HILO: 277 Keawe St, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 7am-10pm
KONA: 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 8, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740 8:00am-10pm
Kainaliu Hale Cocoa & Chocolate Farm:79-7378 Hawaii Ring Rd, Kealekekua, HI
Theatery Restaurant: 79-7384 Hawaii Belt Road, Kainaliu, HI Wed-Sun 4-9pm
This is a multi-crop farm containing cacao (chocolate/cocoa), coffee, pineapple and other tropical production trees which we will explore. We will spend most of the time with cacao, pineapples, and coffee in this newly planted farm of 14 acres behind the Hale Cocoa cafe. (Address is 79-7378 Hawaii Belt Rd, Kealekekua, HI 96750 - do not go to the downtown Kona cafe!)
We will hike through Hawaii native plants, coffee, and a tropical cocoa orchard viewing how cocoa is grown and where your favorite food, chocolate, comes from!
You will handle fresh cocoa pods, open and taste fresh fruit and pulp you can't taste at home. We will discuss how beans are converted to chocolate and then retreat to the sheltered area to taste up to 5 samples - dark, milk, and white as well as from different regions of Hawaii and the world. Chocolate will never be the same - it will be tastier!
This farm "walk" starts behind the Hale Cocoa cafe and moves through 200- 300 feet of elevation change during the walk starting at 1400' and going up to 1300' elevation.
Adults and Older Teens - this tour oftentimes incorporates topics, in depth details and ingredients that are more oriented toward adult audiences. Our chef at the adjacent Theatery restaurantoften sends chocolate-infused culinary treats and cocktail samples. We also spend time on coffee and culinary topics that often are too technical to enterain children. If you are bringing children, please consider our 9am and 12pm tours that substitute chocolate drinks for coffee as well as spending time more time on the all ages topics and fruits (bananas, pineapples, etc).
The orchard terrain is uneven and has inclines for portions which may be challenging for some. The route is over 300 yards long with standing or walking for up to 90 minutes. We encounter mixed rocks, gravel and trip hazards on the entire path. Please choose an alternative experience if you cannot walk uphill, in rough terrain, stand for one hour or with heat.
Reservations are required at least 1 hour ahead of time - our cocoa expert prepares only for the amount reserved.
Minimum Attendance: Most people reserve the day before but if we have less than 4 signed up, we may have to cancel or reschedule the tour in order to better focus our limited resources.
REFUNDS - allowed up to 7 days prior.
*Although rare, tour will proceed in wet weather, we have umbrellas.
**You can book private tours for times that fit your schedule - contact us! VERY LIMITED availability and cost $500+ per group.
Legal Agreement - Farm and Rugged Trail - by reserving a ticket, you acknowledge that you are attending an experience on a rugged, slightly improved outdoor location with uneven ground and unpredictable vegetation that may cause injury such as tripping or poking by plant and rock formations. Outdoor weather such as heat or rain may cause conditions that enhance risk and it is up to you to assess and accept or decline attendance on your own volition. You will also be offerred chocolate and various food samples that may contain allergens. It is your responsibility to disclose your allergies and ask for ingredient details when offerred any food if you have any allergies. You and your guests agree to hold Puna Chocolate Company and any farmowner harmless for any injury or illness caused by this experience. By booking this ticket, you agree to share this caution and advisory to all your attendees for whom you are booking.
Directions: This farm is located 8 miles south of downtown Kona (Kailua-Kona) at 79-7378 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealekekua, HI 96750.
Cruise Ships No Refunds -Cruise ships can have unexpected changes of schedules and limited transportation from the pier to our farm, nearly 8 miles away. Therefore, we largely discourage cruise ship passengers from booking this tour due to the high risk of sudden cancellations. Our no-refund policy within 7 days of the tour date is strictly enforced for cruise ship participants and you are purchasing at your own risk.