2025: Theme is 'Cirque de Chocolate'
Step into a fantastical world where the magic of the circus meets the indulgence of chocolate! Immerse yourself in an evening of dazzling acrobatics, mesmerizing fire dancing, and the artistry of our chocolate "ringmasters" (chefs), who will delight your palate with 15-18 unlimited tastings of decadent sweet and savory creations. Complement your experience with unlimited pours of beer and wine, generously provided by our sponsors. Dress to impress and join us for a night of unforgettable entertainment and chocolate-inspired wonder!

Elegant Chocolate for Everyone!
Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive gala of all galas!

Mystery & Fun for Every Body!
Enjoy the rhythmic beats of a lively DJ or live music, explore a fabulous silent auction, and immerse yourself in all-around chocolate-themed fun. Don't miss the chance to make your life even sweeter by joining us at the most savored event of the year!

Schedule of Events

April 10, 2025

9 - 10 am: Cacao Farm Tour OFF SITE, IN KONA

Guided Cacao Plantation Tour & Chocolate Sampling

Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, Keauhou-Kona

Does chocolate grow on trees? Find out from Hawai‘i’s first homegrown chocolate company located in the Kona coffee belt on the slopes of Maunaloa. Enter a cacao orchard to see how teeny flowers and colorful pods grow up and down the trunks and branches of trees. Learn about harvesting, fermentation and how cocoa beans are kissed by the sun before they are processed during exact steps to create dark or milk chocolate. Taste OHCF’s milk, dark and rare criollo chocolate—only 15% of the world’s chocolate is made from the criollo cacao bean!

April 11, 2025

1pm - 5pm: Farm Seminars

$45 for all three, $60 for two attendees

On hotel site location - Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa, 69-275 Waik?loa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

12 pm -  pm: “Best Practices for Cacao Fermentation" by Dr. Nat Bletter, Founder and Chocolate ‘flavormeister’ of Madre Chocolate. Madres purchases raw, fermented beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to roast and process in small batches to craft its chocolate bars.  Nat was inspired to start his traditional ingredient and artisanal chocolate company after researching plants such as cacao while working on his doctorate in ethnobotany. He also works at the University of Hawai‘i Manoa researching plants and making chocolate from scratch. In addition to this session, Dr. Bletter annually facilitates the festival’s Best Cacao Bean competition. This presentation will focus on the necessary steps and importance of proper cacao fermentation.

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm:  “Taste, Tour, Thrive- Building a Sustainable Cacao Experience" by Maddy Smith, chocolate nerd and founder of Barefoot Chocolatini, a consulting agency on Hawai’i Island. In 2023, she created COCOA ROSE HAWAII, a craft chocolate company sourcing organically grown cacao and ingredients from local farms. Former president and current secretary of the East Hawai‘i Cacao Association, Maddy offers chocolate tastings, tours, private retreats, hands-on classes and consulting services. She has judged cacao at the Big Island Chocolate Festival since 2016.  In this session, Maddy will delve into how to create an engaging and educational tour experience while building a profitable and sustainable revenue model. She will also offer tips for attracting the right audience.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: “Growing Healthy Cacao-Controlling the Queensland Longhorned Beetle in Hawai‘i" by Stacey Chun. Hawai‘i Island HDOA Agriculture Entomologist Stacey Chun provides an informative update on arresting the most destructive insect pest to cacao: the Queensland Longhorned Beetle. Stacy will give a brief description about its biology, behavior, management and current research. Larvae of the insect tunnel through wood, weakening it and disrupting the plant’s ability to transport nutrients and water; it was likely introduced to Hawai‘i from Australia.

3:45 pm - 5:30 pm: The Importance of Properly Tempering Chocolate, By Stéphane Tréand, M.O.F. Patisserie, A native of France and international pastry shop consultant, Stéphane holds the prestigious title of M.O.F. Patisserie (Meilleur Ouvier de France), meaning “Best Craftsman in France" and was named World Pastry Champion in 2008. He has served as pastry chef at numerous bakeries and resorts and also is a seasoned instructor in France and the U.S. A popular, repeat presenter at the Big Island Chocolate Festival, Chef gives a demonstration on why it is beneficial for cacao growers and chocolate makers to understand the importance of tempering chocolate. On Saturday, he will do am engaging session on Constructing a Chocolate Showpiece, which is artistically displayed at the festival’s evening gala.

April 12, 2025

9am - 2pm: Tasting Demonstrations: $89 for all three demonstrations:

12:15 - 2:00 pm: “Creating an Artistic Chocolate Showpiece" by world pastry champion Chef Stéphane Tréand, MOF Pâtissier Chocolatier and co-owner of Francium Chocolate.  

Chef Tréand is a virtuoso in the creation of an array of chocolate confections and striking sculptures, captivating attendees with his expertise. A highlight of the festival, his demonstrations offer a glimpse into the sophisticated techniques of molding and tinting chocolate to architecturally construct a showpiece sculpture. This magnificent creation, a testament to his mastery, becomes a centerpiece, showcased during the festival's gala event.

Evening Fundraising Gala

Evening Fundraising Gala - 5:30 pm to 9 pm, with VIP Doors opening at 5 pm

Get ready for an evening of indulgence at the Big Island Chocolate Festival! There will be over 18 tastings and chef booths.

Don't forget to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award and crown your favorite sweet and savory dishes. With live performances by local Kona Dance & Performing Art and Fire Dancing by Tiana Productions.

We will be having an online silent auction featuring exclusive opportunities.  

Join Us! Tickets on Sale Now.

Date:
April 10-12, 2025

Location:
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, 69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, HI 96738

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