The mission of the annual Kona Chocolate Festival is to entertain both visitors to and residents of the Big Island; showcase the creative talents of fine Big Island chefs, chocolatiers, ice cream and candy makers; provide a means to highlight cacao farming and support the chocolate industry in Hawai'i; and raise funds to support education opportunities in video production and the culinary arts on Hawaii Island.
The Kona Chocolate Festival is presented by the Naalehu Theater and highlights the little known but important fact that chocolate (cacao) is grown and processed on the Big Island. Hawai'i’s history of growing cacao dates back to the 1800’s and it is now an integral component of the state’s strategy to diversify its agriculture. The Big Island is the only place in the United States where chocolate is made entirely from scratch, from growing the cacao trees and their pods, through processing the cacao nibs, to creating an all-Hawaiian chocolate bar. Educational symposiums on cacao farming, processing, commercial production, cooking and tasting will be held on March 27 and 28th at the Sheraton.
The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is offering several pacakges in conjunction with the festival. The Keauhou Chocolate package includes 2 tickets to the festival and a room for the night of the event. Guests can also purchase a room-only option with rates starting at $159 per night.
Click here to book the Keauhou Chocolate Package.
Click here to book the special room only rate of $159 per night.