Big Island: Craft Chocolate Tasting and Farm Tour in Hilo
Description
This is Hawaii's most in-depth chocolate experience. Our 1.5-hour chocolate tasting and our 3.5-hour guided farm tour at Honolii Orchards are both led by experts in the craft chocolate industry and offer an immersive journey through the world of cacao. 3.5 hour farm tour guests will walk the orchards, explore every stage of production—from harvest to post-harvest processing—and learn how chocolate is made. No question goes unanswered; the tour adapts to your curiosity, offering a collegiate-level, educational experience shaped by your interests. The 10+ bar tasting is also included. 1.5 hour chocolate tasting guests will experience a condensed tour entirely in the tasting room focused on the 10+ bar chocolate tasting and a brief overview of cacao horticulture with much less time for questions. These tours offer a deep dive into the art, science, and soul of chocolate. For those who want more than a taste—for those who want to understand—this is Hawaii’s premier experience.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
Reviews(108)
Fantastic experience! I went with my grandson for his first excursion of third grade. He’s home schooled, and we are locals. So we are fussy about tour experiences. This was a very welcoming atmosphere. Our hosts were friendly and knowledgeable. The tastings were very flavorful. Our group had several families with a variety of ages, and everyone was accommodated for levels of curiosity.
We were looking for something to do on our last day on the island and this was the perfect choice. Jude and April were incredibly nice and also knowledgeable. It was evident that the people working at the farm really care about the process and the products. The tasting was very extensive and fun. The way they run it is interactive and overall just a really good time. We arrived a bit early and went overtime on the tasting a bit, so the total time we spent at the farm was close to 4 hours.
I wanted to try a fresh chocolate pod, different varieties of the final product, and learn how they grow. I got all these wishes met and learned a lot about life in hawaii and farming and all kinds of interesting stuff. Jess and Jude were excellent - charming and knowledgeable. There were some annoying children children on our tour and I was really impressed with how they were kind and tactful while managing to keep everything going smoothly. The chocolate was also delicious.
Chocolate lovers, this tasting experience was awesome! Lots of chocolate to sample with great presenters who had a great deal of choco info.
This was an even better tour than I had hoped for. The 2 young men leading the tour were personable and friendly. They were also surprisingly knowledgeable about the entire cacao to chocolate process as well as the industry in Hawai’i. We tasted 14 different types of chocolate and got to see the trees first hand. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves chocolate and/or has an interest in Hawaiian agriculture.
This was an even better experience than I had hoped for. The 2 young men leading the tour were very personable and friendly. They were also surprisingly knowledgeable about the entire cacao to chocolate process as well as the industry in Hawai’i. We were able to taste 14 different types of chocolate and see the trees first hand. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves chocolate and/or has an interest in Hawaiian agriculture.
Amazing tour. Guides are friendly and knowledgeable. They love what they do. The farm is beautiful and the views are excellent. You can get hand crafted soaps and vanilla along with chocolate bars. Prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend this experience.
We had an incredible experience at Honoliʻi Orchards’ farm tour and chocolate tasting 🍫🌿 Jude and Wren truly made the visit unforgettable. Jude led the tasting with the depth and elegance of a fine wine or bourbon experience, guiding us through chocolates from eleven Hawaiian cacao farms and three from beyond the islands. Each sample told its own story. Each sample had distinct flavor notes. Jude and Wren help us discern the unique flavor profiles Wren took us through the farm with passion and clarity, explaining the craft and process behind the chocolate, as well as the vision of founder Colin Hart—farmer, innovator, and driving force behind this award-winning operation. Spending 3½ hours immersed in the world of craft Hawaiian chocolate was absolutely worth it. The knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine love for what they do really stood out. If you’re on the Big Island, this is not to be missed. 🌺
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.
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. The hosts were friendly, knowledgeable, and generous. I learnt so much and had a great time. Also, loved Darwin the dog. He was also a great host. Don't hesitate to book this tour.
