Step right up ladies and gentlemen to the spectacular “Cirque de Chocolate-A Whimsical World of Chocolate Wonders” at the 12th Big Island Chocolate Festival April 10-12 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. 

It’s where wonders come alive as attendees are invited to don masks and party finery amid roaming circus-themed performers at the “greatest show on earth.” 

The annual festival offers chocolate-themed culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a farm tour and a festive evening gala with walkabout savory and sweet culinary booths, chocolate fountain, entertainment, DJ dancing and a silent auction. At the 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday gala, guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer, special edition Ola Brew chocolate seltzer and beer, iced tea and coffee. The gala also offers VIP seating with two specially curated drinks paired with pupus.

At the gala, a panel of invited judges and attendees will again critique chef and confectionary offerings while culinary stations will vie in a contest for Best Booth decorated to this year’s circus theme. A photo booth will stage fun, playful props for selfies.

Also on tap is a college culinary competition where the next generation of Hawai‘i culinarians showcase their sweet and savory skills utilizing chocolate and the cocoa bean. 

In its 12th year, the celebration of chocolate is presented by the non-profit Kona Cacao Association (KCA). Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program.

A general admission gala ticket is $109 with VIP for $179. Also available are specially priced event room packages at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. Educational activities and prices will be announced on the website. All event tickets are sold online and additional tax and ticketing fees apply. Details: https://bigislandchocolatefestival.com     

@BIChocoFest

Kona Cacao Association: The mission of the Kona Cacao Association is to advance Hawai‘i’s cacao industry through the Big Island Chocolate Festival. KCA hopes to foster cross-industry partnerships to nurture and expand the industry, creating a unified network that drives growth, innovation and excellence in cacao cultivation and craft. Visit http://konacacaoassociation.com.