Discover the Best Chocolate Farms on the Big Island to Visit

Most people visit the Big Island for the beaches and volcanoes. But tucked into the lush hillsides and tropical rainforests, something unexpected is happening. Small family farms are growing some of the best chocolate on the planet—and winning international awards to prove it.

Hawaii is the only state in America where cacao actually grows. And the Big Island is where the magic is happening. From the rainy slopes near Hilo to the sunny orchards of Kona, farmers are crafting chocolate you simply can’t find anywhere else in the country.

A chocolate farm tour here is unlike anything you’d expect. You’ll taste things straight from the tree that will change how you think about chocolate forever. Some farms will have you making your own bar to take home. Others will sit you down for tastings that rival the best wine experiences you’ve ever had.

But not every farm is the same. Some are perfect for families. Others are strictly for adults who want to go deep. Prices, tour lengths, and experiences vary wildly—and picking the right one makes all the difference.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect chocolate farm day on the Big Island. You might even discover a surprise or two along the way. Let’s take a dive into the chocolate island.

Why the Big Island Is Hawaii’s Chocolate Capital?

The Big Island is Hawaii’s chocolate capital because its chocolate is winning awards worldwide. Hawaii’s farms took home over 10% of all Gold Awards at the international Cacao of Excellence competition. That’s a jaw-dropping stat for an island most people visit for beaches and volcanoes.

So what’s behind the buzz? The Big Island has the highest concentration of cacao farms in Hawaii. It’s also the only place in the entire U.S. where cacao grows commercially. The Kona Cacao Association formed in 2011 to champion the island’s chocolate scene. Since then, their annual Big Island Chocolate Festival has grown into a three-day celebration. It now draws hundreds of chefs, farmers, and chocolate lovers each spring.

Industry leaders have a bold vision too. They want the Big Island to become “The Napa Valley of Chocolate.” And they’re backing it up. Local farms have earned honors from the London Academy of Chocolate, Good Food Awards, and more. It’s not just hype — it’s world-class Hawaiian chocolate grown in volcanic soil, crafted by hand, and recognized on the global stage.

Hawaii’s Unique Growing Conditions for Cacao

Hawaii’s growing conditions for cacao are unlike anywhere else in America. The rest of the country is simply too cold, too dry, or too far from the tropics.

The Big Island hits the jackpot for cacao farming. Warm weather all year long. Plenty of rain on the Hilo side. And volcanic soil packed with minerals from thousands of years of eruptions. Cacao trees love all of it.

But the real magic is something called microclimates. The Big Island has tons of them. One side of the island is rainy and lush. The other side is hot and dry. This means cacao grown near Hilo tastes completely different from cacao grown near Kona. Even farms just a few miles apart produce chocolate with unique flavors. Think of it like wine — where the grapes grow changes how the wine tastes. Same idea here.

Most cacao farms on the Big Island also grow other tropical crops nearby. Banana trees, macadamia nuts, and avocados create natural shade for young cacao trees. The cacao orchards are tucked under these leafy canopies. It’s a beautiful setup that protects the cacao and keeps the farms thriving.

From Sugar Cane to Cacao: The Big Island’s Agricultural Evolution

The Big Island’s agricultural story took a sweet turn — literally. For over a century, sugar cane was king here. Massive plantations stretched across the island. Workers came from all over the world to harvest it. At one point, Hawaii supplied about a tenth of all the sugar Americans used.

Then it all fell apart. Cheaper sugar from overseas made it hard to compete. Labor costs kept climbing. Plantations started shutting down in the 1950s and the closures sped up through the 1990s. Hawaii’s very last sugar mill closed for good in 2016.

That left behind thousands of acres of rich, empty farmland. Farmers needed something new. Coffee took off on the Kona side. Macadamia nuts filled other fields. And then a few adventurous families planted cacao.

In 1997, Bob and Pam Cooper bought property above Kona. They found old bags of cacao beans in a barn on the land. That happy accident sparked the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory — one of the state’s first chocolate operations. Other family-run cacao farms popped up along the Hamakua Coast and near Hilo soon after.

