Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe

In the heart of a tropical paradise, in the cozy town of Hilo, lies a place where the aroma of freshly roasted cocoa beans mingles with the sea breeze. Puna Chocolate Café is more than just a coffee shop; it is a true gastronomic center dedicated to premium bean-to-bar chocolate produced right here in the USA.

Puna Chocolate Cafe. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Opened in 2017, this establishment has become the embodiment of an authentic Hawaiian experience. They use exclusively 100% local cacao grown on the company's own sustainable farms. Visitors can not only enjoy world-class gourmet desserts but also purchase unique chocolate bars crafted from ingredients that have absorbed the energy of the Big Island's volcanic soil.

As part of the family-owned Puna Chocolate Company, the café combines the functions of a boutique, a coffee house, and a cocktail bar. High ratings and hundreds of positive reviews confirm that this spot has become a trendy destination for both locals and tourists seeking the true taste of Hawaii.

For those planning a visit to Puna Chocolate Café, we have prepared the current contact information. The establishment is conveniently located in the historic part of town, making it easy to include in your walking route.

Immersing yourself in the world of Hawaiian delicacies begins with a tasting of the signature espresso, made from beans grown on high-altitude farms. Be sure to try the desserts based on their own chocolate—the recipes are designed to highlight the nuances of the local terroir. For adventurous foodies, they offer chocolate bars with unusual additions such as noni or even seaweed.

In the evening, the atmosphere of the café transforms as coffee cups are replaced by glasses of craft cocktails. This is the perfect time to appreciate the skill of the bartenders, who use local ingredients to create unique mixes. Nearby is The Hidden Nēnē—a kind of "secret" bar (speakeasy) where you can enjoy exclusive drinks in a private setting.

Furthermore, it's an excellent place for shopping. You can choose gift sets of chocolate with various roast levels or order a tasting flight to compare cocoa beans from different plantations on the island. The cozy atmosphere and emphasis on local products make a visit to the café an inspiring experience for every guest.

Finding the establishment is easy—it's located in the heart of the historic district at 277 Keawe St. If you are already walking around downtown Hilo, visiting local markets and shops, you can reach the café on foot in just a few minutes.

For those arriving from Hilo International Airport (ITO), a taxi or rental car ride will take about 10–15 minutes (a distance of approximately 5 km). City parking is available near the café, which is convenient for those traveling by car. You can also use public transportation—the Hele-On Bus network runs regularly through the city center.

The café's location is ideal for tourists staying in hotels along Banyan Drive or those planning a walk along the Hilo Bay shore. Its central position makes it an excellent landmark to start or finish your city route.

The history of Puna Chocolate Company began in 2012 when Adam Potter and Ben Vanegtern purchased a plot of land in the Puna district. Initially, they didn't plan to grow cacao, but a chance meeting with a local farmer changed their trajectory. Ben, with his knowledge of tropical plants, led the tree-growing process, aiming to preserve the Big Island's natural landscape as much as possible.

The company's journey was not easy: in 2014–2015, powerful lava flows threatened the existence of the first farm. However, this challenge became a catalyst for expansion. The founders began offering saplings to other farmers, creating an entire network of plantations in Hilo, Hamakua, and Kona. Thus, the business evolved into a sustainable community supporting local agriculture.

The café found its current home in downtown Hilo in 2017. By 2022, the company was managing 55 acres of land and more than 25,000 cacao trees. Today, it is a recognized leader in Hawaiian chocolate production, with a success story closely intertwined with the resilience and love for the islands' unique nature.

For a quick visit, during which you can enjoy a cup of coffee, try a signature dessert, and pick out souvenirs, 1 to 2 hours is sufficient. This gives you enough time to explore the selection and soak in the atmosphere.

If you plan to visit in the evening for cocktails or wish to book a full tasting of various chocolate varieties, you should set aside 2–3 hours. Hilo's leisurely pace of life encourages you to stay a little longer and simply watch the world go by through the large storefront windows.

The doors of Puna Chocolate Café are open to visitors daily from early morning until late evening, making it a convenient spot for both an energizing breakfast and evening relaxation. We recommend checking the schedule on the official website before your visit, as hours may change on holidays.

Approximate schedule:

• Monday: 07:00–21:00
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 07:00–22:00
• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 07:00–23:00
• Sunday: 08:00–21:00

A walk after a cup of fragrant chocolate will allow you to learn more about the city's rich history and culture. Within walking distance of the café, there are many interesting sites—from historic buildings to memorials dedicated to important pages of Hawaii's past.