Puna Chocolate Company's Big Chocolate Island

Imagine a place where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly ground cacao and tropical coffee—this is exactly how Big Chocolate Island greets its guests. Located in the city of Kailua-Kona, this unique spot is a fusion of a chocolate factory, a cozy cafe, and a premium sweets shop. It is a family project by the Puna Chocolate Company, which has been developing the bean-to-bar concept since 2012, using only cacao grown right here in the USA, on the fertile soils of Hawaii.

Big Chocolate Island. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Unlike mass production, the focus here is on a 100% local product. The company manages tens of thousands of trees on sustainable farms, allowing guests to trace the entire journey of the treat: from the fruit ripening on the tree to its transformation into an exquisite bar. Located in the industrial Brewery Block, this site has become a magnet for gourmets wishing to try authentic Hawaiian chocolate with local ingredients.

Beyond the chocolate itself, the establishment is famous for its educational initiatives. It’s not just a bar or a shop, but a real educational center where, through tastings and tours, visitors learn about the nuances of cacao fermentation and its impact on the flavor of the final product. Its high rating and popularity among tourists make it a must-visit on any Big Island itinerary.

To clarify details before your visit or to book tours, you can use the following contact information. The location is situated in the bustling Brewery Block area.

The main attraction here is undoubtedly the chocolate tasting. You can try both classic dark bars and very unusual combinations, such as chocolate with macadamia or toasted coconut. For drink lovers, they prepare signature Puna hot chocolate, refreshing frozen chocolate, and the famous mocha, where local chocolate harmonizes perfectly with premium Kona coffee.

The factory tours deserve special attention. The guides, many of whom work on the plantations themselves, lead visitors through all stages of production. You will see cacao pods, learn the secrets of the fermentation process, and get to taste raw beans before they are turned into a sweet delicacy. Groups are usually small, allowing for plenty of questions and a more personal experience.

If you have the time, be sure to sign up for the workshops. Chocolate-making classes are held on the upper level of the building. It’s also an excellent place for shopping: in the store, you can purchase not only seasonal chocolate bars (such as special Christmas collections) but also unique tea made from cacao shells, coffee beans, and authentic souvenirs from local artisans.

Finding Big Chocolate Island is quite simple: it is located in the popular Brewery Block area at 74-5606 Pawai Pl Bay 8. If you are arriving from Kona International Airport (KOA), the drive by car or taxi will take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

While public transportation in Hawaii is somewhat limited, the site is within walking distance from downtown Kailua-Kona—a stroll will take only about 10–15 minutes. For travelers planning to explore the surroundings in more detail, renting a car is recommended, as parking at Brewery Block is readily available.

Many hotels in Kona also offer specialized shuttles or include a visit to this chocolate factory in their excursion itineraries. If you are driving from the city of Hilo, be prepared to spend about two hours on the road, crossing the island from east to west.

The history of this sweet enterprise began in 2012 when two veterans, Adam Potter and Benjamin Vanegtern, purchased a plot of land in the Puna district. Initially, their goal was to preserve the tropical rainforest, but they soon decided to experiment with growing cacao. They prepared their first batch of chocolate almost in a home setting using regular zip-lock bags, which became the starting point for creating a unique Hawaiian brand.

A serious challenge for the founders came in 2014–2015 when lava flows threatened their orchards. To safeguard production, they began actively distributing cacao seedlings to local farmers across the island—from Hilo to Kona. This strategy not only saved the business but also turned the company into the largest cacao producer in the USA, creating an entire network of distributed farms.

In 2018, following further volcanic events on the island, production expanded, and a modern factory opened in Kailua-Kona. Today, it is a family business that continues to grow by implementing sustainability principles and supporting the local community. The creators' efforts have turned 15,000 trees into a true chocolate paradise, recognized far beyond the Hawaiian Islands.

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Big Chocolate Island, a typical visitor should allow 1.5 to 3 hours. A short visit to buy souvenirs and taste coffee in the cafe will take about 30–60 minutes, though this only allows for a surface-level introduction to the range of products.

If you plan to take a factory tour or participate in a chocolate-making workshop, your stay will be longer. A full tour with a tasting of various cacao varieties and a talk about the farming process takes about an hour, and specialized classes can last even longer, so many tourists prefer to set aside half a day for this location.

The facility is open to visitors daily, making it easy to fit into any travel schedule. From Monday to Saturday, the factory and cafe doors are open from 08:00 to 22:00, and on Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00.

Please note that tours and workshops run on a separate schedule and may require advance booking. To guarantee a spot on a tour, we recommend checking the current event times on the company's official website.

A visit to the chocolate factory is just part of what this welcoming region has to offer. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to discover Hawaii's historical heritage, taste famous local coffee, and enjoy ocean views.