Today, these small farms are turning the Big Island’s sugar cane past into a chocolate-covered future. Pretty sweet upgrade if you ask us.

What to Expect on a Big Island Chocolate Farm Tour

Visiting a chocolate farm on the Big Island is nothing like buying a candy bar at the store. You’ll walk through rows of cacao trees, crack open a fresh cacao pod, and taste chocolate in ways you never have before. Most farm tours take you through the entire process — from the tree all the way to a finished chocolate bar. Along the way, you’ll learn how cacao fruit becomes the smooth, rich chocolate we all love. Every farm does things a little differently, but they all share one thing in common. You’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for what goes into every bite.

Tree-to-Bar Process Explained

The tree-to-bar process is what makes Big Island chocolate so special. It means everything happens in one place — from growing the cacao to wrapping the finished bar. Most chocolate you buy at the store is made from beans shipped halfway around the world. Here, the beans travel from the tree to the chocolate maker’s hands in the same afternoon.

It all starts with a cacao pod. These colorful fruits grow right on the trunk of the tree. Farmers pick them by hand when they’re ripe. Inside each pod, you’ll find about 30 to 40 cacao beans covered in a sweet, white pulp. It tastes nothing like chocolate yet — more like a tropical fruit.

Next comes fermentation. The beans sit in bins for several days while natural sugars break down. This step is what actually develops the chocolate flavor. Skip it and you’d just have bitter beans. After fermentation, the beans dry in the sun for about a week.

Then the real transformation happens. Dried beans get roasted, cracked open, and ground into a smooth paste. That paste eventually becomes the craft chocolate you’ll taste on your tour. From start to finish, the whole process can take several weeks. But watching it unfold in person is what makes a farm tour unforgettable.

Chocolate Tasting Experiences

Chocolate tasting on a Big Island cacao farm is nothing like grabbing a Hershey bar. It’s more like a wine tasting—but way more delicious. You’ll discover flavors you never knew chocolate could have.

Most farms offer guided tastings where you sample several types of Hawaiian chocolate side by side. A guide walks you through each one, pointing out the different flavor notes. Some bars taste fruity. Others are earthy or nutty. Some bars surprise you with their floral sweetness. It all depends on where the cacao was grown and how it was processed.

Single-origin chocolate is a big deal here. That means every bar comes from one specific farm instead of blending beans from different places. You can actually taste the Big Island in each bite. The volcanic soil, the rain, the tropical air—it all shows up in the flavor. Locals call this terroir, just like in the wine world.

Some farms take tastings even further. Mānoa Chocolate offers ten single-origin samples during their tour. Others pair chocolate with Kona coffee, local honey, or fresh tropical fruit. A few spots even let you taste raw cacao straight from the pod before trying the finished bar.

Fair warning—you’ll probably want to bring extra cash for the gift shop after.

Best Chocolate Farms Near Hilo

The Hilo side of the Big Island is home to some incredible chocolate farms worth adding to your itinerary. Each one offers a completely different experience. Some focus on scenic tours through lush orchards. Others let you roll up your sleeves and make your own chocolate. A couple are perfect for families, while others cater to serious chocolate lovers looking for a deeper dive. Here’s a closer look at the best cacao farm tours near Hilo and what makes each one special.

Lavaloha Chocolate Farm – Tree-to-Chocolate Experience

Lavaloha Chocolate Farm sits on 1,000 acres high on the slopes of Mauna Kea, just ten minutes above downtown Hilo. The views alone are worth the drive. From the visitor center lanai, you can see sweeping views stretching from the mountains all the way down to the Hilo shoreline.

Their tree-to-chocolate tour is one of the most relaxing on the island. You don’t have to hike through muddy fields here. Instead, you hop on an electric bus and ride through the cacao orchards while a guide explains everything. You’ll stop to pick a fresh cacao pod, taste the tropical fruit inside, and watch how the beans get processed into finished chocolate. The tour wraps up in their chocolate lounge where you sample every flavor they make.

Lavaloha is completely vertically integrated. That means they grow the cacao, process it, and craft the chocolate all in one place. It’s 100% Hawaiian, single-origin chocolate from start to finish.

