Aloha, flavor enthusiasts! As spring blooms spring bursts with blooms of jacarandas and silk oak across Maui’s lush landscapes in April 2025, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the island’s rich agricultural tapestry with Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours. Nestled in the heart of Upcountry Maui at Kupa’a Organic Farm in Kula, our tours offer a sensory journey through the world of cacao and coffee—two of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether you’re a returning visitor or planning your first trip to the Valley Isle, this is your invitation to taste, explore, and connect with Maui’s vibrant land and flavors this spring.

Why April is the Perfect Time to Visit

April on Maui is a season of renewal. The trade winds soften, the hills of Haleakalā glow with green, and the farm at Kupa’a Organic Farm bursts with life. It’s an ideal moment to witness the cacao trees in their early fruiting stages and the coffee plants thriving under the island’s volcanic soil and cool breezes. The weather—warm days paired with crisp evenings—makes for a comfortable stroll through our orchards and gardens, where you’ll discover the magic behind every bean and pod. Plus, with the tourist crowds thinning out post-winter, your experience feels even more intimate and personal.

What to Expect on Your Tour

Our “Blossom to Bar and Beyond” adventure is more than just a tour—it’s a hands-on celebration of Maui’s sustainable farming heritage. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you this April:

• A Walk Through Nature’s Bounty: Wander through our organic farm, where cacao and coffee grow alongside a symphony of tropical plants—think lilikoi, a stroll through the vanilla vineyard bursting with blossoms for 2026 beans, and strategically planted shade trees. Spring often brings surprises, like blossoms signaling the next cacao harvest or coffee cherries ripening into bursts of red. You’ll learn how Maui’s unique microclimate crafts flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
• Hands-On Chocolate Making: Channel your inner chocolate maker with our interactive demonstration. Crack open a cacao pod, winnow the beans, and grind them into a rich, ceremonial hot chocolate inspired by Aztec traditions. It’s a delicious nod to history, and you’ll savor every sip as you make it yourself.
• Global Chocolate Tasting: Sit family-style and sample 6-7 single-origin chocolates from around the world, including at least two rare Hawaiian varieties. From creamy Madagascar to nutty Maui-grown bars, you’ll explore how latitude shapes flavor. Our guides—passionate experts like Ann—will walk you through the tasting, sharing stories of the craft and the land.
• Coffee Connections: While Kupa’a’s own coffee recovers from the pesky coffee bean borer (fingers crossed for a comeback soon!), we’re proud to feature a cup from one of Hawaii’s premier producers. Pair it with the stunning bi-coastal views from our farm’s hilltop, and you’ve got a moment to savor.
• Spring Bonus: April often brings extra treats from the farm—perhaps a sample of fresh-pressed sugar cane juice or a slice of our famous lilikoi bread, baked with fruit straight from the property. It’s the taste of Maui in every bite.

Sustainability at Heart

At Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours, we’re not just about indulgence—we’re about intention. Kupa’a Organic Farm thrives on sustainable practices, from organic composting aka, the department of “organic alchemy,” cleverly coined by Gerry Ross who is the chief organic alchemist; to natural pest management. Every step, from planting to tasting, reflects a commitment to the ‘āina (land) and a vision for a healthier planet. By joining us, you’re supporting a small, family-owned operation that’s as dedicated to its community as it is to its crops.

Plan Your April Escape

Ready to dive into this springtime delight? Our tours are private and limited to small groups (up to 12, or 14 by request), ensuring an intimate experience. Reservations are a must, so book early; April’s mellow vibe makes it a popular time for locals and visitors alike to explore Upcountry Maui.

• When: Tours run daily, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday 1pm, or earlier by request
• Where: 1886 Naalae Rd, Kula, HI 96790. Just look for the breathtaking views breathtaking views and stunning spring harmony everywhere!
• Contact: Reach out  or call (808) 870-3323 with questions.

