Hawaii is known for its lush landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and rich cultural heritage, but when you visit Kauai, there’s one event that stands out for food lovers: the annual Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival. Held each fall in the historic town of Hanapepe, this two-day festival celebrates two of the island’s most delicious exports—chocolate and coffee. For those with a sweet tooth or a love of a good brew, this is the ultimate way to experience the flavors of Kauai.
The Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival takes place on October 20th, from 10am to 4pm, making it a perfect time to enjoy the island’s cooler fall weather. The charming town of Hanapepe, where the festival is held, adds to the experience with its historic architecture, art galleries, and laid-back vibe. Be sure to take some time to explore Hanapepe while you’re there—you’ll find unique local shops, art galleries, and plenty of aloha spirit.
While entry to the festival itself is free, you can purchase special tasting passports that grant access to a wide variety of chocolate and coffee samples. There are also ticketed workshops and farm tours for those looking to deepen their experience.
What to Expect at the Festival
- Tastings Galore
The heart of the Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival is, of course, the tastings! Vendors from across the island offer a variety of chocolate and coffee samples that range from traditional to exotic. You can expect everything from rich, handcrafted chocolate truffles to coffee beans roasted to perfection.
Some of the standout tastings include:
- Single-origin chocolates made from Kauai-grown cacao
- Cold-brew coffee and specialty espresso drinks featuring local beans
- Unique pairings like chocolate-covered coffee beans and mocha-flavored desserts
- Hands-On Workshops and Demonstrations
In addition to tastings, the festival offers interactive workshops where you can learn from the experts. Chocolate lovers can attend demonstrations on how to make their own artisanal chocolate at home, while coffee aficionados can dive into the nuances of coffee brewing techniques, from pour-overs to French presses.
One of the most popular workshops is the bean-to-bar chocolate-making class, where participants get hands-on experience in creating their own chocolate from scratch. For those curious about the art of coffee, there are coffee cupping sessions, where you’ll learn how to taste and evaluate coffee like a professional.
- Live Entertainment and Cultural Experiences
The Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival is not just about food and drink—it’s a vibrant celebration of Kauai’s culture. The festival features live music from local bands, hula performances, and craft vendors showcasing traditional Hawaiian arts and handmade goods. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the laid-back, welcoming spirit of Kauai while enjoying world-class chocolate and coffee. - Farm Tours
For those who want a deeper dive into the world of chocolate and coffee production, the festival offers tours of local farms. You can visit some of Kauai’s cacao and coffee plantations, where you’ll see firsthand how the crops are grown and processed. These tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s agricultural practices and offer a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into every bar of chocolate and every cup of coffee.
The Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival is an event that truly captures the essence of Kauai. It’s a celebration of local flavors and agriculture all rolled into one delicious weekend. Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a coffee connoisseur, or simply looking for a fun way to experience Kauai’s local food scene, this festival promises to be a highlight of your trip. Don’t miss the chance to savor the tastes of paradise and book your stay at Hanalei Bay Resort today!