The visitor center and gift shop are free to walk into. So even if you skip the tour, you can still browse and buy their handcrafted chocolate bars.

What you need to know:

• Address: 1820 Amauulu Rd, Hilo, HI 96720
• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays)
• Tour length: About 1 to 1.5 hours
• Cost: $43 per adult and ranges from $16 child up to $43
• Book ahead: Tours fill up fast — reserve online at least a week in advance
• Best for: Families, anyone who wants a scenic and easy tour experience

 Hamakua Chocolate Farm – Botanical Paradise

Hamakua Chocolate Farm is more than a cacao farm — it’s a full tropical experience. Owners Dan and Berndt built this six-acre property in Papaikou into something that rivals a botanical garden. Visitors often say they came for the chocolate and stayed for the stunning plants, ocean views, and exotic fruit trees.

The three-hour guided tour here is one of the most immersive on the Big Island. You’ll walk through the cacao orchard, cross a suspension bridge, and even climb into a treehouse. Along the way, Dan and Berndt share the full tree-to-bar story. You’ll taste cacao fruit right off the tree, watch a chocolate-making demo, and finish with a 12-course chocolate tasting on a lanai overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Yes — twelve courses of chocolate.

This is a small, personal experience. Tours are capped at just 14 people, so you get real face time with the farmers who grow and make everything on-site. Their handmade, single-origin dark chocolate has earned award-winning recognition. It’s made with just two ingredients — cacao and sugar.

What you need to know:

• Address: 27-2313 Hawaii Belt Rd, Papaikou, HI 96781
• Tour days: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m.
• Tour length: 3 hours
• Cost: $99 per person
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• Book ahead: Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance
• Bonus: They offer farm stay guest rooms overlooking the cacao orchard and ocean
• Best for: Adults, plant lovers, couples, anyone wanting a deep dive experience

Mānoa Chocolate at Honoliʻi Orchards – Premium Craft Chocolate Tasting

Mānoa Chocolate’s Big Island experience at Honoliʻi Orchards is for people who take their chocolate seriously. This isn’t a quick stop — it’s a 3.5-hour deep dive into everything cacao. Visitors consistently call it one of the best tours they’ve ever taken. Period.

The farm sits on a multigenerational family estate just minutes from Hilo. Colin Hart, the farm manager, holds a master’s degree in cacao from the University of Hawaii. He leads tours through the orchards and breaks down the entire process — from how the trees grow to how fermentation shapes the final flavor. You won’t find a more knowledgeable guide on the island.

The real showstopper is the chocolate tasting. You’ll sample around 10 single-origin craft chocolate bars, all sourced from different Hawaiian farms. Each one tastes different because of where and how the cacao was grown. Think of it like a Kona coffee cupping — but with chocolate bars from farms across the islands. You’ll also try fresh cacao fruit, cacao juice, and cacao tea.

The tasting room overlooks the orchards with ocean and valley views that make the whole experience feel special. After the tour, you’re free to wander the farm and buy your favorite bars.

What you need to know:

• Address: 1533 Puia Road Hilo, HI US 96720
• Tour length: 2 tours 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours
• Cost: Ranges from $65 to $290 per person
• Ages: 5+ for the 1.5 hour tour and 9+ for the 3.5 hour tour
• Book ahead: Reservations required
• Best for: Serious chocolate enthusiasts, couples, anyone who wants an educational deep dive

Hilo Sharks Cacao Farm – Hands-On Chocolate Making

Hilo Sharks Cacao Farm is where you roll up your sleeves and make chocolate yourself. Farmer Tom Sharkey — known locally as the “Godfather of Cacao” — has been growing crops on this Papaikou property for nearly 25 years. He’s a retired teacher with a gift for storytelling. That combination makes this one of the most entertaining farm tours on the Big Island.

The three-hour walking tour covers way more than just cacao. Sharkey’s farm also grows coffee and vanilla, so you get a triple experience in one visit. You’ll stroll through the orchards and learn how all three crops are grown, harvested, and processed. Along the way, the team keeps you well fed with tastings, Tropical Dreams sorbet, Sharkey’s famous Taro Frappe, and hibiscus tea.