A Taste of Maui to Remember

This April, let Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours awaken your senses to the island’s hidden treasures. From the crunch of a cacao pod to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, every moment is a chance to connect with the land, the people, and the flavors that make Maui so extraordinary. Bring your curiosity, your appetite, and maybe a friend or two; because spring on Maui is best shared.

Mahalo, and see you soon on the farm!

At Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours, we believe that chocolate is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Through our Wholly Cacao initiative, we bring the art of cacao and fine chocolate to discerning palates, whether in the comfort of a private home or at select public venues that share our philosophy of excellence. From intimate, curated in-home tastings to high-end partnerships with sophisticated wine lounges, Wholly Cacao offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and complexity of artisanal chocolate like never before.

Private In-Home Tastings: A Personalized Chocolate Journey

For those who desire an exclusive and highly personalized tasting experience, Wholly Cacao brings the world of fine chocolate straight to your home. Imagine an evening filled with hand-selected chocolates that highlight the flavors and nuances of the cacao bean, paired perfectly with a curated selection of fine wines, craft beers, or specialty cocktails.

Our private tastings are ideal for:

• Gourmet Enthusiasts who appreciate fine flavors and want to expand their knowledge of chocolate.
• Wine and Spirits Aficionados looking for new and exciting pairing experiences.
• Special Occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, or intimate gatherings with family and friends.
• Luxury Dining Experiences where chocolate takes center stage, integrated seamlessly into an evening of fine dining.

Some of the esteemed private chefs we’ve worked with include Chef Jana McMahon and Chef Katarina Tualemoso, who have incorporated our chocolate tastings into their menus. Whether it’s an appetizer-style pairing with cheese and charcuterie or a decadent dessert finale, our chocolate experiences are crafted to delight even the most sophisticated palates.

Pairings can be customized to feature wines, whiskeys, craft beers, or non-alcoholic options, ensuring that every event is as unique as the guests attending it. From bold and fruity dark chocolates to smooth, velvety milk chocolates, each selection tells a story of its origin, its maker, and its journey from bean to bar.

Public Venue Collaborations: Elevating the Chocolate Experience

Beyond the private setting, Wholly Cacao also partners with select venues to create unforgettable public tasting events. These collaborations allow a wider audience to experience the artistry of fine chocolate in settings that complement its luxurious nature.

Past and Upcoming Public Venues

Our last public venue was held at the Lahaina Yacht Club, an exclusive setting that provided the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated chocolate experience. The event was met with great enthusiasm from attendees who relished the opportunity to sample high-quality chocolates while learning about the intricate craft behind them.

This month, we are thrilled to announce our next public event at DeVine Wine Lounge, Kihei’s newest and hippest wine bar, located in Azeka Makai. Known for its elegant ambiance and extensive selection of fine wines, DeVine Wine Lounge provides an ideal setting for a luxurious chocolate tasting experience.

At this upcoming event, guests can expect:

• A carefully curated selection of premium chocolates paired with fine wines.
• Insightful discussions on chocolate origins, production, and pairing techniques.
• A welcoming atmosphere where wine lovers and chocolate connoisseurs can connect over shared passions.

DeVine Wine Lounge isn’t just a wine bar—it’s a place where flavors are celebrated. Their menu includes a curated selection of specialty cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, making them a perfect partner for Wholly Cacao’s mission of delivering exceptional tasting experiences.

Shared Philosophy: Discriminating Taste

At Wholly Cacao, we don’t just work with any venue—we collaborate with establishments that share our commitment to quality, flavor, and craftsmanship. Just as we are selective about the cacao we source and the chocolates we present, we are equally discerning about the venues we partner with. We seek out locations that prioritize excellence, ensuring that our tastings are enhanced by an environment that matches the sophistication of our offerings.

By teaming up with places like DeVine Wine Lounge, we create an experience that goes beyond just eating chocolate—it becomes a sensory journey, where flavors are explored, textures are savored, and knowledge is shared.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Chocolate Experience

Whether you prefer an exclusive private tasting in your home or an elevated public event, Wholly Cacao invites you to indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience. Join us at DeVine Wine Lounge this month for a night of chocolate, wine, and refined indulgence.

