Chocolate can either cheer you up after a bad day, or help you celebrate life’s happiest moments. Either way, I’d like to think that chocolate is an entirely necessary part of life. Luckily for us, Hawaii is the only state in America to grow cacao commercially, and as a result, our beautiful islands are home to some of the country’s greatest chocolatiers — including this incredible Hawaiian chocolate farm you’re guaranteed to love.
Nestled on the slopes of Hualalai just south of Kailua-Kona, the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory just might be your new favorite destination.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate/Facebook
Not only is the chocolate absolutely divine, but the farm offers tours that lead through the cacao tree orchard to the fermenting and drying process, and then into the chocolate factory. It’s a sweet experience you won’t soon forget.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Chocolate is easily one of Hawaii’s largest yet most unknown export products, and the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is the oldest bean-to-bar in the Aloha State.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
This small and successful bean-to-bar chocolate company produces 100% Hawaiian grown chocolate — the only place you’ll find such chocolate in the world.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
With more than 1,300 cacao trees on the property, the magnificent chocolate produced here is truly world-class.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Their micro-processing factory is the only one in the state, and assures total quality control during every step of the process — from the fields to the final chocolate bars.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Anyone who wants to learn more about chocolate production (and maybe get their hands on a chocolate sample or two) can take a tour of the working farm.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate/Facebook
Guests will learn all sorts of interesting information about the production of their favorite dessert, from cleaning and roasting the cacao beans to tempering (or forming) the bars. Oh, and did we mention that the beans are also fermented sun dried for 22 to 28 days in order to develop the rich flavor the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is known for?
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Tours are $17 per person (children under 12 are free, offered Wednesday and Friday mornings, and include an hour long walking tour of the orchards and factory full of information about every step in the chocolate making process, as well as a chocolate tasting.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Because OHCF is an active working farm, advance reservations are required and can be made by visiting their website. If you can’t make it for a tour, the chocolate shoppe is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also find their chocolates at many local shops.
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
Need even more chocolaty goodness in your life? Why not check out this chocolate factory tour or visit one of these 9 Hawaiian chocolatiers?
Original Hawaiian Chocolate/Facebook
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory/Website
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