Hilo Cacao & Chocolate Expo
Saturday, April 13 9am – 3:30pm and Sunday, April 14 8:30am – 4pm at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
The Saturday Expo is free to the public. Demos and displays will show the complete chocolate making process “from tree to bar.” Attendees will receive a cacao seed to pot and take home with instructions for planting and growing while supplies last.
Local merchants will showcase their 100% Hawai’i grown and chocolate to taste and purchase. Hawai’i Island chocolate has an excellent reputation for its high quality and distinctive flavor profiles reflecting the unique terroirs of our farms. Bean-to-Bar chocolate makers in Hawai’i and on the mainland have won national and international awards for chocolate made from Hawai’i Island cacao.
Representatives from educational agricultural organizations will be available for agricultural questions and will have informational literature.
If weather permits, up to 100 Expo attendees will receive a complimentary tour of Lavaloha Chocolate Farm. Register in person at the Expo on a first come, first served basis. Seats are limited.
A silent Auction will be held and 2024 Expo T-Shirts and tote bags will be available for purchase at the festival or online at www.hilochocoexpo.org . All proceeds will go towards furthering the education and promotion of growing cacao on Hawai’i Island.
Sunday’s Workshops are for those wishing more detailed information about cacao and chocolate processing and production. Thanks to our sponsors and a grant from Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development we are able to offer this workshop for a small fee of $22. A variety of presentations by local farmers, agricultural agencies, and chocolate makers will cover areas from orchard startup, management considerations and challenges; fermentation and drying; cacao grading standards; chocolate making; value-added cacao products; marketing; business essentials; agritourism and a special complimentary chocolate tasting.
Sign Up for the Workshops at the Saturday Expo or reserve your spot online. Space is limited. www.hilochocoexpo.org
- Event Area: East Hawaiʻi
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