FAQs

When is the tour?
Thursday, April 23, 2026, TBD
Tickets: $30 for one / $50 for two.

Where is the tour located?
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, Keauhou-Kona 

Does it start at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort?
No. It will be at the farm.

How do I book?
Visit our tickets page and select the plantation tour option.

When and where is the student competition? Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Main Ballroom

Is there an admission fee?
Nope! It's free—come cheer on Hawai‘i’s next generation of chefs.

Where are the seminars and demos held?  Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Paniola Ballroom (back of the hotel through the lobby and next to the cafe)

When do they start?   

Farmers Market: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Educational cacao seminars: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
See the full schedule here.

Do I have to attend everything?  

Not at all!. Come for one or stay for all. 

What’s the ticket price for the seminars and demos?  

$45 for a day pass.  Limited scholarships are available for farmers.

Booth Reservation - $29 for Agricultural Vendors and $49 for Normal Vendors

Is the Farmers Market Free? 

Yes, the farmers market will have signs and booths and wonderful people to meet, and is free to attend.

When are the demos? Saturday, April 12, 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM

Where are they? Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Who are the presenters?  Check out the lineup here.

What are my ticket options?

• All three demos: $89 online
• Individual demo: $40 each (at the door)
• “I Love Chocolate All Day” Pass: $179 (includes all demos + Gala ticket)

When is the Gala?  Saturday, April 25, 2025;  5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (VIPs enter at 5:00 PM)

Where is it held?  Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – Ballroom & Courtyard

69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

What should I wear?   It’s a party, so dress fun and festive!

• Women: Cocktail dresses, stylish pants or shorts, comfy shoes (some areas are grassy).
• Men: Dressy aloha wear, khakis (pants or shorts), no beach sandals.

Can I buy tickets at the door?  

Yes, but we recommend buying online in advance.
General Admission: $120 + fees, VIP: $179 + fees
 

What does the VIP Gala ticket include?  (VIP sells out fast!)

• Early entry at 5:00 PM
• Reserved indoor seating
• First access to the silent auction
• 2 exclusive EXTRA pupu & drink pairings + speciality mocktail option
• Access to a private bar
   

Are hotel + ticket packages available? Yes - but closes 2 weeks before the event.

Should I come hungry?  

Absolutely. We’ve got 18 sweet and savory tastings for General & Then add the 2 special savories for VIP!

How many chef booths will there be?  

Sixteen top-tier tasting stations.

Will you have non-alcoholic beverages?  

Yes. Expect water stations, sparkling water, sodas, coffee, tea, and even kid-friendly Sprites.

Are there vegan options?  

Yes, there will be a few plant-based bites.

Is there other seating besides VIP?  

Yes, first come, first serve outside for General Ticket holders.

Is this all indoors? 

No - it is inside a ballroom and on a lawn area. So wear shoes that can go on grass. We have food in both areas of our venue.

Is there music? 

Yes, we have DJ happening all night.

Will there be other entertainment?  

Yes, dance performances, aerial and special chocolate portraits, photobooth.

Is there a silent auction? 

Yes, it is accessible online and will have a place to pick up your winning bids when the auction closes the night of the Gala.

What’s included in the VIP Gala Ticket again?

• VIP-only seating inside A/C
• Private bar
• Two savory & drink pairings
• Early access to food & auction
• Specialty mocktail

Parking will be available at Kings’ Shops and other nearby locations. Complimentary shuttle transportation provided by Hawaii Nautical will run continuously from multiple parking areas directly to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott ballroom for the event. 

The exact areas will be shared soon. 

We understand that parking has been a challenge at past Big Island Chocolate Festival events, and we appreciate your patience. This year, we’ve taken steps to make arrival much easier.