Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour

Taking a trip to Hawaii isn’t just about beaches and volcanoes — it can also be a journey into the world of high-quality, locally crafted chocolate. The Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour by Honolii Orchards offers a taste of Hawaii’s emerging reputation as a chocolate paradise. With a blend of scenic beauty, educational insights, and delicious tastings, this 3.5-hour adventure stands out for those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist trail.

What makes this experience a real winner? First, the personalized guidance from passionate experts who explain the entire process from cacao seed to chocolate bar. Second, the stunning views from the tasting room, perched above the orchard with sweeping ocean and valley vistas. Lastly, the chance to sample 10 single-origin Hawaiian craft chocolates—an eye-opening way to understand how terroir shapes flavor. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for children under 9, so it’s best for older kids and adults alike.

This tour suits chocolate enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone curious about the agricultural roots of Hawaii’s cacao industry. Whether you’re seeking an educational experience, a scenic outing, or simply a good excuse to indulge in some exceptional chocolate, this tour ticks those boxes.

Good To Know

• Authentic farm experience with guided orchard and fermentation room tours
• Tasting of 10 distinct Hawaiian craft chocolates showcasing regional diversity
• Beautiful vistas from the elevated tasting room with panoramic views
• Educational insights into cacao cultivation, fermentation, and history
• Sampling of seasonal farm treats, including cacao juice and roasted beans
• Family-owned farm providing a more personal and relaxed atmosphere

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Scenic Drive to Honolii Orchards

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Big Island’s lesser-traveled backroads. The route takes you just 5 minutes from Hilo, through historic sugarcane, macadamia, and cattle country. This quiet, lush landscape offers a perfect backdrop for the farm visit. The farm’s entrance, marked by a green gate and vinyl sign, is easy to find using Google Maps (just follow the provided pin). This initial drive sets the tone—peaceful, scenic, and slightly off the beaten path.

Welcome and Tasting Room Views

Upon arriving, you’re greeted in an elegant tasting room perched above the orchards. It’s a spot that immediately makes you feel special—large windows frame sweeping views of the ocean and valleys. The hosts, including Jude and Wren, are friendly and eager to share their deep passion for Hawaiian cacao. As you settle in, expect some casual conversation and a chance to relax before the tour proper begins.

Orchard Tour: From Tree to Pod

Led by a knowledgeable guide with industry experience, the orchard walk provides insights into how cacao trees are cultivated in Hawaii. You’ll learn about the region’s unique climate, soil, and farming practices that influence flavor. The guide will explain each step of harvesting and processing, illuminating why Hawaiian cacao is gaining international recognition.

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Fermentation Process

Next, you’ll visit the fermentation room—an often overlooked but critical phase in chocolate making. Here, you’ll see the science and art behind fermentation, which develops the chocolate’s complex flavors. The guide may demonstrate the process or share stories about how fermentation techniques are improved to produce premium craft chocolate.

The Chocolate and Food Tasting

Returning to the tasting room, the focus shifts to flavor. Jude and Wren guide you through an engaging history of chocolate, from ancient Mesoamerican origins to modern craft chocolate movements. They highlight the differences between craft and mass-produced chocolates, emphasizing quality and terroir.

The highlight: sampling 10 single-origin Hawaiian craft chocolates from various farms across the archipelago. Each bar offers a distinct taste profile, influenced by genetics, soil, and climate. One reviewer mentioned they could “actually tell the differences between them,” which speaks to the depth and clarity of the tasting. Alongside, you’ll try fresh cacao juice, roasted cacao beans, cacao tea, and seasonal fruits—adding variety and context to the chocolate experience.

Additional Tastes and Shopping

The experience isn’t just about tasting; it’s also about understanding. You’ll learn how Hawaii’s cacao industry is evolving, with suggestions on buying local chocolates to take home. Guests have commented that they appreciated the opportunity to purchase their favorites directly from the farm, often finding unique flavors not available elsewhere.

Relaxing and Exploring

Post-tasting, you’re encouraged to relax in the orchard setting, take a stroll, or ask more questions. The tour ends after roughly 3.5 hours, but many visitors stay longer, soaking in the views or purchasing chocolates.

The Experience: Why It Works

Expert Guides and Personal Touch

Guests praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of Jude and Wren, describing them as passionate and approachable. One reviewer noted that Wren has “immense knowledge but more importantly a deep desire to share what makes cocoa special.” This genuine enthusiasm makes complex topics understandable and memorable.

Scenic Setting that Elevates the Experience

The elevated tasting room offers more than just good views; it adds a sense of occasion. You’re tasting premium chocolate in a peaceful setting that feels removed from commercial tourism, which enhances the overall value.

Deep Agricultural and Historical Context

Unlike typical tastings, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Hawaiian cacao farming and its history. The inclusion of regional history, like the past sugarcane industry, connects the dots between agriculture and local culture.

High-Quality, Diverse Tastings

Sampling 10 different craft chocolates allows you to explore the spectrum of Hawaiian cacao flavors. The experience helps refine your palate and may even influence future chocolate choices.

Seasonal Farm Treats

The variety of fresh farm products, from cacao juice to roasted beans and seasonal fruits, adds layers of flavor and texture to the experience. These treats complement the chocolates and provide a broader farm-to-table perspective.

Value and Price Assessment

At $131 per person, this tour offers a detailed, interactive, and scenic introduction to Hawaiian craft chocolate. For those who appreciate in-depth knowledge and high-quality tastings, the price aligns well with the experience’s depth and exclusivity. Compared to generic chocolate tastings, this is a more immersive and educational outing, making it a strong value, especially for those eager to learn about agricultural roots and flavor profiles.

While the cost might seem higher than some standard tours, the inclusion of guided orchard and fermentation room visits, extensive tasting, and expert commentary justifies the price. Plus, the ability to purchase chocolates directly from the farm adds a tangible takeaway that enhances perceived value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for chocolate lovers, foodies, and travelers interested in agriculture and local industries. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic views combined with educational insights. Families with children over 9 will find it engaging, especially if they’re curious about farming or taste-testing. It’s also well-suited for those wanting a relaxed, personalized experience in a less commercial setting.

If you’re looking for a quick, superficial overview of Hawaiian chocolate, this might be more detail than you need. But if you want a meaningful, high-quality introduction that combines scenery, science, and tasting, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Transportation isn’t provided, but the farm is easy to reach using Google Maps. The drive from Hilo is short and scenic.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 3.5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 9, primarily because of the walking and tasting focus.

Can I buy chocolates at the end?
Yes, you’re welcome to purchase any of the chocolates tasted, along with other farm treats.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking outdoors and in the farm’s tasting room. No specific gear needed.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, the guides, including Jude and Wren, are praised for their deep knowledge and friendly approach.

Is this experience available in other languages?
The tour is conducted in English only.

The Sum Up

The Big Island Hawaii: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour offers a rare glimpse into Hawaii’s emerging craft cacao scene. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and authentic farm interaction, making it a standout for those who appreciate quality, education, and local flavor. Whether you’re a dedicated chocoholic or simply curious about how regional terroir influences taste, this tour provides a meaningful and tasty adventure.

Perfect for foodies, families with older children, or anyone seeking a deeper connection to Hawaii’s agricultural past and present. The combination of stunning views, expert-led insights, and top-tier tastings makes it a worthwhile addition to your Big Island itinerary. Just remember to come hungry and ready to learn—this isn’t your average chocolate shop visit.

You can check if your dates are available here: