Are you looking for the best things to do in Hilo, Hawaii? Keep scrolling to see how to do a Big Island chocolate tour at Lavaloha Chocolate Farm.
This review of the Big Island chocolate tour at Lavaloha Chocolate Farm was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that moment when your kid declares something “the best thing EVER” on a Hawaii trip?
That’s what happened when we visited Lavaloha Chocolate Farm in Hilo.
I’m not even kidding. My 5-year-old literally told me this chocolate tour beat everything else we did on the Big Island.
And considering we saw lava, visited black sand beaches, and swam with sea turtles, that’s saying something.
Here’s my honest take on whether this Hilo chocolate farm tour is worth adding to your Big Island itinerary.
What Is Lavaloha Chocolate Farm?
Lavaloha is a working cacao farm about 10 minutes from downtown Hilo.
They grow cacao trees, make their own chocolate right there on the farm, and offer hour-long tours that show you the entire process from tree to chocolate bar.
The best part? You get to taste everything along the way. Fresh cacao fruit, chocolate nibs, melted chocolate, and their finished chocolate bars.
My son was in heaven.
How I Found This Tour (and Almost Missed It)
Funny story. I actually discovered Lavaloha through a Facebook ad while we were already on the Big Island.
I’d been researching things to do with kids, and this tour just kept popping up in my feed.
The photo that sold me was the electric minibus driving through gorgeous scenery. I figured my 5-year-old would love the bus part, and I’d enjoy the views. Win-win.
I knew literally nothing else about it when I booked. But after 40+ visits to Hawaii and working as a professional tourist, I’ve learned to trust my gut on these things.
Getting to Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
The farm is located at 1820 Amauulu Rd in Hilo. It’s tucked up in the hillside, but don’t worry about getting lost. They have signs everywhere.
The drive itself is beautiful. You’ll turn off the paved road at one point, but it’s totally fine for regular cars. Just follow the signs and you’ll be good.
If you need a rental car for your Big Island trip, I always recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They compare rates from all the major companies so you get the best deal.
Booking Your Tour
You can’t just show up. You need to book ahead on their website.
They run tours six days a week (closed Sundays), multiple times daily. Tours last about an hour.
Current Prices (as of 2026):
- Adults: $42
- Hawaii Residents: $32
- Active Military: $32
- Students: $28
- Kids 12 and under: $15
Book at least a week in advance if you can. These tours fill up fast, especially during peak season.
What to Expect on the Tour
Arrival and Check-In
We parked easily and were greeted by super friendly staff who helped us fill out waivers. There are restrooms right there if anyone needs them.
They asked us if we wanted to walk or ride the electric minibus. This was a no-brainer for us.
The Electric Minibus Option
Listen, my kid would have been happy just riding around in that bus all day. It’s completely electric, quiet, and has shades that come down if it’s raining or sunny.
Our guide brought umbrellas and towels since we were there on a rainy November day. (It rains a lot in Hilo, so be prepared for that.)
If you’re doing the walking tour instead, wear closed-toe shoes. The ground gets muddy when it rains.
Both options are great. The bus is nice for little kids or anyone who doesn’t want to walk much. The walking tour lets you get up close to everything.
The Farm Itself Is Stunning
This place is gorgeous. There’s a collapsed lava tube they turned into a garden with a duck pond. And they have this incredible waterfall that’s only accessible if you take the tour.
You can’t see this waterfall from anywhere else. It’s completely private to the farm, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
We passed tons of fruit trees and thousands of cacao trees. The whole property is about 1,000 acres.
Tasting Fresh Cacao (The Best Part)
Our first stop was at a cacao tree where our guide explained the three varieties they grow. Then she cut open a fresh cacao pod so we could taste the fruit inside.
This was honestly one of my favorite parts of any Hawaii farm tour I’ve done.
The white fruit around the seeds tastes like lychee or mangosteen. Super sweet and tropical.
Then she had us try biting into the actual seed, which is bitter. Together, it’s this weird but interesting combination.
She let us keep the pods to eat during the tour or take home to compost. My son kept munching on his the whole time.
Learning About Cacao Processing
Next, we checked out all the equipment they use to harvest and process the cacao.
They showed us some old antique machines that kind of worked but were super inefficient. Then they showed us their new equipment that makes the whole process way easier.
We saw how they ferment the seeds and then dry them on racks. With Hilo’s humidity, the drying time varies a lot depending on the weather.
The Chocolate Tasting Room
Finally, we drove to their tasting room. This is where things got really good.
They played a video showing the complete chocolate-making process. Then we got to taste everything:
- Chocolate nibs (very bitter but flavorful)
- Melted chocolate (my son wanted to lick the entire cup clean)
- 90% cacao
- 70% cacao
- 50% cacao
- Orange chocolate
- Sea salt chocolate
The sample sizes were perfect. Just enough to really taste each one and decide what you might want to buy.
That melted chocolate sealed the deal for my kid. He was sold.
White Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs
After the tasting, we hopped back on the bus and headed to the gift shop. But first, we stopped on the patio to try one more thing: their white chocolate with cocoa nibs.
It’s kind of like their version of cookies and cream. Really good.
