Manoa Chocolate Tour

Our tour of Honoli’i Orchards was my favorite experience of our trip to Hawaii. Colin and Wrenn treated us like we were new friends who came by to hang out and learn about how you grow, harvest, and process cacao to be used in making chocolate. Their knowledge is extensive and their foresight incredible. With these tools, their dedication, and the foresight and support of their friends/colleagues in the local chocolate-making industry, they are destined for well-deserved greatness. I look forward to returning for another tour in the future to see their success and how things have grown and changed.

Don’t miss this tour! We’ve been here two weeks and this is the best tour yet. Well worth the time and money spent. Narrators were friendly and very knowledgeable. George Michigan

What a cool experience visiting this cacao farm. They gave us a tour of the orchard and a guided tasting of the local chocolate made by Manoa, single-sourced from this farm and the other farms across the islands. Like others have mentioned, Colin and Wrenn are very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their work. I came in not knowing much about chocolate in general and left with a wealth of knowledge on their farming and fermentation techniques, the diverse flavor profiles of chocolate, and a cultural history of the cacao trade and the local area. We came mostly interested in the agricultural aspect so it was interesting to see traditional harvest and fermentation techniques within the objective lens of modern research which they’re conducting for the University of Hawaii. They answered every crazy question we had and more, they’re excited about what they’re doing and it really shows. Tasting the final product was a very subjective experience. Forget about wine tasting, there was no pretentious snobbery here, just good chocolate. The different flavors were obvious even if I didn’t have the words to describe it, and Wrenn prompted different words to help make the distinctions I tasted. I really think there’s something for everyone, and even if none of that sounds interesting to you and you hate lush tropical valleys with warm rain, fresh fruit and amazing chocolate… there’s still a real friendly dog to pet. Thanks again guys, it really was a great experience.

You will not find better chocolate, or more knowledgeable cacao experts! Before meeting Colin and Wrenn, I can honestly say I had no interest in chocolate other than the fact that I liked to eat it. Colin is so eager and passionate to share his love of cacao and agriculture, you can’t help but to come away with excitement yourself. I enjoyed that the tour was balanced between appreciating the agriculture and, my favorite part, getting to try tons of craft chocolate! Wrenn is awesome at guiding you through the tasting. I never felt rushed and he was always happy to give me another sample for ones I liked! They’re all so unique, I had a hard time deciding my favorite. I would recommend coming prepared to spend a little extra on chocolate bars to go home with! You’re going to want to get a few to share. 😄

I have always enjoyed wine tasting so when I found out about the craft chocolate tasting at Honolii Orchards in Paukaa I couldn't wait to give it a try. I was not disappointed! Beautiful nature setting... Our hosts, Colin and Wrenn made the history and production of craft chocolate interesting with their depth of knowledge and interactive activities such as tasting the pulp of a few varieties of cacao seeds to more fully appreciate their subtle differences and how that impacted the final product. After our tour we relaxed in the tasting room where we were able to compare the flavor nuances of several Manoa Chocolate bars crafted from cacao from this farm as well as several other cacao producing areas in Hawaii. Our hosts gave us some useful tips in teasing out the subtle differences of the delicious chocolates as well as providing us with a historical chocolate drink and a very scrumptious juice made from the pulp surrounding cacao seeds. One of the group members shared that this was the highlight of their visit to Hawaii. I couldn't agree more!

Wow! We came in from Canada and wanted to have a Hawaiian experience to remember and we certainly had an amazing one. The tour is interesting and informative. Friendly and great hosts! Comfortable transport from parking to farm. The chocolate tasting session is absolutely heavenly. And, what a great view! A must do while on the Big Island!

As a visitor from Canada you are going to love your visit to Honolii Orchards. First off they are off grid, and solar, yes! No power lines to get in the way of the magnificent vistas! It is so beautiful there and they have created a very relaxing environment where you can forget your worries and be in the moment. Colin is so knowledgeable - there isn’t a question he can’t answer. Wrenn, sets the scene with a historical overview of cocoa and invites us to share with one another what brings us here and what we love about chocolate. There is so much to know about cocoa and they both share their knowledge and enthusiasm with so much passion. It was engaging and fun in an intimate setting. A not to be missed experience. Many thanks Colin & Wrenn! Made my first hot cocoa this morning 2 heaping tsp of brewing chocolate & 1/2 tsp of chocolate tea with almond & macadamia nut milks 😊. I purchased one of every flavour of the chocolate bars and planning a cocoa tasting experience with friends & family back home ❣️

Honoli’i Orchards offers an inspiring Cacao Farm tour not to be missed on Big Island’s east side. Colin and Wrenn are exceptional and knowledgeable hosts on all things Cacao ~ from the history of Cacao’s beginnings, to growing, harvesting, fermenting, drying and processing into superior edible products. The Farm is a wonderland of beauty situated on the lower flanks of Mauna Kea along the Honoli’i River. Mahalo nui loa for a most unique experience and sharing your passion, knowledge and good humor! BRAVO👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Can I live here? Cacao, chocolate, Hawaii, farming, delicious treats. Beautiful lush landscape, spacious and classy facilities, and all you could ever hope to learn about cacao and chocolate. The farmer himself (Colin? Or Paulin?) walks you through the orchard and teaches you all about cacao genetics and it’s place in Hawaii. Wrenn leads you through tasting like 10 different chocolate bars, all made with single origin cacao from different farms around the Hawaiian islands. Are you freakin kidding me? If you want to do something a little different on your Hawaii vacation, get off the beach, head up the mountain, and get on this tour. 10/10 recommending to all family and friends.

What an incredible experience--a spectacular view, amazing tour of the orchard, then you get to sample some of the most amazing, delicious chocolate ever!! If you don't understand why quality chocolate is expensive, after the tour and all the information that you've learned--you now know!! It was worth the drive up to the beautiful shelter, meeting such lovely people as well--what fun! Next trip to the Island, I will again go on another tour to find out what they have added to their program and what new chocolates await!! Thank you for a wonderful adventure! Nancy Switzer