What to see and do at Kona Chocolate, Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Kona Chocolate made from cocoa beans grown in the volcanic soil of Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Kona chocolate is a type of chocolate made from cocoa beans grown in the volcanic soil of the Big Island of Hawaii. It has gained recognition from the international food community due to its distinct aroma, smooth texture and intense flavor.

The fruit of the cocao plant is a pod shaped fruit which contains 35 to 50 seeds are called cocoa beans.  After the fruit pods are harvested, the cocao beans are fermented, dried, and roasted.​

On 12/20/2023, we visited the Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm which is located in the Kona region on the Big Island of Hawaii. The chocolate farm is high on the slope of the volcano and overlooks the sea below. While there, we toured the chocolate plants on the farm and tasted some of the products that they make there.

There are several products available in the market that use Kona chocolate as an ingredient. Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Co. makes Kona Chocolate Macadamia Nut Ground Coffee which is a medium roast coffee with a rich chocolatey flavor. Mac Farms makes Kona Coffee Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nuts which is macadamia nuts coated with dark chocolate and Kona coffee. Greenwell Farms makes Chocolate Macadamia Nut Flavored 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee which is whole bean coffee with a chocolate macadamia nut flavor. 

Viator offers numerous tours in the Kona region. Click here for details.

The fruit of the cocao plant  is a pod shaped fruit which contains 35 to 50 seeds are called cocoa beans.

Cocao plant

Original Hawaiian Chocolate sign

Original Hawaiian Chocolate products

View from the Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm to the sea