Keep an eye out for future collaborations and tastings as we continue to bring the best of fine chocolate to Maui. Stay connected with us on social media and our website for updates on upcoming events and private tasting opportunities.

At Maui Chocolate and Coffee Tours, we are passionate about sharing the art of fine chocolate with the world. Through Wholly Cacao, we craft experiences that are indulgent, educational, and unforgettable. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

The Hawaiian chocolate industry has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. The number of chocolate makers has more than doubled from approximately 6-7 to at least 12-20. This boom reflects a burgeoning interest in locally produced, bean-to-bar chocolate, mirroring the trajectory of the wine industry in Napa and Sonoma.

Cacao Production Across the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is unique as the only U.S. state where cacao is commercially grown. Each island contributes its own flavor to the state’s chocolate scene. Here is a closer look at the key players across the islands.

Maui: Chocolate Makers in the Spotlight

While Maui has the least cacao production due to its windy conditions – a challenge for the wind-sensitive cacao trees – it is home to some distinctive chocolate makers.

• Wholly Cacao: Exclusively offered on Maui Chocolate and Coffee tours, this brand features urban foraged cacao from various spots on Maui.
• Kupa’a Farms: At 1,900 feet above sea level, Kupa’a Farms is proof that cacao can grow in unlikely places. This nano-production is primarily for friends and chefs, and when available, it’s a rare treat sampled on tours.
• Hana Gold: Maui’s original chocolate maker, known for its dedication to crafting high-quality chocolate.
• Valley Isle Chocolate: The newest addition to Maui’s chocolate scene, with trees expected to produce cacao within the next year—a promising development.
• Ku’ia Maui Chocolate: Despite surviving two dry hurricanes in Lahaina, this brand continues to create exceptional chocolate for retail.

Big Island: Leading in Cacao Production

The Big Island boasts the largest cacao production in Hawaii, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and diverse microclimates. Notable chocolate makers include:

• Puna Chocolate Company: Known for crafting exceptional bean-to-bar chocolate using locally grown cacao.
• Mauna Kea Cacao: Renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and premium chocolate.
• Island Sharks Chocolate: A standout producer combining innovation and tradition in their chocolate creations.

O’ahu: A Thriving Chocolate Scene

O’ahu has a well-established chocolate scene with several prominent makers:

• Madre Chocolate: One of the pioneers of Hawaii’s bean-to-bar movement, offering ethically sourced and uniquely flavored chocolate.
• Manoa Chocolate: Established in 2010, this company crafts chocolate that highlights the unique terroir of Hawaii.
• Nine Fine Mynahs: Specializing in premium bean-to-bar chocolate from the North Shore.
• 21 Degrees Estate: An artisan chocolate maker committed to sustainable cacao farming.
• Kualoa Ranch: Producing high-quality chocolate in collaboration with Manoa Chocolate.
• Kahuku Farms: Combining agricultural excellence with delectable chocolate creations.

Kaua’i: The Garden Island’s Contribution

Kaua’i’s chocolate scene is anchored by:

• Lydgate Farms: A third-generation cacao grower that has played a pivotal role in putting Hawaiian chocolate on the global map.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Maui’s windy conditions pose challenges for cacao cultivation, innovative approaches such as urban foraging and high-altitude farming have enabled its chocolate makers to thrive. Meanwhile, the Big Island continues to lead in production volume, and O’ahu and Kaua’i contribute richly to the diversity of Hawaiian chocolate.

The growth of Hawaii’s chocolate industry highlights the state’s potential to become a global leader in bean-to-bar chocolate. With its unique microclimates, dedicated producers, and expanding cacao cultivation, Hawaiian chocolate offers a taste of the islands’ agricultural and culinary innovation.

