🍫 Chocolate in Paradise: A Sweet Escape to Indulgence & Innovation 🌺

📅 Dates: April 23–25, 2026, with the Festival Gala on April 25

📍 Location: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

✨ Escape to Paradise, One Bite at a Time! ✨

Now in its 13th year, the Big Island Chocolate Festival returns with a lush new theme—Chocolate in Paradise—blending the beauty of Hawai‘i with the magic of cacao. It’s a celebration of flavor, sustainability, and community that will leave your senses smiling.

🌟 Festival Highlights:

🍃 Farm-to-Bar Cacao Tours & Sustainability Seminars:

Explore the roots of Hawai‘i’s cacao industry with immersive farm visits and expert-led talks on agri-tourism and regenerative farming.

🍴 Chef Demonstrations & Tasting Experiences:

Join award-winning chefs and chocolatiers for live demos and hands-on culinary sessions that turn chocolate into art.

👩‍🍳 Culinary Student Competitions:

Cheer on Hawai‘i’s future culinary stars as they compete with creative chocolate-infused dishes—then taste and vote for your favorites!

🌱 Farmers Market:

Vibrant, daytime marketplace dedicated to celebrating cacao, chocolate, and the farmers, makers, and artisans who bring these creations to life.

🌺 Festival Gala Fundraiser – Saturday, April 25:

Indulge in all-you-can-enjoy sweet & savory tastings from 15+ chefs and student chefs, sip on curated wines, Kona Brew Beer and Ola Brew spirits, and sway to island rhythms under the stars.

✨ VIP Tickets:

Get early access, reserved seating, and exclusive 2 savory options crafted just for you and paired with speciality drinks.

🌴 Island Chic Attire Encouraged:

Dress in your best aloha glam—think tropical elegance meets chocolate fantasy. Prize for the most paradise chic inspired looks! Post your image on #BICF26 or send to our email.

🎟️ Tickets Are Limited – Secure Your Spot in Paradise!

Proceeds support Hawai‘i’s cacao education, sustainable farming, and local nonprofit initiatives.