This in an excellent farm tour. You meet just outside of city limits and get to see the working farm. Jonovi, our tour guide, was so personable and clearly enjoys showing people how this cacao farm works. We saw how additional trees (like banana and breadfruit) are part of building a natural space for the cacao to thrive. We walked around, tried some “raw” cacao, and got to see the process of picking and drying. The tour then continues at the little shop in Hilo — where you see where all of the chocolate is made. It’s a cozy place and with people who love what they do. Plenty of chocolate to taste and a discount on whatever you buy via the tour. This is artisanal, small-batch chocolate, so it costs more than a Mars Bar. But you can see and taste the quality and the stewardship. And it’s so important to support our local farmers!
The owner was there and I got to try 3 yummy chocolates from the samples on the counter. I loved all three:70% Dark ChocolateSpicy (nice spicy ? kick)Ka’u (contained Ka’u coffee nibs)I then went on to buy 2 chocolate bars, macadamia nuts and Coconut Truffles.
Hidden germ at Hilo! We had a great time touring the cacao farm and shop. Ben, the guy comes from New York and rooted in big island was our guide. He was so knowledgeable and accommodating! Introduced everything about cacao and chocolate. He made the best chocolate smoothie!
The farm tour was great! Introduced to all the growing stages of cacao. Sampled the ripe pods too! Lovely sustainable farm. (Wear shoes for walking in freshly cut wet grass - umbrella are provided if it's rainy). Our guide Ben was super knowledgeable and fun. Could really tell he is passionate about all things chocolate. The owner of Hawaiian Crown Chocolate, Tom, was also on hand. Gave us an even greater appreciation about the time and energy that goes into making delicious (and healthy) chocolate. The accompanying factory tour follows and is at the small shop in downtown Hilo (down the street from Two Ladies Confectionery). Tasted chocolate nibs and two versions of chocolate while learning more of the processing. Then into the shop itself to see and smell the last stages. Enjoy a 10% discount on purchases and the secret to unlocking a 5% non-expiring discount on future website orders
I took the family on the tour as this was one that didn’t discourage kids from coming. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about Hawaiian agriculture and chocolate. We all learned a lot, what a process making chocolate is! We enjoyed the samples and of course bought some chocolate to take home.
Chocolate is good for you. Who knew!!!!!!! Genevieve and Tom's operation is awesome. Love to see sustainable and ethical farmers creating a product that tastes amazing. Start to finish 1.5 hrs ending in downtown Hilo. Would recommend if in Hilo and want a kid friendly informative tour.
Great tour - very interactive and informative! Plus the chocolate was delicious! Highly recommend!
4 Stars on product but 1 star on service. I was in the store in downtown Hilo today, purchased several pieces of chocolate. The person who rung me up was less than socialble, not even a thank you. The other two working never looked up. I had a question when I first entered and all three seemed reluctant to engage. A little enthusiesim for their own product would have been appreciated. Granting them grace maybe they were all having a bad day. The Chocolate Carmels were pretty yummy except the carmel center was grainy as opposed to smooth.
My husband and I went on the cacao tour and it was so educational and wonderful! We left with a deep appreciation of cacao cultivation and chocolate making. You’ll also get to sample different types of chocolate after the tour, which was a great bonus! The owner Tom and his staff are full of aloha and take pride in producing quality Hawaiian chocolate.I bought a bunch of chocolate after the tour but ate them all, so I bought more online to have them shipped to me in California. Their shipping is incredibly fast—ordered on a Monday morning and it arrived by Tuesday early afternoon! I’m looking forward to gifting these to friends and family for the holidays!!Looking forward to visiting again!
the idea sounds awesome! my son and i were so excited to visit this place (never heard of it before) for smoothies and maybe bring home some treats for later. but when i walk in with all interest, recieve zero greeting, half of a word to respond to my questions, i wont be returning here. our drinks also burnt our throats really bad. every employee only stared at me and then at each other.. we were asked to wait outside immediately after transaction. i know it could have been the mask i was wearing, and this is why i wear it. where was your aloha?