby, it's worth contacting them in advance. The farm's owners and main caretakers are husband & wife Marty & Nancy. Address emailed after booking is confirmed.

This family's business is cacao. They've been making chocolate for over half a decade, selling their creations at the weekly Keauhou Farmer's Market in Kailua. Alongside their chocolate bars, they also sell fresh cacao pods, roasted coffee, macadamia nuts, and a variety of seasonal fresh fruits from their farm.

Their chocolate bars range from a 51% milk chocolate to a 75% dark chocolate, with dairy-free options available, and domestic shipping if you order on their site .

Address: Keauhou Farmer's Market, 78-6831 Alii Dr, Kailua, HI 96740

Market Hours: 8am-12pm, Saturdays

Hamakua & Hilo Chocolate

Most of the cacao from the Big Island is from the eastern coast, especially around Papaikou and the Hamakua Forest Reserve. So it's no surprise that most of the Hawaiian chocolate tours are along that side.

However, the east coast is also home to a few tree to bar chocolate brands whose farms aren't really open to the public. Notably, Aloha Feels & Pa’auilo Chocolate are both making and selling chocolate, but don't offer farm tours at the moment.

This is a small storefront with a large, open work space where they make the chocolate. The shop is easy to miss if you're not keeping an eye out for it, but it is right along the main drag in downtown Hilo. When you first enter, look to the left on the counter and sample some of the chocolates in their line-up, ranging from 80% dark to 50% milks and sugar-free options.

The shop boasts a large coffee and chocolate drink menu, as well as bags of various coffee roasts & little baggies of chocolate-covered goodies. They're working on a CBD line of cacao-based products.

The owner, Tom Menezes, has been working with cacao for decades, and really knows how to work a bean into some good chocolate. Hawaiian Crown also has a shop on O'ahu and a farm outside of Hilo, which you can tour for $15 a person on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays at 2pm.

Address: 160 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA (shop location)

Shop Hours: 8:30am-5pm, Tue.-Sat.; 10am-4pm, Mon.

A relative newcomer on the scene, Mauna Kea Cacao has been offering farm tours since spring 2019, now in both English and Japanese. The young Hawaiian cacao farm was started in 2011, and has been expanded every year since then through the loving effort of the owners, Susan and John.

On their weekly tours, they take both kids and adults through the laborious process of growing and then making your own chocolate. The half-mile tour will take you across their beautiful farm, where you'll be able to pick & crack open your very own cacao pod.

Then you'll be taken over to the drying beds, and to see any active cacao fermentation they have going on. At the end, you'll get to try their award-winning cacao, and sample some chocolates made by American craft chocolate makers.

The cost of the 90-minute tour is $40 per adult & $15 per child aged 6-17. Small private tours can be arranged with a week or more of notice.

Address: 10 minutes' drive north of Hilo; address for GPS & directions emailed after booking is confirmed.

Hours: public tours offered at 10am & 1pm on Thursday (in English) and at 10am on Wednesdays (in Japanese)

Puna Chocolate is expanding remarkably quickly, now having 3 locations across the US. On my visit to their shop in downtown Hilo, a very nice young guy was managing floor, which also features other Hawaiian-made handcrafts, like instruments and non-chocolate sweets.

As soon as you enter you'll be offered a couple of samples of whatever they chose to open that day, giving you a good sense of whether or not you'd like to invest in a bar or two. Puna's lineup has a 70% dark or 50% milk base, as indicated by the color of their wrapper, and a variety of interesting local inclusions.

Of the bars I sampled and bought, my favorites were the plain Dark Milk and the dark Honey Berry Wine. They also have limited supplies of a 90% dark bar, which is neither sweet nor bitter and has a very strong base cocoa flavor.

Address: 126 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA (Hilo location)

Hours: varied . Open at 9am Mon.-Sat. & 10am Sun; closed 6:30pm Sun./Mon, 7pm Tue.-Thu., 8pm Fri./Sat.

Formerly Mahilani, this 1000 acre farm holds a number of cacao trees, enough that they've been producing Hawaiian chocolate for many years. The estates actually also produce cacao products such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and cocoa tea.

So they must have a large enough swath of cacao growing to warrant buying a cocoa butter press (which is a very expensive machine). But honestly, Lavaloha doesn't have much of a presence beyond their products, and I couldn't find much information on their estates (beyond that they exist).

They hold regular tours of their plantation, and even have a little cart to take you from one place to the next. However, if you don't have time to visit then you can purchase their products in several different shops across the island.

Tours are offered four times daily, and cost $30 per adult and $5 for youths (6-12), with kids 5 and under visiting for free.

Address: 1820 Amauulu Rd, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Hours: 9am-5pm, daily

Sharkey's, or Hilo Shark's Chocolate, is one of the more established Hawaiian chocolate brands on the Big Island. You can find their chocolates in shops across the island, but there's just something special about trying a chocolate fresh out of the melangeur.

Their farm tour takes you all around their cacao, coffee, and vanilla farm, located in the same region where most of Hawaii's commercial cacao is grown. With land so beautiful, it's no wonder the trees don't want to leave!

Some of their cacao trees are decades old, with younger ones being sprouted each month. At the entrance to their farm you'll spot some of those cacao seedlings, many of which will end up on other people's farms— Tom Sharkey, the owner, is often called the Johnny Appleseed of cacao.

The family started off in coffee decades ago, but they later got into cacao, and expanded into vanilla later on. They now work with local growers to ferment and dry their cacao to turn it into chocolate, right there on the farm.

You can purchase Sharkey's Chocolate from a number of shops across Hilo, as well as at the Hilo Farmer's Market, and from their cafe just north of Hilo, or after your farm tour.

Address: 1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy #28, Honomu, HI 96728, USA (cafe address)

Hours: 8am-4pm, daily

This is the first Hawaiian cacao farm I visited. The owner, Mike, gave me a 1-on-1 tour during one of their scheduled tour times, though I'd have had companions if others had signed up. Our tour started over at their small chocolate shop, where Mike makes & tempers all of his chocolate by hand.

We continued down and then up the property, learning about the history of the farm its cacao grove, white pineapple fruits, and many varieties of cane grass. One of Mike's other jobs is actually as operations manager for Kuleana Rum Factory.

During my visit he was in the process of planting one of each existing cane grass varietal on his land, as a sort of living museum for sugar cane, including native Hawaiian sugar varietals.

There's basically one of each tropical fruit you could imagine on a farm, from coffee to banana to miracle fruit, and Mike can tell you about each & every one. His "white pineapple frosty" is not to be missed! Address emailed after booking is confirmed.

A post shared by Dan Corson (@hamakuadan) on Mar 14, 2019 at 12:08am PDT

Hamakua means "breath of the God (or ancestors) in the local Hawaiian language, referencing the trade winds along the Hamakua coast. They bring abundant rainfall and a tropical feel year round, which has made this region legendary for its wealth of fruits and beautiful flowers.

Hamakua Chocolate Farm is located less than 10 minutes north of Hilo, making it one of the most accessible cacao farms on the Big Island. They don't have a set tour schedule, but rather accommodate guests as they make requests— winter time on the mainland is high season, so be sure to book ahead at that time.

Tours take 2 to 2.5 hours, and include a look around their farm, an overview of how chocolate is made, and insight into the Hawaiian chocolate scene . The owners, Dan & Berndt, also have two rooms available for rent if you'd like to be even closer to nature. Address emailed after booking is confirmed.

Kalapana & Pahoa Chocolate

Right now the southeastern part of the Big Island is still recovering from the volcanic eruptions in 2018, but it is currently safe to visit. The area has two spots to check out, as well, with their own unique draws.

The woman behind the Barefoot Chocolatini brand is Maddy Smith, a chocolate tour guide now making her own tree to bar chocolate. Although she's based in the city of Kalapana, Maddy also works with small farms north of Hilo & Hawaiian Sanctuary in Pahoa to offer a variety of experiences related to Hawaiian chocolate.

These include cacao farm tours in Pahoa, and the Hilo Chocolate Bar Crawl and Bean To Bar Chocolate Farm Tours, all of which have rave reviews with good reason.

Maddy is very knowledgeable about the local chocolate & cacao scene, as well as the process of chocolate making from tree to bar, and she offers good perspective for curious visitors. Meeting place is emailed after booking is confirmed.

Read more about Maddy in my interview with her .

FARM TOUR IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. Kokoleka Farm owner Lynda is one of the newest chocolate guides on the Big Island, but she's not at all intimidated by the undertaking of running a farm. Most of her cacao is about a decade old now, with some younger trees planted in just the last few years, adding layers of upkeep onto the whole operation.

On her tours you'll start with a little history on the farm, but quickly move on to some tasting. Over the course of the tour you'll have the chance to try seasonal fruits fresh from the trees, including cacao, passion fruit, and breadfruit.

Kokoleka is also currently the only cacao farm offering tours in Pahoa, making it quite the unique experience for those of you who headed south in order to commune with nature. If you're seeking nature and haven't booked accommodation yet, either, Lynda also rents out a room on her property. Address emailed after booking is confirmed.

