Hawaii: 10 Bar Chocolate Tasting & History of Chocolate

Hawaii: 10 Bar Chocolate Tasting & History of Chocolate – A Deep Dive into Cacao’s Hawaiian Legacy

Imagine winding along the rural backroads of the Hamakua Coast, passing lush pastures and historic macadamia orchards, to arrive at a family-owned cacao farm with sweeping views of the river valley and Pacific Ocean. This is the setting for the Hawaii: 10 Bar Chocolate Tasting & History of Chocolate tour—a 1.5-hour journey into Hawaii’s burgeoning craft chocolate scene. Led by passionate guides, this experience combines a detailed history of chocolate seminar with a generous tasting of over ten Hawaiian single-estate craft chocolate bars. It’s a chance to not only taste exceptional chocolate but to learn how this crop has woven itself into the island’s story from ancient times to today.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances educational content with sensory pleasure. First, the guides do a wonderful job explaining the global voyage of cacao—from its origins in South America to its development in Hawaii—giving the tasting context and a new appreciation for each bite. Second, the opportunity to sample fresh cacao fruit and seasonal fruits directly from the farm sets this apart from typical chocolate tastings, making the experience both authentic and flavorful.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves a scenic drive up Maunakea’s slopes, which, while beautiful, might be a bit lengthy or winding for those sensitive to vehicle motion. Also, given that children under five aren’t suitable, it’s best suited for slightly older kids or adults eager to deepen their understanding of craft chocolate.

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who appreciate good storytelling, sustainable farming, and fine artisan products. If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local food traditions and values supporting small-scale farmers, this tour will resonate with you.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Hawaiian Cacao: Experience Hawaii’s craft chocolate scene, highlighting the island’s unique terroir.
• Educational Journey: Learn about cacao’s history from ancient Mesoamerican cultures to modern Hawaii.
• Farm-to-Table Flavors: Taste fresh cacao fruit and seasonal farm produce, including the rare cacao nectar.
• Scenic Drive and Views: Travel through lush backroads with panoramic vistas over the river valley and ocean.
• Tasting Variety: Enjoy over ten single-origin craft chocolate bars, many awarded internationally.
• Support Local Farmers: Every purchase helps local agriculture, emphasizing sustainability and community.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Scenic Drive and Arrival

Starting from a designated meeting point on Puia/Woa Road in Paukaa, you’ll travel about 1.7 miles up a quiet, well-marked driveway—past private signs and crossing a culvert over a small stream. The drive is a highlight in itself; you’ll ascend Maunakea’s slopes, passing cattle pastures and historic macadamia orchards, with the lush landscape unfolding around you. If luck is on your side, you might even spot a breaching whale from the vantage point above the canopy, adding a touch of awe to the journey.

The Farm Setting

Arriving at Honolii Orchards, a multigenerational family farm, you’ll find a relaxed open-air tasting room perched above the tree line. The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices and the recognition they’ve received—such as being honored by the prestigious Salon du Chocolat—are evident in their pride. The panoramic views of the Honolii River Valley and Pacific Ocean create a peaceful backdrop, making it an ideal setting to savor the flavors.

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The Chocolate and Fruit Tasting

The core of the experience is the tasting session, which is billed as Hawaii’s most extensive craft chocolate tasting. You’ll sample 10+ distinct bars, each representing different farms across the islands, many of which have won awards. The guides will share the stories behind each bar—from the farm’s location and farming practices to the unique flavor profiles of the cacao beans.

What makes this even more engaging is the inclusion of fresh cacao fruit, which is often overlooked in typical tastings. Tasting the raw fruit and seasonal offerings allows you to appreciate the entire cacao journey, from seed to sweet. The rare cacao nectar—a natural sweet syrup from the cacao fruit—adds a surprising dimension, connecting ancient uses of cacao to modern appreciation.

The Educational Component

A significant part of this tour is the seminar on the history of chocolate. The guides help unpack cacao’s roots in Mesoamerican cultures, its role in the Hawaiian Kingdom, and its evolution through the sugarcane era. The story of Hawaii becoming known as the “Napa Valley of Chocolate” highlights how local farmers are elevating Hawaiian cacao on the world stage.

The Value of the Experience

For about $70 per person, you get not only the tasting but also a comprehensive lesson in cacao’s history and agriculture—an educational value that extends beyond just eating chocolate. The fact that every purchase supports local farmers and agricultural research adds a layer of purpose, aligning with the values of travelers interested in authentic, sustainable experiences.

Who Will Appreciate This?

This tour is ideal for adventurous foodies, history buffs, and anyone interested in supporting local agriculture. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a scenic drive coupled with educational content and a sensory journey through Hawaii’s craft chocolate scene. Because children under five aren’t recommended, families with older kids or adults seeking a meaningful cultural experience will find this especially rewarding.

How This Tour Fits Into Your Hawaii Trip

If you’re exploring the Big Island and looking for a combination of scenic beauty, local culture, and gourmet flavor, this tour is a wonderful addition. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy some of Hawaii’s best cacao, and learn how this crop became an integral part of the island’s identity.

While it’s not a cheap activity, the value lies in the depth of the experience—from farm vistas to detailed stories behind each chocolate bar. Plus, the support for local farmers makes every bite meaningful.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaii Chocolate Tasting & History Tour stands out as a meaningful, flavorful experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those eager to understand and taste the story of cacao in Hawaii. The guided tour offers an intimate look at a farm that’s proud of its heritage and practices, complemented by an extensive tasting that showcases the diversity of Hawaiian craft chocolate.

For anyone craving an educational, flavorful, and scenic activity that supports local farmers and highlights Hawaii’s agricultural innovation, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a chance to enjoy the best of Hawaiian craft chocolate while gaining a new perspective on the island’s history and land.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including the scenic drive, farm visit, educational seminar, and tasting.

Where does the tour start?
Meet at the designated point on Puia/Woa Road in Paukaa, just past the Jehovah’s Witness church. The driveway is marked with a large vinyl sign.

Is transportation provided?
You’ll need to drive yourself, as the tour begins at the farm’s location. The drive takes about 5-10 minutes from the meeting point.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor walking and farm settings is recommended. The tasting area is open-air, so dress accordingly.

Can children join?
This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on Hawaiian single-estate craft chocolate, the inclusion of fresh cacao fruit, and the educational aspect about cacao’s history and sustainable farming.

Are the chocolate bars local?
Yes, all the bars are crafted from beans sourced from farms across Hawaii, many of which have earned awards.

Is there flexibility in booking?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the main takeaway?
It’s an authentic, flavor-rich journey into Hawaii’s cacao, perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and support small-scale local farmers.

In all, this tour offers a rare chance to experience Hawaii’s craft chocolate scene in a setting that combines scenic beauty, educational value, and delicious flavor. It’s an activity that sticks with you, not just as a tasting, but as a richer understanding of the land, the history, and the passionate people behind each bar.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby