Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts

Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts

Imagine spending a few hours on a lush Hawaiian farm where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and rich cacao. For $50 per person, this 3-hour guided tour takes you behind the scenes of a traditional plantation on the Big Island, offering an authentic peek into Hawaii’s coffee and chocolate industries. Led by Greg, a host praised for his knowledge and humor, you’ll learn how these beloved local products are grown, processed, and turned into delicious treats. Along the way, you’ll also find time to browse a charming gift shop packed with homemade soaps, oils, and unique souvenirs.

What we love most about this experience is how personal and engaging it feels. Greg’s storytelling makes complex farming processes easy to understand, and the stunning views from 1,200 feet above Kona provide a memorable backdrop. Two specific highlights stand out: the chance to sample freshly made coffee and chocolate and the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts directly from the farm. A potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suited for children under 12, mainly due to the quiet, nature-focused environment. This experience appeals best to travelers interested in sustainable farming, food tasting, or simply enjoying Hawaii’s scenic landscapes while learning something new.

Key Points

• In-depth insights into coffee and chocolate production directly from a working farm
• Tastings of farm-made coffee, chocolate, and snacks
• Beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean and volcanic landscape
• Small-group setting for a personalized experience
• Great value for money with lots of samples and handcrafted gifts
• Suitable for travelers with an interest in sustainable and organic farming

An Honest Look at the Big Island’s Coffee and Chocolate Farm Tour

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite coffee beans or chocolates go from farm to table, this tour might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s held on a farm on the Big Island, where Greg, the passionate host, guides a small group through the entire process of growing, harvesting, and processing these tropical treasures. The tour lasts about three hours—just enough time to get a thorough explanation and enjoy some delicious samples without feeling rushed. The cost is $50 per person, which is quite reasonable given the quality of experience, the scenic setting, and the generous tastings.

Location and Getting There

Starting at the address 78-6749 Mamalahoa Hwy in Holualoa, the meeting point offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from 1,200 feet above sea level. The drive to the farm itself is a treat—winding through rainforests and past the dormant volcano Hau’ula, the volcanic soil here is what makes the farm’s crops so flavorful. As you arrive, the lush greenery and vibrant tropical plants set a peaceful, inspiring scene that perfectly complements the educational experience ahead.

What We Love About This Tour

First, the personalized experience is a real plus. With a maximum of 15 (or up to 30, depending on the day) participants, you get plenty of interaction with Greg and his staff, making the tour feel more like a friendly visit than a large, impersonal group event. Second, the quality of the tastings is impressive. Guests frequently mention the farm’s own coffee and chocolate samples—fresh, flavorful, and often paired with homemade cookies or soaps—that leave a lasting impression.

A Few Considerations

While the tour is easy to access, it’s not recommended for children under 12, as the environment encourages calm, supervised exploration. Also, since the tour involves walking around the farm and factory areas, comfortable shoes and a little patience for uneven surfaces are advised. Parking is plentiful and free, but the access road can be rocky, so drive cautiously.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point: The tour begins with a warm welcome and a quick overview by Greg or his team. As you set out, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the coastline, rainforests, and volcanic landscape—a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins and how they nourish the land.

Walking Tour of the Farm and Factory: The main portion involves a guided walk around the farm—covering coffee plants, cacao trees, and other tropical crops. Greg explains the growing practices—emphasizing organic and sustainable methods—and shares stories about the farm’s history and development. The walk also takes you through the processing facilities, where you see how coffee beans are roasted and ground, and cacao beans are transformed into chocolate.

Tastings and Demonstrations: Expect to sample fresh coffee, often brewed on-site, and cacao beans at different stages of processing, from raw beans to roasted and ground. The chocolate tasting includes various samples of homemade chocolate bars, allowing you to appreciate the differences in flavor depending on bean origin and processing. Many reviews highlight just how delicious and fresh these samples are—some even say it’s the best coffee they’ve had in Hawaii.

Gift Shop and Final Shopping: After the tour, you’re encouraged to spend as much time as you like in the gift shop, which offers homemade soaps, skin oils, pottery, and other handcrafted items. Many guests leave with unique souvenirs that reflect the farm’s organic ethos and craftsmanship.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

What makes this tour stand out is the quality of the personal interaction and the authenticity of the products. Greg’s enthusiasm for sustainable farming and local craftsmanship shines through, making it not just a tasting event but an educational journey. Guests repeatedly mention how much they learned about organic practices, the importance of volcanic soil, and the art of making soap. One reviewer noted, “Greg is a wealth of information,” and many found his explanations both entertaining and informative.

Compared to other tours, the price of $50 offers excellent value—especially considering the generous samples, the personalized attention, and the chance to purchase locally-made, natural products. It’s also worth noting that the tour is accessible and has ample parking, making it convenient for most visitors.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re curious about Hawaii’s agricultural roots, love tasting fresh local products, or appreciate sustainable farming practices. It suits those who enjoy learning from passionate guides and want a relaxed, small-group setting. Families with older children, teens and above, tend to find it especially engaging—many reviews mention how even kids enjoyed the stories and samples.

If you’re looking for a scenic, educational, and tasty half-day on the Big Island, this farm tour offers a genuine taste of local Hawaii—both in flavors and in the land’s natural beauty.

The Sum Up

This farm tour combines scenic views, educational storytelling, and delicious tastings—making it a rewarding experience for curious travelers. Greg’s passion for sustainable farming and local craftsmanship shines, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of Hawaii’s agricultural bounty. The small-group setting ensures personal attention, and the opportunity to buy handmade soaps and chocolates adds to the value.

It’s perfect for food lovers, eco-conscious travelers, or those simply wanting to enjoy Hawaii’s lush landscapes in a relaxed, informative environment. If you appreciate authentic experiences and meaningful connections to local culture, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 12, as the environment is quiet and best suited for supervised exploration.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs about 3 hours, giving plenty of time for walking, tasting, and shopping without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, tastings of coffee and chocolate, and access to the gift shop where you can purchase soaps, oils, and souvenirs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is parking available?
Yes, there is lots of free parking. Just drive cautiously on the rocky entrance road.

Are the products handmade and local?
Absolutely. Many reviews praise the homemade soaps, oils, and pottery, all crafted on-site or locally.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and casual, weather-appropriate clothing are best, especially since you’ll be outdoors and in processing areas.

This tour offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, tasty treats, and authentic craftsmanship—perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of Hawaii’s rich agricultural traditions. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, chocolatier, or simply enjoy exploring local farms, it’s a memorable and worthwhile outing.