A post shared by Barefoot Chocolatini (@barefootchocolatini) on Mar 23, 2019 at 1:04pm PDT

This is the first annual festival dedicated only to the Big Island's Hawaiian cacao farmers & chocolate makers, now in its second year. The festival is a coming together of most all the chocolate makers on the island, and a good chunk of the cacao farmers. It's put on by the East Hawaii Cacao Association, itself only about half a decade old.

Visitors can expect to have access to lots of samples of Hawaiian chocolate, cacao farmers from around the world, and knowledgeable folks in the Hawaiian cacao industry. Cacao seedlings will be given away to the first 750 guests, and farm tours will be available at a few points throughout the day.

Festival Venue: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyon Drive, Hilo, Hawaii

Date: Saturday, April 13th, 2019 (entrance is free)

Did this post help you plan your trip to Big Island cacao farms? Save it on Pinterest so that it can help others, too!

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Reader Interactions

July 18, 2019 at 11:52 am

Aloha! I'm reaching out on behalf of Lavaloha Chocolate Farm. We are now open 7 days a week and offer tours for $30 per person. Youth 6-12 are $5. Children 5 and under are free!

Would you be able to update the info in our listing above?

Mahalo nui loa and have a beautiful day!

July 18, 2019 at 4:53 pm

No problem, Napua! Now updated.

March 31, 2019 at 5:33 am

Oh my gosh! This is calling my name so loud! I lived in Hawaii, on Oahu, as a child and it pretty much ruined me for the cold. We visited the Big Island just before Mt. Kilauea erupted and it was a bit smoky, but so interesting. I just read your post and then told my husband we have to go in April next year or the year after. I want to attend that festival. I see a whole chocolate vacation in my future!

March 31, 2019 at 2:34 pm

This was my first trip to Hawaii, so I'm not sure what exactly ruined me for the cold! Hilo Chocolate Festival is a great excuse to visit the Big Island, but unlike some other places, you can visit the cacao farms & chocolate shops across the island just as easily throughout the year-- anytime is chocolate season on Hawaii!

March 31, 2019 at 1:14 am

What an incredible experience! I Love chocolate and Hawaii is a dream so i should definitely visit!

March 31, 2019 at 1:21 am

You definitely should, Dominika! Hawaii is a beautiful place. 🙂

March 30, 2019 at 9:02 pm

Great post! We're headed to Hawaii this summer and want to check one of these places out!!

March 30, 2019 at 9:16 pm

You definitely should, Elizabeth! It's hard to pass up the opportunity to try chocolate fresh from the grinder, and fresh off the farm. ?

Zaneta Baran

March 30, 2019 at 8:54 pm

Wow, I didn't know about chocolate culture in the Hawaii! It has to be such a great experience. Hawaii is still on my list of places to visit 🙂

March 30, 2019 at 9:14 pm

It's on the up & up for sure! I do hope you get the chance to visit the islands and experience a cacao farm tour for yourself one day. 🙂

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Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory

• Activities & Attractions
• Gourmet/Specialty
• Visit Website

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory founded in 1999 and located in Kailua Kona produces America's first homegrown, handmade, single origin 100% Hawaiian chocolate. www.ohcf.us Chocolate is Aloha!

Whom to Contact

• Bob & Pam Cooper Owners Phone: (808) 322-2626 Fax: (808) 322-6737 Send an Email

Visit our website @ www.ohcf.us for directions and information.

Kuaiwi Farm

TOURS & EXPERIENCES

Farm Tour & Tasting  

Kona Old Style at Kuaiwi Farm is a five-acre certified organic farm. We grow a diverse range of crops including Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, avocados, bananas, pineapple, tea, citrus, vegetable gardens and much more! Visit our cacao orchard where you can see chocolate growing from blossom to bean – a unique and tasty experience. We offer a wonderful farm tour, followed by a tasting of our products on the breezy lanai. Drink coffee, taste chocolate, eat mac nuts, fruit, and chat with geckos!

Tours are offered:  Sundays and Wednesdays from 10am-12pm

Contact us with accessibility questions. $35 per person.

Once you book your tour online, we will send you confirmation and driving directions. 

Masks are required for the brief indoor portion of the tour 5-10 minutes.

We provide masks for those who need them. Mahalo for keeping our community safe.

Kona Cacao – Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory

You expect to find top-rated beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. Stunning waterfalls and colorful reefs? Of course. In the Big Island’s potent landscape, even flowing lava is part of everyday life. Most visitors may take for granted that much of the island is used for agricultural purposes — with everything from growing macadamia nuts and coffee to organic honey production — but there is a type of specialty farming that has quietly taken off here, and it may surprise many. It’s cacao farming.

