About
If you're a chocolate lover or curious about how it's made, visit Mauna Kea Cacao for an eye-opening experience.
The farm features over 1,800 cacao trees and is an award-winning producer of fine cacao seeds. Bean-to-bar chocolate makers and chocolatiers worldwide seek out the farm's cacao to create their masterpieces.
Mauna Kea Cacao is on the lush Hamakua Coast, known for its fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate. These conditions are perfect for growing top-quality cacao beans, which are praised for their unique flavor profiles of tropical fruit and mocha. They are a favorite among discerning chocolate lovers.
At Mauna Kea Cacao, they believe in doing things the old-fashioned way. Each cacao bean is carefully fermented and dried before being sold to chocolatiers and consumers. This attention to detail ensures that only the highest quality beans make it to the market.
It is just a 15-minute drive from Old Town Hilo and other key landmarks, making itinerary planning a breeze. Combine a thrilling zipline or ATV adventure at The Umaumau Experience or a hike at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with a farm tour.
Touring the Mauna Kea Cacao farm promises to be an enriching experience.
Mauna Kea Cacao: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The magic of visiting the farm is its exciting features and experiences.
The family-friendly tour suits those who can walk 1/4 mile on uneven surfaces. Because the weather changes, the terrain may be muddy and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. While several covered structures offer rain protection, bring a jacket as a backup.
One of the most popular activities is harvesting a cacao pod. This hands-on experience allows visitors to open a pod and taste fresh cacao beans straight from the tree. It's an educational and delicious experience you won't forget!
Another highlight at Mauna Kea Cacao is exploring the beautiful 1,800-tree cacao farm. Walking through the rows of trees, visitors learn about the different stages of cacao production, from the growth, harvesting, fermenting, and drying of the beans.
But we saved the best for last! You'll get to sample some of the farm's chocolates!
As mentioned, its proximity to other landmarks, such as Akaka Falls State Park and Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, allows you to fill your day with chocolate and outdoor adventures.
Whether a chocolate connoisseur or a casual fan, don't miss a tour and tasting the farm's unique Hawaiian Chocolate.
For a sweet adventure on your Kona vacation, visit Mauna Kea Cacao!
Getting There
Here are directions to Mauna Kea Cacao farm from Kailua-Kona:
- Head northeast on Palani Rd toward Kuakini Hwy.
- Continue onto Hawaii Belt Rd/Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy.
- Turn right onto HI-190.
- After driving for about an hour, turn right onto Old Mamalahoa Hwy.
- Continue onto Hawaii Belt Rd.
- Turn right onto Kaupakuea Homestead Rd
- Address: 28-568 Kaupakuea Homestead Rd, Pepeekeo, HI 96783
Local Tips
- The farm offers 90-minute tours every Thursday at 10:00AM and 1:00PM. Try to plan your visit around these times for a guided experience.
- Closed-toe shoes, hats, rain jackets or umbrellas, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended.
- Tours require that guests sign a liability waiver.
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