During this three-hour chocolate adventure from seed to bar, learn about science, geology, and farming while sipping estate-grown coffee, fresh teas, and seasonal juices. Make your own chocolate bar to take home after cooling off with ice cream and drinks. Children aged three and up receive age-appropriate FunPaks to enhance the experience.

What you need to know:

• Address: 27-220 Kaapoko Homestead Rd, Papaikou, HI 96781
• Tour length: About 3 hours
• Cost: $75 per adult / $45 for kids ages 3–9
• Book ahead: Reservations required
• Bonus: They offer a farm stay treehouse on the property
• Best for: Families, hands-on learners, anyone who wants a fun and interactive experience

Best Chocolate Farms on the Hamakua Coast

The Hamakua Coast stretches along the Big Island’s northeastern shoreline. It’s lush, green, and dripping with natural beauty. This region is also home to some of the island’s finest cacao. If you’re driving between Hilo and Waimea, a chocolate farm stop along this coast is a must. Here are the farms worth pulling over for.

Honoka’a Chocolate Co. – Award-Winning Hawaiian Chocolate

Honoka’a Chocolate Co. is the most awarded chocolate company in Hawaii — and it’s not even close. Founded by scientist Mike Pollard, this farm has racked up over 55 international awards since 2020. Gold medals from the London Academy of Chocolate. Recognition from the International Cocoa of Excellence program. When people talk about world-class Hawaiian chocolate, Honoka’a is the name that keeps coming up.

The farm sits on five acres in the Ahualoa area, just a short drive above the charming town of Honoka’a on the Hamakua Coast. Mike leads the branch-to-bar farm tours himself. You’ll walk through the cacao orchard, learn how the trees are grown and harvested, and watch the full bean-to-bar process unfold. After the orchard tour, you’ll settle in for a nine-chocolate tasting. Mike teaches you how to taste chocolate like a pro — picking up on flavor notes the way someone would during a fine wine tasting.

The tour wraps up with a visit to their downtown retail store and production facility. You can watch chocolate being made and grab bars to take home. Their lineup includes some creative flavors like rum-infused and bourbon barrel-aged dark chocolate.

What you need to know:

• Farm address: 45-3584 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Honokaa, HI 96727
• Store address: 45-3587 Mamane St, Honokaa, HI 96727
• Store hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tour length: About 1 hour farm tour + tasting tour only available Monday – Friday 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Cost: $65 per person for the tasting tour
• Book ahead: Reservations required — limited spots
• Bonus: They offer VIP 2-hour guided tour and chocolate tasting with founder, Mike Pollard. Only available Monday – Friday between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The cost is $95 per person.
• Best for: Chocolate connoisseurs, history lovers, anyone chasing the best chocolate in Hawaii

Best Chocolate Farms Near Kona

Kona is already world-famous for its coffee. But chocolate is quickly becoming the area’s next big thing. The sunny west side of the Big Island is where Hawaiian chocolate was born. The very first farm-to-bar chocolate operation in the state started right here in the late 1990s. That pioneering spirit still runs through every cacao farm in the area. Kona’s drier climate also gives its cacao a flavor profile you won’t find on the rainy Hilo side. And since many visitors stay along the Kona coast, these farms are easy to reach between beach days and snorkeling trips. Here are the farms that make a Kona chocolate stop worth your time.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory – America’s First Hawaiian Chocolate

The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory holds a special place in Big Island history. Founded in 1999 by Bob and Pam Cooper, it was the first operation in the state to grow, process, and produce 100% Hawaiian chocolate — all in one place. No imported beans. No blending. Everything is homegrown and handmade right here in Kona.

Bob leads the tours himself, and visitors love him for it. He’s a natural storyteller who walks you through the cacao orchard and explains every step of the chocolate-making process. You’ll learn how the trees are grown, how the beans are sun-dried, and how each bar is crafted by hand. The tour ends with tastings of their milk, dark, and rare criollo chocolates. That criollo variety is special — it’s one of the rarest types of cacao in the world.

