Take a scenic drive to an amazing working cacao farm where you can learn all about the art of growing cacao. Chocolate lovers of all kinds will appreciate this event. Serene setting, knowledgeable hostess (host) We were greeted by the "security "dog named Darwin and knew this was the adventure for us. Travel with curiosity, be ready to have a Chocolate experience. read more

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It's a little out of the way, but well worth the trip. We did the tour, which lasted about 4 hours, including a two-part tasting of 13 different chocolates and a very detailed tour of the farm and fermentation area. Colin was a very gracious host and patiently answered all our questions which was a great educational experience. Jude was a very entertaining tasting guide, inviting us to sample some cacao tea (smelled great!). Highly recommended if you're a chocoholic. read more

My family planned a trip to Hawaii a bit of of nowhere. Honestly, I was happy to just tag along and do whatever except I insisted I MUST visit a cacao farm. As the area where cacao can grow is incredibly small, I knew this might be my only chance, and I am nothing if not a dedicated chocolate fanatic. I also love gardening and growing my own food, so suffice to say this was right up my alley. I had previously tried (and adored) Manoa Chocolate, so I had to check if they offer a farm tour and happily, they do! I roped my mom and two sisters into the adventure, and we booked the Farm Tour and Hawaiian Craft Chocolate Tasting. There is also a shorter experience with just the tasting, but I was so glad we did the full tour. From the first moment we arrived I knew it would be magical. We got there a bit early in a huge van as some of my family was dropping us off to go on their own adventures. Wrenn was so welcoming to everyone and suggested those not staying take a little walk and explore the farm, even suggesting they take some star fruit to go! And then the tasting area! It is a large open space with a bar and tables around the edges, thankfully covered for shade, but the view of the farm and then out to the ocean was absolutely swoon worthy. We each had our own spot set up with plates, glasses, napkin, notepad and pen for notes, and tasting information. You can tell they know what they are doing as they've thought of anything you could possibly need. We started out with a tasting of about half the bars. Wrenn and Jude were kind and patient and really helped us learn how to find the different notes in the different varieties. It was such fun conversing with my family and the other guests, comparing the flavors we each discovered. We then did a little mini tour of the farm and learned how cacao trees grow, seeing them from sapling to full grown, and leaning of many different varieties, even some that are grown more for their fresh pulp than for the actual cacao beans. Speaking of which, we got to try some of that pulp! Ah! It was a true dream come true as this is not something you can just grab at the grocery store, and it was very yummy and tropical. Not only that, but once we got back to the tasting area for the second round, we got to try cacao juice (also tropical and delicious!). We also learned how cacao is processed and met loads of cacao-crazy geckos. We then tried the remainder of the chocolate as well as two different (and wonderful) teas. At the end we were welcome to ask for a second tasting of any chocolate bars we particularly loved and shop the goodies they have available. Besides the chocolate bars and tea, there was vanilla, honey, soap, jam, and maybe a couple other goodies. Truly, this was an experience like no other and one of the highlights of my trip to Hawaii. If you are even remotely a fan of chocolate or interested in farming, it is not to be missed. read more

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We did the chocolate tasing and it was great. We left with a little bit of knowledge about the process from farm to animal actual chocolate bar. We also left with the knowledge of what kind of chocolate we actually really liked and enjoyed. Jude was our guide and can I say he was great we had our 13 year old with us and he actually had fun with us. Jude was great from start to finish very knowledgeable and next time we want to do the farm tour because tha looked so fun!! Beautiful place to visit for sure!! read more

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We loved our tour of the farm and the tasting. It was very educational and interesting. The team here is working so hard to develop a thriving cacao industry. They are very excited about it and really doing a lot. They were very thoughtful of people who can't walk as much or stand as long. Everyone got the same experience. read more

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Wow! This was one of the best parts of our trip! We started the tour at 10am and did not finish our stay here until after it ended. We left around 2:30pm. It is really hard to make outings enjoyable for 7 people and this was one of those that left smiles on every one of our faces. We enjoyed our time with Wrenn and Jude so much! From the informative tour around the cacao fields to the tasting room of delicious artisan chocolates it was a home run! My youngest said it was great but what made it even better was the dog Darwin who was the friendliest most handsome pup on the island. Whether you are a chocolate lover or just interested in the process of chocolate production, I highly recommend booking a tour here and learning all about it. We loved everything about it and cannot wait to come back again! read more

This was a beautiful trip! The drive took us off the main road and up a winding local road up the mountainside. There were gorgeous views of giant palms and other beautiful vegetation along the way. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Jude, who invited us to partake of some local fruit -lychee, apple-bananas, ice cream beans, and we even got to try sugar cane. Once the longer farm tour wrapped up, Wrenn described the history of small batch -almost boutique- cacao development in Hawaii, and invites us to taste, savor, and discuss the flavor profiles of 12 chocolate samples from across the state. Each was a unique experience! My favorite part *might* have been the cold cacao juice and the drinking chocolate! Cacao juice is a unique experience that-due to shelf life- you won't experience anywhere but at a chocolate orchard. Wrenn and Jude were enthusiastic, solicitous, and knowledgeable in a tropical paradise! read more

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These guys put on one hell of a show! The tastings keep going and the history is intriguing! It is so worth the money and a MUST-SEE when in Hilo!!! read more

Honolii Orchards - More of the cacao trees and the beautiful trees surrounding the farm. - Food Tours Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Wonderful! Wonderful experience! We visted the farm in October and it was amazing! We have visited different farming tours throughout the Hawaiian Islands and by far this is well worth to visit. Our tour was led by the owner, Colin Hart, and you can see the passion that he has over the quality care of his product. The tour was very interactive and educational. As our group learned about the process of chocolate making, not ony was there was chocolate tasting, but there was the opportunity to taste cacao fruit and drink the nectar it produces. The set up of the u-shaped bar, allowed for personal interaction. Walking through the as a group, Colin maintained positive personal dialogue for easy communiction, and ensuring that everyone shared the experience. My husband and I enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the way customers were treated. Not only were umbrellas available for the sun or rain, but bug spray, sunsceen, water , and other types fresh fruit was readily available to all at no extra cost. I highly recommend the tour not only for adults but for school age children too! read more

Honolii Orchards - Food Tours Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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This is a chocolate farm. It provides tours and chocolate tastings/informstion to customers and sells its chocolate bars, chocolate tea and chocolate coffee. It was very informative, not to mention m, delicious. read more

Wrenn and Jude made the experience ! We had an awesome time for my uncles birthday and they had an amazing display of hospitality and have such a killer vibe. Darwin was a highlight and I GREATLY appreciated the recommendations for activities around Hilo. Thanks again guys! read more

My husband did a tasting and said it was fabulous and the man running it was extremely knowledgeable. He brought me back all of the chocolate they had and it is hands down some of the best chocolate I have ever had. It is creamy and fruity. I am shocked at the creaminess as it's all dark. read more