Cacao at Koili Point: Our Orchard and Chocolate Story

Aloha! Cacao is one of the crops we grow in the orchard at Koili Point, alongside fruit trees and macadamias. For guests staying in our two oceanfront homes near Hilo, seeing a cacao pod on a tree is a small connection between the tropical landscape and the chocolate we enjoy.

Cacao in our orchard

Our earlier harvest notes described two trees producing abundantly in summer 2023, with younger trees still developing. Harvests change with the season and the trees, so those notes are a snapshot rather than a promise of ripe pods during every stay.

Down the road, our intent is to make chocolate covered macadamia nuts from the bounty of our homegrown cacao (and macadamia nuts) at Koili Point.

Prior to that adventure however, and a simpler use of the fruit, is to make cacao powder which can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or a bowl of fruit. It can also be added to chili for a deeper flavor.

Exploring cacao during your stay

The cacao trees are across the berm toward the orchard. Ask Len or the team to point them out and explain what is in season before picking. The grounds are reserved for overnight guests; Koili Point does not offer farm tours or public visits.

How to Make Cocoa Powder from Raw Cacao Beans - Chocolatiering DIY Chocolate Making

Chocolate beyond Koili Point

If you would like a guided chocolate-making experience, arrange it separately with a local producer and confirm their current availability. Our orchard is part of your self-guided stay, rather than a chocolate factory or scheduled tasting. For more ideas close to your home, explore our Hāmākua Coast guide.

With that, let me leave you with a Hawaiian word of the day: ' kokoleka' -- which translates to 'chocolate' in English.

Stay near Hilo and the Hāmākua Coast

Check dates and book directly: Hale Honu on Houfy · Hale Koholā on Houfy. Coming with family or friends? Book both homes for up to 8 guests.

If there are topics you would like to know more about in future blogs, kindly let me know at koilipoint@gmail.com. Mahalo! Len