KOHALA COAST, HAWAI‘I ISLAND—Due to limitations on the size of groups during COVID-19, the Big Island Chocolate Festival is cancelled for 2020. The next festival will be April 30-May 1, 2021 at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.   

Presented by the Kona Cacao Association (KCA), festival proceeds annually benefit a variety of local non-profits. The selected 2020 beneficiaries will be asked to participate for 2021. They include the culinary programs at Hawaii Community College Palamanui, Hawai‘i Island High Schools and Maui Community College, plus Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture, Friends of the NELHA, Big Island Music & Arts Academy and Kona Dance & Performing Arts. Over the last eight years, the festival has awarded over $140,000 to local beneficiaries. 

VIP gala tickets are on sale for $129 and general admission is $89. Also available are three different overnight room packages, including a Two-Night Chocolate Infusion Weekender. All room packages include a pair of tickets to the Saturday evening gala. Details: https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com/tickets/.

 Kona Cacao Association: The mission and goal of KCA is to promote the cacao industry on the Big Island of Hawai‘i by presenting the Big Island Chocolate Festival as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts. Visit http://konacacaoassociation.com. @BIChocoFest