To enhance and promote Hawaiʻi Island’s reputation for chocolate excellence,
as well as increase interest in growing cacao, the East Hawaii Cacao Association (EHCA)
was pleased to host a two-day 2024 Hilo Cacao & Chocolate Expo on April 13 & 14.
Highlights from the Expo:
Hawaiian Chocolate draws over a thousand guests to Hilo Expo | News | kitv.com
2024 EXPO
Saturday April 13
9am - 3:30pm
The Expo's first day is FREE to the public.
Immerse yourself in everything cacao!
CHOCOLATE SAMPLING AND SHOPPING
Local cacao merchants will showcase and offer free samples of their Hawaiʻi Island grown cacao and chocolate products. Feast your eyes, tickle your taste buds, and purchase your favorite bonbons and bars for yourself, family, and friends.
FREE FARM TOURS
Complimentary off-site farm tours will depart from the Expo throughout the day. Register in person at the Expo on a first come, first served basis.
Space is limited.
DEMOS AND DISPLAYS
Enjoy exhibits of cacao growing, cacao processing and chocolate making in a fun, hands-on environment. Knowledgeable EHCA members will be on hand to answer questions about growing cacao and turning it into chocolate. Organizations that support cacao growers and agriculture will be on hand to share their knowledge, services, and resources with the curious and the serious about growing cacao.
WORKSHOPS
Take your interest in growing cacao or making chocolate to the next level by coming to the Sunday workshops.
GROW YOUR OWN CACAO TREE
Attendees will receive a cacao seed to pot and take home, with instructions for planting and growing, while supplies last.
SILENT AUCTION
Take a break from Hawaiian chocolate indulging to bid on interesting and unusual objects. You will find a diverse array of donated items to bid on, from items hand-crafted by local artisans to products and services from businesses in and around Hilo. Proceeds from your purchase fund this EXPO and future EHCA initiatives.
Examples of Auction Items:
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Dining gift certificates
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Farm tours
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Gift cards
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Books
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Chocolate gift baskets
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Embroidered tote
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Quilting fabric
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Handcrafted Greeting cards
Sunday April 14
8:30am - 4:00pm
WORKSHOPS
For those wishing to dive more deeply into the world of cacao and chocolate production, this day of workshops will provide more in-depth information. Choose from a schedule of presentations by successful local farmers, agricultural agencies, and chocolate makers. Topics will cover orchard startup, management, considerations and challenges; fermentation and drying; cacao grading standards; chocolate making; value-added cacao products; marketing; business essentials; and agritourism.
Sign up for workshops at the Saturday Expo or reserve your spot in advance online. Space is limited.
Expo location
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel - Moku`ola Ballroom
71 Banyan Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935 - 9361