Tours complete with chocolate tastings are conducted a few times a week at the chocolate factory and plantation. We were delighted to take a tour of the nation’s first tree to bar operation and experience single-origin Hawaiian chocolate.

At the start of the tour, Bob Cooper tells us: “We are the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, and original means first. Making chocolate is not extraordinary. It is made all over the world. So the fact that we make chocolate is not exceptional. We’re just the first to give it the old college try in the state of Hawaii.” We also learn that the cacao tree grows in a band between 16 and 20 degrees north and south of the equator. The Hawaiian islands sit at the very north of the cacao belt — between 18 and 22 degrees north of the equator. “It is by the grace of Mother Nature that chocolate will grow in Hawaii and this is the only place in America where chocolate, also known as cacao, will grow quantitatively for the business of cultivating.”

With the hot sun shining even in late winter, it’s hard to imagine that Hawaii is a little chilly for any crop. But, it is sort of at the North Pole for cacao. Even though it may be almost too cool to grow the cacao, the island’s remote location comes with a distinct benefit: major cacao diseases haven’t made it to Hawaii’s shores.

The tour begins with guests receiving bite-sized plumeria shaped samples of the three types of single-origin chocolate made exclusively from Hawaiian cocoa. The first two hand-poured flowers are made from the Forastero bean — one milk chocolate and the other dark chocolate. The third flower is made from the first 100% Hawaiian-grown dark Grand Cru chocolate made using the rare and fine Criollo bean.

As we enjoy the samples surrounded by lush vegetation, Bob Cooper tells us why this chocolate is so special. “The chocolate you are sampling this morning is a single origin chocolate. It is truly special and unique because most of the chocolate made by the processors throughout the world are blended bean chocolates.” He goes on to tell us that processors often shop as many as 12 to 15 different equatorial regions throughout the world and take those distinct flavors from those respective regions and blend them into signature chocolates. “The chocolate industry  makes lots and lots and lots of chocolate. We’re not adverse to making a lot of chocolate but we choose not to import any beans whatsoever from offshore, so we don’t have that luxury. We only have one shot for flavor,” says Bob. He explains that if the Hawaiian beans were blended and mixed together with other beans, the identity of the Hawaiian chocolate would have been lost. “So we made the decision that we should represent this cacao for what it rightfully is. We use only 100% Hawaiian grown cocoa beans.”

The Coopers feel deep satisfaction that Original Hawaiian Chocolate is the world’s first producer to grow and process non-blended, single-origin, American-grown chocolate.  “Hershey is a formidable American company that makes chocolates that people enjoy eating but there is not a single American-grown cocoa bean in their chocolate. They come from the different equatorial regions in the world. If you travel to Europe and try the finer chocolates there, none of the chocolates you have there will have American grown or Hawaiian grown beans. So, this actually becomes Hawaii’s first, America’s first, and the world’s first and we take great pride in saying that.”

The one hour tour continues with a walk through the orchard where we see the 1,600 cacao trees. Cooper tells us many interesting horticultural facts about the trees, like how big they get and the different aspects of pollination and how he must harvest his pods every two weeks. We learn how the volcanic soil, the rain, and the tropical sun all play a role in creating the unique taste of Original Hawaiian Chocolate.

Then, Bob takes us to the nearby workstation and uses a cleaver to slice open a ripe cocoa pod. We see the beans and learn the beans have no semblance of the taste or smell of chocolate. They are very citric, very sweet, very clean in the sense of taste and they don’t really smell.

We learn how flavor is incited through fermentation in slatted mahogany boxes and exposure to sunlight. We see (and smell!) the beans fermenting in their sweat boxes. At this point, they smell like dirty gym socks. We are then shown beans drying in the sun. Bob tells us that natural sunshine is the best flavor developer in all the world and the beans stay in the sun for between 22 and 28 days. We learn that after they are fermented and dried, the beans are burlap bagged and stored for a few years. “Just like wine, the flavor continues to develop,” says Bob.

At this point, a contract grower would be done. The industry would send send buyers out to buy the beans. But Original Hawaiian Chocolate does it all, so there is more work to do in the factory. “The industry takes it from the dried bean to the finished product. Because we actually grow the bean on this very property and take it to the finished product we became the only integrated processor of its kind in an industrialized nation that grows and makes chocolate.”

Bob teaches us the five steps of how the factory takes the dried beans and makes them into an edible piece of chocolate: cleaning, roasting, winnowing, conching, and tempering. As we walk through the small factory, we see the various pieces of equipment that help in the production of chocolate. Visitors can see the liquid chocolate poured into molds and cooled before being wrapped. The end result is 100% Hawaiian chocolate available as hand-poured bars or plumeria shaped pieces.

