Mauna Kea Cacao

Chocolate lovers, an immersive experience on a 1,800-tree cacao farm awaits. And they even let you crack open a cacao pod for a taste! If such news has you salivating for all things chocolate, head to Mauna Kea Cacao.

This farm is not just any ordinary farm. It's an award-winning producer of fine cacao seeds sold to bean-to-bar chocolate makers and chocolatiers across the globe. 

The farm is on the lush Hamakua Coast, known for its fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate. Such conditions are perfect for growing top-quality cacao beans.

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 meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the highest quality beans make it to the market. The beans are praised for their unique flavor profiles of tropical fruit and mocha, making them a favorite among discerning chocolate lovers.

Mauna Kea Cacao is just a 15-minute drive from Old Town Hilo, making it a marvelous attraction to learn firsthand how Hawaii cacao is grown.  

Fun Facts & Cool Features 

The magic of Mauna Kea Cacao is not just in its production of high-quality cacao beans but in its exciting features and experiences. 

One of the most popular activities is harvesting your own cacao pod. This hands-on experience allows visitors to crack open a cacao pod and taste fresh cacao beans straight from the tree. It's an educational and delicious experience!

Another highlight at Mauna Kea Cacao is exploring the beautiful 1,800-tree cacao farm. Walking through the rows of cacao trees, visitors learn about the different stages of cacao production, from the growth, harvesting, fermenting, and drying of the beans.

And we save the best for last! On visiting Mauna Kea Cacao, guests get to sample some of the farm's products. 

Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur or casual fan, tasting the farm's unique Hawaiian Chocolate, made with cacao beans from the farm and organic unrefined cane sugar, is a treat not to be missed!

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

Cost 

Visiting Mauna Kea Cacao comes with a cost. Here are the ticket fees:

• Adult Farm Tours: $40 
• Child (5-17) Farm Tour: $20 
• Children under 5 are free

Prices can change; check their website for updates.