The cacao and chocolate industry here in the Hawaiian Islands is a tight knit community. We all know each other and do our best to collaborate wherever we can. We’re striving to make Hawai'i a leader in cacao agriculture and chocolate production and the only way we can do that is by working together. This brings us to our friend and partner in Honoli’i Orchards, Colin Hart. 

Since the beginnings of Mānoa, Colin has been a friend, colleague, and great source of knowledge within cacao agriculture. When the opportunity came to collaborate on this project together, we didn’t hesitate. Hart graduated with his masters in cacao from the University of Hawai’i with a clear vision of starting his own farm on his family’s multi-generational estate.  

Honoli’i Orchards is located in Hilo on the windward slopes of Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island’s tallest volcano. This region is defined by abundant rain-fall, deep volcanic soil, and a dynamic terrain shaped by the Honoli‘i Stream. In 2019 we broke ground with Colin to establish the first trees and begin our mission of growing and making the best chocolate in the world. As of 2024, after half a decade of hard work, we were finally able to make our first batch of Honoli’i chocolate and open the gates of Colin’s picturesque family farm. We hope to see you there for a one of kind farm tour and chocolate tasting experience.