At $25 per adult, this is the most budget-friendly chocolate farm tour on the Big Island. It’s a great option for families too, since kids ages 6–12 are only $10 and little ones under five get in free.

What you need to know:

• Address: 78-6772 Makenawai St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
• Tour days: Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Tour length: About 1 hour
• Cost: $30 adults / $12 kids 6–12 / Free under 5
• Gift shop: Open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Book ahead: Reservations required — book at least a week in advance
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, families, chocolate history lovers

Puna Chocolate Company – Farm Tours in Kona

Puna Chocolate Company brings a laid-back, farm-to-bar experience to the Kona side of the Big Island. Their cacao orchard sits just 15 minutes south of downtown Kona on a mature tropical farm. It’s shaded by a natural canopy and surrounded by nearly 600 cacao trees, 2,000 coffee plants, and hundreds of macadamia nut trees.

The 1.5-hour Kona orchard tour is relaxed and easygoing. You’ll stroll through the farm, see how cacao is grown alongside coffee and macadamia, and learn what gives each crop its unique flavors. The tour wraps up with a chocolate tasting featuring dark, milk, and white chocolate — all crafted from Big Island-grown cacao beans.

Puna Chocolate also has a café location in downtown Hilo if you’re on the other side of the island. Their Hilo studio offers chocolate tastings, truffle-making workshops, and coffee experiences. So you can hit them up no matter where you’re staying.

What you need to know:

• Tour Names: There are 3 tours
  • Kona Cacao & Coffee Orchards Tour & Chocolate Tasting – Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat – 9am, 12pm, 3pm for 1h 45min – 2 hours.
    • Cost: $25.00 – $45.00 per person
    • Location: 79-7378 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI, USA
  • Chocolate & Coffee Farm Tour with Gourmet Cacao Luncheon – 2 hours – Wednesdays and Cruise Ship Port Days.
    • Cost: $45.00 – $70.00 per person
    • Location: 79-7384 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd # B, Kealakekua, HI 96750
  • Farm Walk and Chocolate Tasting – 1 hour – Sun, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
    • Cost: $17.00 – $25.00 per person
    • Location: 79-7378 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI, USA
• Book ahead: Reservations required
• Best for: Coffee lovers, budget-friendly tours, anyone staying in Kona

Planning Your Big Island Chocolate Farm Tour

A little planning goes a long way when picking a chocolate farm tour on the Big Island. Start with where you’re staying. Most cacao farms are on the Hilo side and the Hamakua Coast. If you’re based in Kona, you’ve got a couple of nearby options. But if you want to visit a Hilo-area farm from Kona, plan for a full-day trip — it’s about two hours each way.

If budget matters then plan to spend anywhere from $25 up to $300 per person on these fabulous tours. Generally, cheaper tours run about an hour while pricier ones last two to three and a half hours with deeper tastings and more personal attention.

Traveling with kids? Check age requirements before you book. Lavaloha and Hilo Sharks both welcome families with young children. Hamakua Chocolate Farm and Mānoa Chocolate are geared toward adults and require guests to be at least 12 years old.

The good news about timing is that cacao grows year-round on the Big Island. There’s no single harvest season you have to plan around. Farmers pick ripe pods roughly every month. That said, the Hilo side gets a lot of rain — especially in winter. Most farms run tours rain or shine, so bring a light jacket and wear closed-toe shoes. Skip the flip-flops.

The most important planning tip? Book your reservations early. Every chocolate farm on the Big Island requires advance booking. Popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak travel months. Try to reserve your spot at least a week ahead. Some farms will cancel tours that don’t meet minimum group sizes, so booking early helps everyone.

Bonus: Vanilla Farm Tours on the Big Island

While you’re exploring cacao farms on the Big Island, there’s one more tropical crop worth adding to your itinerary. The Hamakua Coast is home to the first commercial vanilla farm in the entire country. If you love chocolate, you’ll love seeing where its favorite flavor partner grows too.

Hawaiian Vanilla Company (Bonus Experience)

Hawaiian Vanilla Company is a one-of-a-kind stop on the Hamakua Coast. Jim and Tracy Reddekopp started this family farm in 1998. It became the first commercial vanilla operation in the United States. Today, their team grows organic vanilla in a lush rainforest setting just minutes from Honoka’a.

