Hawaii: 10 Bar Chocolate Tasting & History of Chocolate

If you’re craving a taste of Hawaii’s artisanal side, the Hawaii: 10 Bar Chocolate Tasting & History of Chocolate tour offers a compelling combination of scenic beauty, local history, and delicious chocolate. This 1.5-hour experience is perfect for those curious about the story behind your favorite sweet, and eager to support local farms producing award-winning cacao.

What we love about this experience is its ability to blend education with indulgence — you get to learn about the fascinating journey of cacao from ancient Mesoamerica to Hawaii, all while sampling some of the island’s finest craft chocolates. Plus, the setting itself is a highlight — winding through rural backroads and arriving at a family-owned farm with panoramic views of the Honolii River Valley and the Pacific Ocean.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a guided tasting and educational tour, so it does require some time and attention. If you’re looking for a fast, superficial chocolate experience, this might feel a bit more in-depth than you want. But for those who appreciate authentic, story-rich experiences, this tour hits the mark.

This tour is especially well-suited for food lovers, culture buffs, and eco-conscious travelers who want to deepen their understanding of Hawaii’s agricultural heritage while enjoying some of the best locally-made chocolates.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience with a multigenerational family farm
• Educational component covering the global and Hawaiian history of cacao
• Tastings of 10+ Hawaiian craft chocolates from award-winning beans
• Scenic drive through rural backroads with views of cattle pastures and macadamia orchards
• Opportunity to taste fresh cacao fruit and seasonal fruits, plus cacao nectar
• Supports local farmers, agricultural research, and Hawaiian cacao recognition worldwide

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A Scenic Drive into Cacao Country

Your journey begins with a scenic drive up Maunakea’s slopes, winding through the quiet backroads of the Hamakua Coast. The route itself is a treat — lush greenery, rolling pastures, and historic macadamia orchards set the tone for a relaxing, immersive experience. The drive gives you a chance to appreciate the island’s rural side, away from tourist hubs, with plenty of photo ops.

Arriving at the Honolii Orchards farm, you’ll see a family-owned operation that has earned international recognition, including honors from the prestigious Salon du Chocolat in France. The open-air tasting room offers a breezy, relaxed setting above the canopy — perfect for soaking in panoramic views of the river valley and the ocean beyond. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a breaching whale in season — a reminder of the extraordinary natural environment surrounding this farm.

The Story of Cacao: From Ancient Roots to Hawaiian Shores

The core of this experience is the history lesson on cacao. We loved the way the guide explains the journey of cacao from its ancient origins in South America through its spread across the world. This context deepens the tasting, making each chocolate bar not just a treat but a piece of living history.

Our guide also shed light on Hawaii’s unique cacao legacy — a relatively recent but rapidly growing craft chocolate scene. You’ll learn how local farms adapt sustainable practices to grow single-estate beans, which are then transformed into exquisite chocolate. The emphasis on small-batch, artisanal production means each bar reflects Hawaiian soil and climate, offering a flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere.

Tasting the Best of Hawaiian Craft Chocolate

The highlight, of course, is the curated tasting of over 10 Hawaiian craft chocolate bars. Each piece is a window into the farm’s dedication to quality and sustainability. The bars are single-origin, crafted from beans sourced from farms around Hawaii, and each has its own distinct flavor and story.

We appreciated that the tasting included fresh cacao fruit samples, which are often overlooked but are vital in understanding cacao’s full journey. The farm’s seasonal fruits and cacao nectar — a rare, sweet juice extracted from the cacao fruit — add more layers of flavor and insight.

The guide explains the meticulous bean-to-bar process, from harvesting and fermentation to roasting and conching, revealing how these steps influence taste. The fact that every purchase supports local farmers and advances agricultural research makes the experience meaningful — you’re not just tasting chocolate, you’re supporting a broader mission of sustainability and Hawaiian cacao elevation.

Learning with Passionate Guides

The guides leading this experience are passionate and knowledgeable, adding authenticity and warmth to the tour. They are eager to share their expertise and stories, making the hour and a half fly by. The reviews reflect this, with one traveler from Germany praising the “super nice people” and remarking that it “made a lot of fun.”

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Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced thoughtfully, considering the quality of the experience and the included tastings. While not inexpensive, the value comes from the combination of educational content, stunning scenery, and high-quality chocolate. Sampling 10+ bars from local farms provides a rare opportunity to taste a diverse range of Hawaiian chocolates in one sitting, making it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.

The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention, and the flexible reservation policy — cancel up to 24 hours in advance — adds peace of mind.

The tour is suitable for travelers over 5 years old, but younger children might find the 1.5-hour seminar a bit lengthy, especially if they’re not into chocolate or history.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Getting to the meeting point requires a short drive up Puia Road, past private signs and crossing a small stream with no trespassing signs. The large vinyl sign marks the entrance, so keep an eye out. The drive itself adds to the rural charm, so consider rental cars or local transport options accordingly.

Remember, if you want to maximize comfort, wearing sun protection and comfortable shoes for the walk around the farm is advisable. Since the tasting room is open-air, dress for the weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in culinary stories, sustainability, or Hawaiian culture, this tour is a delightful way to connect with the islands’ agricultural roots. It’s especially suitable for foodies, eco-conscious travelers, and those seeking authentic experiences that support local communities.

It’s also a fantastic activity for families with older children, given the educational content and tasting focus. However, very young children or those with limited interest in chocolate might find it less engaging.

In summary, this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into Hawaiian craft chocolate — a sweet blend of scenery, history, and support for local farmers. It’s a taste of Hawaii’s agricultural pride, delivered with warmth and expertise.

FAQs

Is transportation to the farm provided?
No, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point on Puia Road. The drive up the rural backroads itself is part of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including the tasting, educational session, and farm viewings.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for children over age 5, but very young children might find the length or focus less engaging.

What’s included in the tasting?
You’ll taste over 10 Hawaiian craft chocolate bars, fresh cacao fruit, seasonal fruits, and cacao nectar, all curated to highlight Hawaii’s cacao diversity.

Is the tour environmentally friendly?
Yes, the farm emphasizes sustainability and supports local farmers, making your participation part of a broader effort to promote Hawaiian cacao.

How steep or strenuous is the farm walk?
The tour involves a farm visit with open-air tasting and a walk around the farm. It’s generally accessible, but comfortable shoes are recommended.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a local, authentic, and flavorful experience that combines education, scenery, and support for Hawaiian farmers, this chocolate tasting and history tour offers a surprisingly rich journey. It’s perfect for those who want to understand the story behind their sweets while enjoying some of the best craft chocolates Hawaii has to offer.

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