Three shifts worth catching up on

This Week in Hawaii Chocolate: June 20–26, 2026

A first-time manufacturing award, a major farm-tour closure, and national recognition for a Hawaii-grown chocolate bar mark a changing local scene.

Published June 20, 2026 3 items

Hawaii chocolate is moving in more than one direction at once. One company received new manufacturing support, one respected Hamakua cacao farm ended its visitor chapter, and a rum-and-coconut-milk bar from Honokaa earned national recognition. Together they show an industry balancing farm transitions, production capacity, and products that can travel far beyond the islands.

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News and scene updates

The business and award signals point to where Hawaii chocolate is gaining reach.

Capacity behind the craft

Galleon Chocolate earns first-time manufacturing support

Galleon Chocolate Trade Company joined seven first-time recipients in HTDC's FY26 Manufacturing Assistance Program.

When Announced June 18

Why it matters: Small chocolate companies often hit limits in refining, tempering, molding, packaging, or throughput before they run out of ideas. Manufacturing support can help a maker produce more consistently and reach more customers without treating growth as a purely marketing problem.

Best for: people following Hawaii makers; local food-business watchers

Source: HTDC FY26 grant announcement

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A bar worth seeking out

Honokaa Chocolate wins with rum, coconut milk, and Hawaii cacao

Honokaa Chocolate's Barrel Aged Rum Bar with Coconut Milk was selected as a 2026 Good Food Award winner in the West region chocolate category.

Where Honokaa, Hawaii Island

Why it matters: The award was selected through blind tasting from a large national field and considers more than flavor alone. For shoppers, it is a concrete lead on a Hawaii-made bar with a clear sense of place rather than another generic souvenir chocolate.

Best for: gift buyers; drink-and-chocolate pairing fans

Source: Good Food Awards 2026 chocolate winners

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Useful to know

One familiar Big Island experience is no longer available and should come out of trip plans.

Big Island planning change

Mauna Kea Cacao closes its farm tours after selling the property

Mauna Kea Cacao sold its Pepeekeo house and land and is no longer offering farm tours or chocolate tastings. Its final Hawaii-grown cacao beans remain available in limited quantity, while a new chocolate business is planned on the mainland using those beans first.

When Property sold May 15Where Pepeekeo, Hawaii IslandPlan Tours and tastings have ended

Why it matters: The farm was a meaningful Hamakua stop because visitors could connect cacao growing, fermentation, and tasting in one place. Its closure narrows the Big Island tour landscape and marks the end of a particular farm story, even as the cacao itself continues into a new maker chapter.

Best for: Big Island chocolate travelers; buyers seeking Hawaii-grown cacao

Source: Mauna Kea Cacao 2026 update

Original organizer listing Find current chocolate experiences