There’s nothing quite like the taste of rich chocolate that melts in your mouth. The Big Island is home to several cacao farms and is the only state where chocolate can be made from locally produced ingredients, thanks to the tropical climate. For chocolate lovers visiting or living on the Island, be sure to check out these four places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
ORIGINAL HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE FACTORY
If you’re by the Kona side of the Island, the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is a definite must. This chocolate farm was started in 1997 and produces the only chocolate of its kind in the world! OHCF was the first in Hawaii to grow, hand pick and produce pure Hawaiian cacao beans.
Since it is an active working plantation, reservations are required to take a tour. If you want to see how the chocolate is made for yourself, you can book a reservation online. You won’t be disappointed. For those back on the mainland, you can even order online. Otherwise, be sure to stop into the Kona shop. Your taste buds will thank you!
2. HONOKA’A CHOCOLATE CO.
Sitting on the beautiful Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, Honoka’a Chocolate Co. is a sweet treat to visit for sure! It features a stunning five miles of farm, filled with not only cacao trees, but several other plants as well. The Honoka’a Chocolate Co. specializes in small batch chocolate with all farm and fair trade ingredients.
Tours can be booked online, with a maximum of 8 people per group. One of the many “perks” of touring a chocolate farm is that cacao trees thrive in wet, tropical environments, so pack your waterproof boots. Tours are rain or shine!
3. PUNA CHOCOLATE CO.
Puna Chocolate Co. has two locations to sample their delicious chocolate on The Big Island, and as a bonus, if you’re ever in Wauconda, Illinois you can find it there too! In Kona and Hilo, you can stop in and pick up some rich Puna Chocolate or do a fabulous farm tour. The tour will walk you through the orchards and learn about the history of cacao and how it is formed into the rich bars that you buy. Orchard tours can be purchased online for both Hilo and Kona locations!
4. MAUNA KEA CACAO
Award winning Mauna Kea Cacao is one you won't want to miss. Also situated along the Hamakua Coast, Mauna Kea Cacao is a true taste of Hawaii. Packed with great flavor from the native-grown cacao beans and a smooth texture from the moist environment, this chocolate is one for the taste buds!
If you want to explore 1,800 cacao trees for yourself, public tours can be booked online. You’ll be able to experience the entire chocolate making process, sample some cacao nibs, and enjoy a bite or two of award-winning chocolate!
EXPERIENCE HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE TODAY
Forrest Gump knows, “Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're going to get,” which might be true. But if you move to Hawaii, you’ll definitely get the freshest chocolate and most amazing views that will leave your paradise sweet tooth satisfied! Contact me today to find your dream home. I’ll have chocolates waiting for you when you arrive.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.