Learn about how Hawaiian Chocolate is grown and made from Tree to Bar!
Explore the Tree-to-Chocolate Tour in Hilo, Hawaii, where cacao orchards meet sustainable chocolate making. Taste rare Hawaiian chocolate and learn about farming traditions on this immersive farm adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for all fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Cacao was introduced to Hawaii in the early 1800s and has since become integral to local farming communities.
Conservation
The farm emphasizes sustainable agriculture practices that protect soil health and reduce chemical inputs, fostering biodiversity.
Lavaloha
Learn about how Hawaiian Chocolate is grown and made from Tree to Bar!
Lavaloha is a cacao farm and tour operator based in Hilo, Hawaii. The business operates a Tree-to-Chocolate Tour on site at its Hilo farm where visitors explore cacao orchards on an electric bus. The experience guides guests through the chocolate-making process from tree to bar, with opportunities to taste fresh cacao and sample finished chocolate varieties in a dedicated lounge. The tour combines hands-on observations of agricultural practices with explanations of processing steps used to transform cacao pods into chocolate.
The Tree-to-Chocolate Tour emphasizes sustainable farming and local context by including insights into Hawaiian history related to cacao cultivation. Tours take place on the farm property and include an orchard ride on an electric vehicle to reduce disturbance of the operations and enhance accessibility across planting areas. On-site production and transparent demonstrations allow guests to see each stage of chocolate production, from pod harvesting and fermentation to drying and bar-making.
Visitors to Lavaloha can expect a focused educational visit that highlights both flavor development and cultivation techniques specific to the Hilo environment. As a locally based Hilo operation featured on The Adventure Collective, Lavaloha presents a single, clearly defined farm experience centered on cacao, chocolate tastings, and sustainable agricultural context. The business offers direct farm access and in-person tastings that connect agricultural practice with finished chocolate products. Educational commentary during the tour explains fermentation, drying, and roasting stages, and the tasting sessions illustrate flavor variation across varieties and processing choices, providing clear context for how farm decisions influence chocolate flavor.
Location
Hilo, Hawaii
Situated on Hawaiʻi Island
Shuttle Tour
Electric farm bus
Explore cacao orchards on bus
Tours Offered
Tree-to-Chocolate Tour
Educational farm experience
Tasting Included
Fresh cacao & chocolate
Sample cacao and chocolate varieties
Secure a spot on Lavaloha’s farm tour to experience cacao orchards, learn tree-to-bar production, and taste fresh chocolate in Hilo, Hawaii.
Book in advance
This popular tour fills up quickly—reserve your spot early to guarantee admission.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be on your feet and boarding an electric bus; choose footwear suited for walking around farm paths.
Stay hydrated
Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed during the tour, especially on warmer days.
Respect the farm environment
Please follow guidelines to avoid disturbing plant life and wildlife on the property.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stable footing on farm terrain and walking paths.
Sun protection
Hat and sunscreen protect you from strong Hawaiian sun during the daytime tour.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the outdoor portion of the experience.
Light rain jacket
Useful in Hilo’s rainy climate to stay dry during orchard exploration.
spring