The most popular experience is the Vanilla Luncheon and Farm Tour. It’s a two-hour event that starts with a full vanilla-themed meal. Every course features vanilla — from the bourbon chicken to the balsamic dressing to the ice cream. After lunch, the team walks you through the vanilla vineyard. You’ll learn how vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated and why this spice takes so long to produce.

Can’t stay for lunch? They also offer a one-hour farm-only tour with a welcome drink, dessert, and vineyard walk. Serious foodies should check out the Culinary Tasting Tour on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s a hands-on deep dive into cooking with vanilla.

What you need to know:

• Address: 43-2007 Paauilo Mauka Rd, Paauilo, HI 96776
• Tour options: They offer several different tours.
  • Vanilla Luncheon and Guided Tour, 2 Hours, cost ranges from $55-$90.
  • Vanilla Culinary Tasting and Guided Tour, 2 Hours, cost is $75.
  • Vanilla Guided Farm Tour, 1 Hour, cost is $41.50 (all ages).
• Reservations: Required — book ahead, space is limited
• Bonus: Vanilla farm stay experience available
• Best for: Foodies, families, anyone driving the Hamakua Coast

Why Pair Chocolate and Vanilla Farm Tours

Chocolate and vanilla are the world’s most beloved flavor combination. On the Big Island, you can visit the farms that grow both — all in the same day.

Hawaiian Vanilla Company sits right on the Hamakua Coast, just a short drive from Honoka’a Chocolate Co. You could easily pair a morning vanilla luncheon with an afternoon chocolate tasting and still have time for dinner. If you’re near Hilo, Hilo Sharks Cacao Farm already grows vanilla alongside their cacao trees. So you’ll experience both crops on a single tour there.

Combining these tours gives you a full picture of Hawaii’s specialty agriculture. You’ll taste the difference that volcanic soil and tropical rain make in every bite and every drop. It’s the kind of experience you just can’t get anywhere else in the country.

Tips for Your Big Island Chocolate Farm Visit

A few smart choices before your chocolate farm tour will make the whole experience better. Start with your feet. Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Farm paths can be muddy, uneven, and slippery — especially on the rainy Hilo side. Pack a light rain jacket too. Mosquito repellent is a must for Hilo and Hamakua area farms.

Don’t just visit one farm and call it a day. The Big Island has plenty of experiences you can stack together. Pair a morning at Honoka’a Chocolate Co. with a visit to Hawaiian Vanilla Company — they’re both on the Hamakua Coast. Near Hilo? Add Akaka Falls or the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden to your route. Coffee lovers can visit a Kona coffee farm the same day they tour Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory or Puna Chocolate. With a little planning, you can turn a single farm tour into a full-day Big Island food adventure.

And don’t leave the island without stocking up on Hawaiian chocolate to take home. Every farm has a gift shop where you can buy bars, truffles, and cacao products. Honoka’a Chocolate Co. runs a retail shop on Mamane Street that’s open daily. Big Island Candies in Hilo is another popular stop for chocolate-dipped treats and gift boxes — it’s right near the airport. Most farms also ship nationwide through their websites. So even after you’re home, you can order more of your favorites.

Key Takeaways Before Visiting a Chocolate Farm on the Big Island

Here’s what to remember before you head out to explore chocolate farms on the Big Island.

Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows cacao commercially. The Big Island is home to seven chocolate farms offering tours — plus a vanilla farm worth adding to your list. Most cacao farms are clustered on the Hilo side and the Hamakua Coast. Kona has two options that are easy to reach from west-side resorts.

Tours range from one hour to three and a half hours. Prices run from $25 to $99 per person. Family-friendly farms include Lavaloha and Hilo Sharks. Adult-focused farms like Hamakua Chocolate and Mānoa Chocolate require guests to be 12 or older.

Every farm requires advance reservations. Book at least one week ahead — popular tours fill up fast during peak travel season. Cacao grows year-round, so there’s no bad time to visit. But bring a rain jacket and closed-toe shoes, especially for Hilo-area farms.