The Gift Shop
By the end of the tour, we knew we were buying chocolate to take home. Their gift shop is filled with their own chocolate products plus tons of other locally made items.
The gift shop is actually open to the public even if you don’t do the tour. So if you eat all your chocolate before heading home (guilty), you can come back and re-stock.
Is This Tour Good for Kids?
Absolutely yes.
The bus option makes it easy for little kids. The tour is only an hour, which is perfect for shorter attention spans. And the chocolate tasting keeps them engaged the whole time.
My 5-year-old didn’t even want to try the chocolate nibs, but he went crazy for the melted chocolate and finished product.
This is also great for multi-generational travel. Older folks who don’t want to walk a lot can take the bus. Everyone gets to taste delicious chocolate. What’s not to love?
What Makes This Different from Other Hawaii Chocolate Tours
I’ve checked out several chocolate farms across Hawaii, and here’s what stands out about Lavaloha:
The scenery is incredible. That private waterfall alone is worth the trip.
They have the bus option. Not all farms offer this, and it makes a huge difference for families with young kids.
The guides are knowledgeable and engaging. Our guide clearly loved her job and the farm. She answered all our questions and made the whole experience fun.
The chocolate is really good. This isn’t mass-produced tourist chocolate. It’s high-quality, small-batch stuff made right there on the property.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Dress in layers. The farm is at 1,000 feet elevation, so it can feel chilly even on sunny days. Temperatures range from about 60-85°F depending on the day.
Bring a light rain jacket. It’s Hilo. It probably will rain at some point.
Book early. Like, a week or more in advance if possible.
Plan extra time. You’ll want to explore the lava tube garden and gift shop after the tour.
Bring cash or card for the gift shop. You’re going to want to buy chocolate. Trust me.
Should You Add This to Your Big Island Itinerary?
Here’s my honest take as a Hawaii travel expert who’s been to the islands 40+ times:
Yes, if you have kids who like chocolate (so, basically all kids).
Yes, if you’re interested in learning about Hawaiian agriculture and farm-to-table processes.
Yes, if you want a unique activity that’s not just another beach or waterfall.
Maybe skip it if you’re on a super tight timeline and would rather spend that time at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or snorkeling.
But honestly? My kid called this the best thing we did on our entire trip. And I learned a ton about cacao and chocolate production.
Plus, that private waterfall was stunning.
For $42 per adult and $15 for kids, it’s a pretty good value for an hour-long experience that includes all those tastings and a scenic tour of a beautiful property.
Planning Your Hilo Day
If you’re building out a full day in Hilo, here’s what I’d suggest:
Morning: Visit Akaka Falls or Rainbow Falls
Midday: Lavaloha Chocolate Farm tour
Afternoon: Downtown Hilo for lunch and shopping
You could also combine this with a visit to the Waipio Valley if you have the energy.
Looking for more Hilo activities? Check out the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo (it’s free!) or head to one of the black sand beaches on the east side.
Need Help Planning Your Big Island Trip?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to plan your Big Island itinerary, I get it. There’s so much to see and do, and it can be hard to figure out what’s actually worth your time.
That’s literally what I do as a Hawaii travel consultant. I help families like yours plan amazing Hawaii vacations without the stress.
I can help you figure out:
- Which activities are actually good for your kids’ ages
- How to build a realistic itinerary that doesn’t have you driving 6 hours a day
- Where to stay based on your budget and preferences
- What’s worth splurging on and what you can skip
I’ve also created a comprehensive Big Island Travel Guide with daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips from years of visiting.
Or if you just want to dip your toes in, sign up for my free 7-day Big Island email course. I’ll walk you through how to plan your trip step by step.
I also talk about farm tours and agricultural experiences in Episode 7 of my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. It’s a great resource if you want more ideas beyond just chocolate farms.
Where to Stay Near Hilo
If you’re planning to spend time on the Hilo side, I’d recommend staying somewhere between Hilo and Volcano.
That gives you easy access to both the town and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Check out hotels in Hilo on Expedia to compare rates. I like the Grand Naniloa Hotel for families, or the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel if you want something right on the bay.
For vacation rentals, the areas around Keaau and Pahoa are good options too.
Book Your Lavaloha Tour
Ready to book? Head to Lavaloha’s website to reserve your spot.
Remember to book at least a week in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (summer or holidays).
My Final Verdict
Would I recommend the Lavaloha Chocolate Farm tour? Absolutely.
Would I do it again if I came back to the Big Island with friends or family? Yes.
Is it perfect? Nothing is perfect. But it’s pretty darn good.
The guides are fantastic. The property is beautiful. The chocolate is delicious. And my kid is still talking about it months later.
For a family-friendly activity that’s educational, delicious, and genuinely fun, this is one of the best things to do in Hilo.
Just don’t blame me when your kids want to go back the next day.
More Big Island Activities
Looking for more ideas? Check out these posts:
- Best Things to Do on the Big Island with Kids
- Akaka Falls Hike
- Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour Review
- Best Hawaii Chocolate Farm Experiences
Want to capture your Big Island memories professionally? I always recommend Flytographer.
You can save $20 when you use my link, and they have amazing photographers all over Hawaii who know the best spots for family photos.
