Cacao on the Big Island

This story has been updated

We combined our cacao harvest notes into Cacao at Koili Point: Our Orchard and Chocolate Story. Please visit that article for the current guide and booking information.

This archive records our summer 2023 harvest, when two trees were producing abundantly and younger trees were still developing. Harvests vary and ripe cacao is not guaranteed during every stay.

Koili Point’s orchard is reserved for overnight guests. We do not offer farm tours or public visits. Ask Len or the team what is in season during your stay.

At the farms, you can learn about the history of cacao in Hawaii, how to turn that fruit into actual chocolate and, of course, taste test the various homemade products from locally grown trees.

A good resource for more info on all things cacao is Hawaiian Chocolate: Big Island Cacao Farm Tours & Shops (damecacao.com)

Finally, let me leave you with a Hawaiian word of the day: Kokoleka -- which translates to "chocolate."

Plan your oceanfront stay near Hilo

Check dates and book direct: Hale Honu on Houfy · Hale Koholā on Houfy. Traveling together? 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