As we learned on the tour, chocolate derives unique characteristics from a location’s ecology. The resulting taste can, quite literally, capture the essence of the land, or the ‘aina as it is called in Hawaiian. After spending an hour learning about the trees and the soil and all of the factors that contribute to a chocolate’s unique taste, we came away realizing that Original Hawaiian Chocolate is more than a delectable treat. It offers a taste of the ‘aina and the stories that come with it. As the Coopers say, Chocolate is Aloha.

To make a tour reservation or order chocolate, visit Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory  or call them at 808-322-2626.

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One Response to Kona Cacao – Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory

good evening here in hamlet north carolina, I am a great friend of a man called cowboy are u’all related he said that his daughter runs the candy place and she sends his cousin some something. the candy place is in hawaii. just knowledgeble he is a great friend of mine . thanks . be safe .

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Tickets are Now Available for the 2024 BICF!

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Big Island Chocolate Festival

Secure Your Tickets to the 2024 Big Island Chocolate Festival

Welcome to Big Island Chocolate Festival

2024: Mystical Chocolate Masquerade

Imagine even more food booths at the 2024 Gala event, promising unlimited tastings at 15-18 chef food stations featuring delectable sweet and savory offerings, along with unlimited beer and wine pours from our generous sponsors.

Elegant Chocolate for Everyone!

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive gala of all galas!

Mystery & Fun for Every Body!

Enjoy the rhythmic beats of a lively DJ or live music, explore a fabulous silent auction, and immerse yourself in all-around chocolate-themed fun. Don't miss the chance to make your life even sweeter by joining us at the most savored event of the year!

Ticket Information

2024's Theme is Mystical Chocolate Masquerade: Bring a mystical mask to wear and enjoy a mysterious, elegant atmosphere.

• A range of ticket options, including VIP+, VIP experiences & seminars
• Opportunities to participate in unique chocolate-centric events and tours 

Celebrated Chefs who Love Chocolate

Enjoy the best chocolate has to offer.

  At the heart of the BICF 2024 are our featured chefs, true maestros in the art of chocolate cuisine. These culinary wizards will dazzle your taste buds with their innovative sweet and savory creations, blending traditional techniques with modern twists. Experience live cooking demonstrations and witness the passion and creativity that these chefs pour into every chocolate masterpiece. 

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Support the Next Creative Generation

• Engage with renowned chefs specializing in chocolate-inspired dishes.
• Witness the art of chocolate cooking through live demonstrations and interactive sessions.
• Experience a blend of traditional and contemporary chocolate culinary techniques.

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BICF April 26-27, 2024 - Tickets on Sale NOW

2023 CHEF WINNERS Congratulations to our wonderful chef participants for 2023! We could not do this without you. 

On Island Cacao & Chocolate Factory Tasting Tour Mahalo to Honoka'a Chocolate Company in Honoka'a for hosting our cacao tour for 2023. Stay tuned who we will have hosting in 2024! 

Friday Cacao Farm Education Mahalo to our wonderful educators for sharing your wisdom and knowledge to support the mission of KCA to grow local cacao demand! 

April 26-27, 2024

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Please reach us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Big Island Chocolate Festival is known for its exquisite fine dining experience and its authentic cuisine that is made with the freshest ingredients available.

Yes, Big Island Chocolate Festival offers plates and desserts a vegetarian would love.

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Our shops in Hilo and Kona are brimming with bunnies, marshmallows, turtles and other perfect Hawaiian chocolates for your Easter baskets!

HILO:  277 Keawe St, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 7am-9pm

KONA: 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 8, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740 8:00am-9:30pm

KONA CHOCOLATE FARM: 78-6537 1 Road, Holualoa, HI Visit By Reservation Only

Kainaliu Hale Cocoa: 79-7378 Hawaii Ring Rd, Kealekekua, HI

• Online Chocolate Shop
• Farm Tours & Events
• Hawaii Coffee Beans & Chocolate Drinks

Three venues for you to choose below and experience Hawaiian Chocolate and Coffee across Big Island. 

Whichever event or tour you book below, make sure you go to the correct address! We do not provide transportation to the farms so please use the addresses below if you need another look where you are going :)

• Kona Cacao and Coffee Orchard (private farm - reservation only) - 78-6537 1 Road, Holualoa, HI 96725  ( All Ages Hike or Adults Stroll )
• Kona Cafe and Chocolate Factory - 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 8, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Hilo Chocolate and Coffee Cafe - 277 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720