FAQs

What is the Thursday event?
A guided tour of the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory (OHCF) Plantation in Keauhou.

When is the tour?
Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
Tickets: $30 for one / $50 for two.

Where is the tour located?
At the OHCF Farm in Keauhou, near Kona town.
Click here for directions.

Does it start at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort?
No. The tour starts and ends at the OHCF 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

When do they start?   Educational cacao seminars: 11:00 AM – 5:30 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?  $45 for a day pass.  Limited scholarships are available for farmers.

When are the demos? Saturday, April 12, 9:15 AM – 2:30 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 12, 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: $109 + 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 pupu & drink pairings
• 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 a live band this year and then a DJ to finish us out.

Will there be other entertainment?  Yes, fire knife performance, hula, dance performances, aerial and face painting, 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