Where to find Hawaii chocolate

These businesses are taking Hawaii-grown cacao from bean to bar and, in some cases, even grow the chocolate on-site.

These businesses are taking Hawaii-grown cacao from bean to bar and, in some cases, even grow the chocolate on-site.
 

HAWAII ISLAND

Big Island Chocolate Co.
The small family farm south of Hilo has about 300 trees and makes chocolate on-site for sale at area farmers markets. (808) 966-6693, bigislandchocolatecompany.com.

Hawaiian Crown Plantation and Chocolate Factory
Look for its two, 100 percent Hawaiian dark-chocolate bars, as well as an assortment of chocolate nibs made from organic cacao grown outside of Hilo. 160 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, (808) 319-6158, hawaiiancrown.com.

Hilo Shark’s Coffee Shops
A popular chain of coffee shops, it also serves chocolate offerings, such as roasted nibs and an assortment of small batch bars. 99 Keawe St., Hilo, (808) 935-7500; 41 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, (808) 933-8685; 28-1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honomu, (808) 963-6706, sharksshops.com.

Kuaiwi Farm
This 5-acre organic farm in Captain Cook grows cacao, coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, tea, citrus and more. Chocolate candy-making classes and farm tours are offered regularly. Captain Cook, (808) 328-8888, kuaiwifarm.com.

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
The oldest bean-to-bar operation in the state offers tours of its cacao orchards and factory. Chocolate sold on-site is made from OHCF-raised beans, as well as from 27 other area growers. One hour walking tour and chocolate sampling offered Wednesday and Friday mornings only. 78-6772 Makenawai St., Kailua-Kona, (808) 322-2626, ohcf.us.

OAHU

Lonohana Hawaiian Estate Chocolate
A 14-acre two-family farm on the North Shore, Lonohana grows the cacao used in the creation of its Honolulu-crafted small-batch chocolate bars. Chocolate is produced six times a year and distributed to the company’s club members and through its factory store. Tours available by appointment. 296 Mokauea St., Honolulu, (808) 223-9997, lonohana.com.

Madre Chocolate
This chocolatier transforms organic, lightly-processed dry beans from farms throughout the state and around the world in its Honolulu workshop. Try the coconut milk and caramelized ginger or lilikoi (passion fruit)-infused bars, or join a make-your-own-bar class. Pairing events are offered regularly. 8 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu; 20A Kainehe St., Kailua, (808) 377-6440, madrechocolate.com.

Manoa Chocolate
Try its popular Breakfast Bar, which incorporates Hawai‘i chocolate nibs and Hawai‘i coffee beans. Factory tours offered Monday through Saturday. 315 Uluniu St., Suite 203, Kailua, (808) 262-6789, manoachocolate.com.

Waialua Estate 
Grown on former sugarcane land on the island’s North Shore, indulge in single origin cacao—the 70 percent extra dark chocolate is a favorite. Available at the Dole Plantation’s retail store. 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawa, (808) 621-8408, waialuaestate.com.

KAUAI

Steelgrass Farms
Though this 8-acre farm also produces other tropical products, including orchids, vanilla beans and more, it’s Kaua‘i’s largest cacao farm. The estate offers three-hour tours of its tropical orchards including an 11-course dark chocolate sampling with chocolate from producers throughout the state and beyond. 5730 Olohena Rd., Kapa‘a, (808) 821-1857, steelgrass.org.

MAUI

Sweet Paradise Chocolatier
This company sources cacao from some area farms as well as cacao produced elsewhere. Adopt and plant a cacao tree or enjoy a guided chocolate tasting or class. 34 Wailea Gateway Place, Kihei, (808) 344-1040, sweetparadisechocolate.com.

Also read: Hawaii chocolate is the rarest in the world