Where to find the best Hawaiʻi chocolates for Valentines
February is the perfect time to celebrate he beloved confection, especially on Chocolate Day, Feb. 9, and throughout the entire month. And, of course, there's Valentine's Day on Friday, Feb. 14.As we dive into the spirit of Valentine's Day, why not indulge in something uniquely local and support Hawaiʻi's vibrant chocolate-making scene?
From farm tours to workshops and tastings, Hawaiʻi is home to a variety of chocolate makers and chocolatiers who blend rich history, fresh island ingredients and passion into every bite.
Oʻahu is home to some of the island's most well-known chocolate makers, and the island's chocolate scene is as diverse as its culture.
At , ethnobotanist and world-famous, award-winning chocolate maker Dr. Nat Bletter offers an in-depth chocolate experience that includes a farm tour, a tasting of different cacao varieties and a fun chocolate-making activity where you'll drizzle chocolate over creamy ice cream bananas and roll them in delicious toppings.
You can find Madre Chocolates at various retailers, local farmers' markets or online.
is another Oʻahu favorite. Known for being Hawaiʻi's largest chocolate factory, Mānoa Chocolate offers free tastings of their locally sourced chocolate and even allows visitors to take part in a guided tour that showcases the bean-to-bar process.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned chocolate connoisseur, Mānoa's educational tours are perfect for anyone eager to learn more about how cacao turns into the sweet treat we all love.
brings an elevated approach to chocolate-making with a focus on bold flavors like turmeric and kalamansi lime.
Located near Haleiwa, the estate offers a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process, and their signature chocolates have garnered attention for their innovative flavors.
is a family-friendly activity that welcomes guests of all ages. While exploring the beautiful farm, visitors can cuddle with miniature goats and chicks and enjoy fresh tropical fruits like starfruit, mango, ice cream banana or mountain apple.
The estate offers an informative cacao cultivation tour where you'll learn about the chocolate-making process. Although they don't produce chocolate commercially, visitors can compare bars made with the estate's cacao to other single-origin Hawaiian chocolates. \
This taste test highlights how the terroir — where the cacao is grown — affects the chocolate's flavor profile.
For a more intimate experience, introduces small groups (ranging from two to twelve people) to the cacao-growing process, chocolate making and the farm's philosophy of farming in harmony with nature.
As a Certified Wildlife Habitat, the farm also serves as a sanctuary for animals and birds, such as ducks, egrets, herons and Hawaiian moorhens. The owners make chocolate for private use, and you'll have the opportunity to taste it along with seasonal fruits from the farm.
If you're looking for something a bit more specialized, offers a shop-only experience featuring a blend of locally grown cacao and Belgian chocolate. Created by the owner's aunt and uncle, who were chocolate hobbyists, their truffles come in 18 different flavors, including lychee, matcha and peanut butter and jelly.
You can also customize flavors and packaging, book a private tasting in your home, or enjoy a tour that includes a truffle-and-iced coffee pairing and a 'talk story' session with the owner.
on Oʻahu offers a delightful chocolate experience with a global twist. Inside, you'll find chocolates and confections from renowned chocolate-making countries like France, Belgium and Italy.
The shop's truffles come in over 20 flavors, including amaretto, cappuccino and crème brûlée. They also create delicious treats such as chocolate-dipped Oreos and fruit.
A standout is the Ultimate S'more, made with graham crackers, marshmallows and milk chocolate. Whether you're craving international flavors or local sweetness, Diamond Head Chocolate Company provides a unique, flavorful experience perfect for any chocolate lover living on or visiting Oʻahu.
Hawaiʻi Island is a hotspot for local chocolate, with many chocolate makers offering immersive experiences that combine the art of chocolate-making with the island's natural beauty.
is located in Hilo and is a perfect spot for those who want to learn about chocolate in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Known for its 'hang loose' vibe, Barefoot Chocolatini offers everything from chocolate bar crawls around Hilo to chocolate-making retreats that span several days.
Visitors can even pair their chocolate with whiskey, wine or beer to make it an unforgettable experience for any chocolate lover.
A short drive from Hilo is where visitors can explore the cacao growing process on a plantation where cacao trees are interspersed with apple banana trees.
You can watch as cacao beans are transformed into chocolate bars infused with tropical flavors like banana, pineapple and even macadamia nuts. The open-air tour allows guests to observe the chocolate-making process up close for an intimate and authentic way to experience local chocolate.
