KOHALA COAST, HAWAI‘I ISLAND—In the wake of the COVID virus, the 9th Big Island Chocolate Festival has rescheduled from May 1-2 to August 14-15, 2020.


The two-day chocolate extravaganza will be headquartered from The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Activities for the eco-tourism festival include guided cacao plantation tours, several agriculture-themed and culinary seminars, plus a college culinary competition—all are open to the public.
“We surveyed our 2020 ticket holders asking if we should cancel for 2020 or reschedule for August and the response was overwhelming to have the festival in August,” says Stephanie Beeby, event chairperson. “So we are proceeding on that path adjusting room reservations as requested; however, the majority of ticket holders will use their May tickets for August or the 2021 festival.”
The “must-attend” festival gala—featuring savory and sweet food booths, unlimited wine and beer pours, silent auction, dancing, chocolate fountain and more—is 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug 15.
Presented by the Kona Cacao Association (KCA), festival proceeds annually benefit a variety of local non-profits. Over the last eight years, the festival has awarded over $140,000 to local beneficiaries. The 2020 beneficiaries 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.
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/. Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment Program.
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