Kauai is known as the “Garden Island” for its lush jungles, vast flowers, azure waters, and pristine beaches. Now, it may be known for chocolates. You read that correctly, chocolates. As if there wasn’t enough to savor on the grand island of Kauai, now you can step into a chocolatier shop for out-of-this-world treats.
The Kauai Chocolate Company has been in business since 2003 and is the brainchild of former Californians Donald and Marlene Greer. The Greers longed for the laid-back Kauai lifestyle and moved, making sure they packed their passion for crafting premier chocolates and confections. Kauai Chocolate Company is in the Port Allen Marina of Eleele and is open seven days a week.
The small shop is nestled among other boutiques but don’t let its size fool you. Inside is a treasure trove of chocolate decadence. The Kauai Chocolate Company specializes in Belgium-style chocolates made with milk, dark, and white chocolate.
When you enter the store, the friendly staff will greet you along with the sweet aroma of chocolate. Your eyes will dance with delight at the myriad of treats on display.
Try one of the:
5-ounce chocolate bars like dark chocolate with macadamia nuts or plain milk chocolate.
Kauai Chocolate Company also has sugar-free dark and milk chocolate bars.
Other delicious options are chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered palmiers, and various confections like the passion fruit truffle.
If you like spice, and you’re feeling bold, give the Ghost Truffle a taste.
This confection boasts having the hottest chili pepper in the world under its chocolate coating.
Not sure what to get? No worries. Kauai Chocolate Company offers free samples, and the staff is knowledgeable, so don’t be shy to ask questions.
If you’re not a chocolate lover, which we find hard to believe, Kauai Chocolate Company can scoop out several flavors of ice cream. There is also toffee and fudge that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whichever candy or treat you prefer, take time to watch the chocolatiers working their magic behind the counter.
We save Kauai Chocolate Company’s iconic candy for last: the Opihi. The chocolatiers infuse some of Kauai’s tastiest delights into this world-renowned candy. First, they start with a bite-size cookie from Kauai Kookies. Next, they dollop caramel on top of the crunchy shortbread. Crowning the caramel is a macadamia nut. As if that’s not enough, the chocolatiers take all of this deliciousness and dip it into milk or dark chocolate. You can purchase Opihis individually or in boxed sets.
You can place orders online or call ahead to beat wait times at the Kauai Chocolate Company store. When ordering online, remember that the chocolates are handmade, so allow up to 1-2 weeks to fulfill your order. Also, quality chocolates are delicate and sensitive to heat, so it may not be wise to order when summer heat soars.
The Kauai Chocolate Company has received rave reviews from customers from all over the world. We agree with the reviewers and feel this chocolate shop is worth exploring if nothing more than savoring a free sample!
Insider Tip:
The Kauai Chocolate Company’s chocolate bars are less expensive at the shop than in surrounding markets. When you’re at the store, be sure to check out the “Boo Boo” section that is home to discounted chocolates.