About Us
Aloha chocolate lovers!
The 100% Hawaiian cacao we use for our chocolate comes from our very own Honoli‘i Estate Farm, for a true Tree-to-Bar chocolate experience. We are a "no spray" farm, using agroforestry and permaculture practices to lessen our impact on the land. This is to create a healthier growing environment for our crops, and healthier foods for you! A big part of the leasing agreement for the land we farm, is that no harmful chemicals are allowed to leech into the soils and waters. Because of rules like these, our soil testing always comes back very clean and without the worry of heavy metals.
Our co-founders are Master Mahi‘ai (farmer) Tom and his daughter Oona.
Tom has been farming on Oʻahu, Maui and Big Island over 4 decades, traveling the world to share his experience as a consultant and learn from other cultures. He has been instrumental in cross breeding crops for disease resistance in times of need, and his farms have helped to provide data for research and ag development projects.
Oona managed the opening of their downtown Hilo chocolate factory in November of 2014 and is the driving force behind the rebrand. She is grateful for the privilege of being a 2nd generation farmer and chocolate maker!
Our connections with other local producers and organizations have turned into wonderful partnerships where we proudly share the same goal of supporting agricultural advancement in Hawaiʻi.
You may have known us as Hawaiian Crown, with our Sweet Gold Brand low acid yellow pineapples and apple bananas sold in Sack N Save/Foodland stores around the islands! You might have purchased our chocolates in Hawaiʻi Whole Foods as well. We are still the same cacao and chocolate products, as they've always come from our Hilo side of the business, but lots of shifts have happened over the last few years.
We had to close the pineapple acreage on Oʻahu over 5 years ago, and sold the banana business to other farmer friends. You can find them as Alae Farm Estates! @alaefarmestates
The former partnership has dissolved, making room for new directions on both sides. Cacao and ʻulu became our new focus in Hilo, and we're very excited to share our journey with you!
Mahalo nui for being here.🤎
