The Big Island is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s home to several of Hawaii’s most iconic chocolate producers, who take advantage of the island’s unique climate and exceptional soil. This is the only state that lends itself to growing cacao, so it should come as no surprise that the islands (and the Big Island, in particular) produce mouthwatering chocolate.
While there are many excellent chocolatiers on the Big Island, Honokaa Chocolate Co. deserves special recognition. Situated on the gorgeous Hamakua Coast, this historic farm has a long history of excellence. It’s currently owned by Mike and Rhonda Pollard, who are clearly passionate about all things chocolate.
Shopping for — and consuming — high-quality chocolate is always fun, but it’s even more enjoyable when you know how that chocolate is produced and what sets the elite confectioneries apart from the merely adequate. This in-depth education is at the heart of Honokaa Chocolate Co.’s interactions with customers, who come from all around the world to sample the farm’s legendary chocolate.
If you’re eager to stock up on delectable chocolate while also learning a thing or two about this intriguing industry, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Honokaa Chocolate Co. When you’re in a hurry, you can make a short trip to the onsite farm store, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase not only exquisite chocolates but also, branded hats and T-shirts.
There’s a lot to love about the store, but it’s nothing compared to the guided tour and chocolate tasting experience. Lasting well over an hour, this introduces you to the inner workings of a real cacao farm. You’ll get to taste the ripe cacao fruit, as well as several chocolate selections with fruity, nutty, spicy, or floral flavors. By the time the tour ends, you’ll feel like a true chocolate connoisseur.
The fun begins with an expedition to the orchard, where you’ll learn a great deal about cacao. You’ll come away understanding how the trees are grown, what happens during harvesting, and what fermentation and drying look like.
After the educational portion of your experience comes the fun part: tasting the best chocolate on the Big Island. During your 45-minute tasting, you’ll hang out in a lovely lanai as you master the art of sampling like a connoisseur.
Whether you stop in the farm store for a few minutes or dedicate a significant part of your day to the official tour, you will be in chocolate heaven when you visit the Honokaa Chocolate Co.
Experience the bliss of tasting exquisite confections while you learn all there is to know about your favorite treat. There’s no Big Island experience quite like touring a cacao farm, so don’t skip this amazing opportunity.
Insider Tips:
-Think twice before taking this tour with kids. While children between the ages of 5 and 10 are technically accepted on tours, this is definitely an adult-oriented experience. Younger visitors may prefer to hang out in the farm store, where they can convince their parents to splurge on a variety of delicious candies.
-Tours tend to fill up far in advance, so you’ll definitely want to reserve your spot early if you have your heart set on experiencing the Honokaa Chocolate Co. in all its glory. In most cases, booking at least one week in advance will be necessary.