The Sweet Harmony of Chocolate and Vanilla

When we think of vanilla, we often imagine it as the perfect companion to chocolate. But have you ever wondered where this delicate flavor originates? Surprisingly, vanilla can be grown sustainably in the Hawaii, and at Maui Chocolate Coffee Tours, we’re excited to share how this tropical paradise provides the ideal environment for this exquisite orchid. Join us as we explore how vanilla is thriving on Maui, its connection to chocolate, and the dedicated efforts behind its cultivation at Kupa’a Farms.

A Vanilla Oasis at 1,900 Feet Elevation

Nestled in the lush landscape of Maui, Kupa’a Farms is a testament to sustainable agriculture. Located at an elevation of 1,900 feet, this farm receives a modest 10 inches of rainfall annually. Despite these challenging conditions, Kupa’a Farms has successfully cultivated vanilla for over five years. This success is no small feat, as growing vanilla requires specific environmental conditions—conditions that the unique microclimate of Kupa’a Farms meets perfectly.

The Orchid Behind the Vanilla Bean

Vanilla is derived from the vanilla orchid, specifically the species Vanilla planifolia. It’s fascinating to note that vanilla is the only orchid that produces an edible fruit—the vanilla bean. These beans are the result of a highly specialized pollination process. Vanilla orchids bloom just once a year, and each flower is open for a mere 4-6 hours. During this brief window, pollination must occur to produce the coveted vanilla pods. Globally, vanilla flowers are hand-pollinated, a meticulous process that requires skill and precision.

A Tale of Two Blossoms: Vanilla and Cacao

Interestingly, vanilla’s pollination story parallels that of cacao, the source of chocolate. Cacao trees also have a narrow pollination window, and their blossoms are pollinated by a tiny insect known as the cacao midge. These blossoms, resembling miniature orchids, release up to 70 different fragrances, none of which are detectable by the human nose but are irresistible to the midge. It’s a remarkable synergy: while vanilla relies on human intervention for pollination, cacao’s fate rests in the tiny wings of these midges.

The Role of Midges in Cacao Pollination

In Hawaii, where cacao is grown alongside vanilla, the role of the cacao midge becomes crucial. Despite their minuscule size, midges perform the vital task of pollinating cacao flowers. Without them, cacao trees would not bear fruit, and the world would be deprived of chocolate. It’s believed that Hawaii is home to up to 20 species of midges, but for simplicity, we often refer to the ones that pollinate cacao as “cacao midges.”

Sustainability and Innovation at Kupa’a Farms

Kupa’a Farms’ approach to growing vanilla is grounded in sustainability. By carefully managing water usage and leveraging the natural environment, the farm ensures that each vanilla plant receives just the right amount of care. The elevation of 1,900 feet provides a cooler climate that reduces the need for extensive irrigation, making it an ideal location for growing vanilla sustainably.

Moreover, Kupa’a Farms is part of a broader movement in Hawaii towards sustainable and diversified agriculture. By cultivating vanilla, alongside coffee and cacao, the farm contributes to the island’s agricultural diversity, supports the local economy, and promotes sustainable farming practices.

A Sweet Future for Vanilla in Hawaii

As you savor the flavors of chocolate and vanilla, remember the extraordinary journey of these plants—from the careful pollination of vanilla orchids to the vital role of the cacao midge. Maui, with its unique climate and innovative farmers like those at Kupa’a Farms, is paving the way for a sustainable future for these beloved flavors. At Maui Chocolate Coffee Tours, we are proud to celebrate and share these stories, connecting you to the land, the farmers, and the intricate processes that bring these tastes to life.

Visit Maui Chocolate Coffee Tours

Come and experience the rich tapestry of flavors that Maui has to offer. Join us at Maui Chocolate Coffee Tours to explore the world of vanilla and chocolate, learn about sustainable farming practices, and savor the exquisite tastes that are cultivated with care and passion. Discover how Maui is making a difference in the world of chocolate and vanilla, one bean and one pod at a time.