For a more personalized experience, is owned by Tom Sharkey, also known as the Johnny Appleseed of Hawaiʻi cacao, who offers farm tours where you can learn how cacao is grown and harvested.
The hands-on classes allow visitors to crack cacao pods and even make their own chocolate from scratch. Sharkey's legacy in the Hawaiʻi cacao industry has helped it grow, and his passion is palpable on every tour.
Another standout on Hawaiʻi Island is . Known for being the first company to make chocolate commercially from 100% Hawaiʻi-grown cacao, Original Hawaiian Chocolate continues to be a pioneer in the industry.
Bob and Pam Cooper, the founders, still run the operation and provide a detailed look into the process during tours of their orchard and factory. A short video in their shop helps visitors understand the journey from bean to bar and highlights the Coopers' role in establishing Hawaiʻi's chocolate-making legacy.
creates unique chocolate bars using cacao from its six orchards and other Hawaiʻi Island farms. Their imaginative flavors include kava, Aleppo pepper, honey-marinated raspberries, Volcano Winery red wine and even CBD for its calming properties.
With locations in Hilo and Kona, Puna Chocolate also offers a Cocktail Chocolate Bar that features a rotating menu of classic drinks with a chocolate twist.
Whether you're looking for innovative flavors or a sweet, boozy experience, Puna Chocolate offers something for every chocolate lover seeking a one-of-a-kind treat on Hawaiʻi Island.
Moving over to Kauaʻi, chocolate lovers can explore more family-run operations that emphasize sustainability and local ingredients.
is run by Koa Kahili who offers tours that take guests through a stunning garden of tropical trees that include durian; longan; and, of course, cacao. During the tour, visitors can sample fruits in season and experience a wide range of chocolate flavors, that include unique combinations like coconut milk curry and hemp seed mint.
on Kauaʻi is another hidden gem. This farm is a botanical wonderland where visitors can indulge in cacao-based products, such as chocolate bars and sorbets made from cacao juice.
The tour takes you through the lush landscape where you'll encounter fruits like soursop and sapodilla and end with tastings of chocolates that showcase the farm's dedication to sustainable farming.
At on Kauaʻi, you can explore more than 700 species of plants, shrubs and trees in this family-owned oasis. Sample exotic fruits like rambutan and mangosteen, along with honey from on-site hives.
But it's the garden's chocolate you are looking for. The experience takes center stage and offers a unique presentation comparing chocolate from Peru, France, Colombia and the U.S. alongside bars made from the garden's own cacao.
This includes exclusive products you won't find in stores. It's an immersive way to learn about the diverse world of chocolate while enjoying the lush, natural beauty of the gardens.
On Maui, you'll find Hana Gold, where owner Aldon Frost has perfected the art of cacao cultivation. A family-run farm since 1972, Hana Gold now produces exquisite chocolates made with cacao grown on the farm and that are complemented by locally sourced ingredients like coffee and sea salt.
Guests can visit the farm, learn about cacao cultivation and taste chocolates that showcase the unique flavors of Hana.
For a hands-on experience, the allows visitors to help make hot chocolate by cracking, winnowing and grinding freshly roasted cacao beans by hand.
Located on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano, this tour offers spectacular views of the island while guests discover the rich flavors of Hawaiʻi-grown cacao.
If you're looking for a more refined chocolate experience, in Kīhei is a must-visit. Master chocolatier Virginia Douglas combines creative flavors like cinnamon, ginger and chile to create delicious treats that push the boundaries of what chocolate can be.
Her shop is a chocolate lover's paradise that offers everything from truffles to clusters, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
Many of Hawaiʻi's chocolate makers not only craft delicious products but also give back to their communities. Chocolate on a Mission in Honolulu, for example, supports the humanitarian efforts of the River of Life Mission.
The shop sells handmade chocolate treats like dipped fruit and cookies, all while contributing to the mission's work. You can find them on Instagram.
Whether you're a local or visiting, Chocolate Day and Chocolate Month are the perfect opportunities to dive deep into Hawaiʻi's thriving chocolate industry.
From farm tours to tastings, these experiences offer a rare chance to connect with the land and people behind your favorite treat. And what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with locally made chocolate that embodies the spirit of the islands?
So, gather your loved ones and head to one of Hawaiʻi's many chocolate makers for a sweet adventure that will leave you with more than just a tasty treat. It'll give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry and passion that goes into every chocolate bar.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Whether you're indulging in a truffle or learning how to make chocolate from scratch, Hawaiʻi's chocolatiers are sure to delight every chocolate lover.
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