Each farm offers something different. Some focus on tastings. Others let you make your own chocolate. A few have won dozens of international awards. Pick the one that matches your interests, your budget, and how much time you have.

Don’t forget to grab Hawaiian chocolate bars and gifts before you leave. Every farm has a shop, and most ship to the mainland too.

Big Island Chocolate Farm Comparison

 Plan Your Big Island Chocolate Farm Adventure

Your Big Island chocolate farm adventure starts with the right home base. Cliffhouse is an oceanfront vacation home in Ookala, right on the Hamakua Coast. It sits on 14 acres at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with views that stretch to the horizon from every room. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three floors give your group plenty of room to spread out after a long day of chocolate tasting.

The location is ideal for farm hopping. Honoka’a Chocolate Co. and Hawaiian Vanilla Company are a short drive up the coast. Hilo-area farms like Lavaloha, Hamakua Chocolate, and Hilo Sharks are about 35 minutes away. Even the Kona-side farms are within reach for a day trip.

After a full day exploring cacao orchards, come home to a pool overlooking the ocean. Relax on the lanai and listen to the waves crash against the cliffs below. Soak in the hot tub. Fire up the kitchen and pair your farm-fresh Hawaiian chocolate with a cup of Kona coffee. This is the kind of Big Island experience you won’t find at a resort.

Cliffhouse is a long-term rental that sleeps up to six guests. Call 682-201-8577 to check availability and start planning your trip. Book your chocolate farm tours early, pick your home base, and get ready to taste the Big Island one farm at a time.

About This Guide: This chocolate tour guide is brought to you by Cliffhouse, a vacation rental property located in Ookala on Big Island’s scenic coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Island Chocolate Farms

Do I need reservations for chocolate farm tours?

Yes — every chocolate farm on the Big Island requires advance reservations. Most tours have small group sizes that fill up quickly. Book at least one week ahead, especially during peak travel months. Check each farm’s website for booking details and cancellation policies.

Are chocolate farm tours good for kids?

Some are, some aren’t. Lavaloha Chocolate Farm and Hilo Sharks Cacao Farm welcome families with young children. Hilo Sharks even lets kids make their own chocolate. However, Hamakua Chocolate Farm and Mānoa Chocolate require guests to be at least 12 years old. Always check age requirements before you book.

How long do chocolate farm tours last?

Tours range from about one hour to three and a half hours. Shorter tours like Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Puna Chocolate focus on quick overviews and tastings. Longer tours like Hamakua Chocolate Farm and Mānoa Chocolate include deep orchard walks, hands-on demos, and extended tastings.

Can I buy chocolate at the farms?

Absolutely. Every farm has a gift shop where you can buy chocolate bars, truffles, cacao nibs, and other products. Honoka’a Chocolate Co. has a retail store on Mamane Street that’s open daily. Most farms also sell through their websites and ship nationwide — so you can restock from home.

What’s the difference between Hilo and Kona chocolate farms?

Hilo-side farms sit in a wetter, more tropical climate. The extra rainfall and volcanic soil create rich, fruity cacao flavors. Most Big Island chocolate farms are on this side. Kona-side farms grow cacao in drier conditions, which produces a different flavor profile. Kona also has fewer options but is easier to reach from west-side resorts.

Articles for this blog

– “Over 10% of all Gold Awards at the international Cacao of Excellence competition” and “The Napa Valley of Chocolate” vision: https://www.ir4project.org/news/hawaiiancacao/ (This is from a May 2024 HCCA conference where the president of the Hawaii Cacao & Chocolate Association shared these stats)

– Kona Cacao Association formed in 2011 + Big Island Chocolate Festival details: https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com/about/

– Festival now in its 13th year (2026) + three-day format: https://events.humanitix.com/2026bicf

– London Academy of Chocolate Gold medal: https://maunakeacacao.com/awards

– Good Food Awards: https://www.maverickchocolate.com/products/big-island-hawaii-70-dark-chocolate

– Honoka’a Chocolate’s 50+ awards: https://honokaachocolate.com/