Cacao Pods From Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
On Saturday May 18, 2019 you, your family and friends are invited to join other like-minded people to participate in the 6th annual Hawaii Farm Day. Our farmers not only help us by providing a sustainable food source, but help make Hawaii Island farmers markets and restaurants come alive with local flavor.
edible Hawaiian Islands invites you to VISIT a farm, TAKE a farm tour or SHOP at a farmers’ market then share your experience on any social media platform you want – just include the hashtag #eHIFarmDay19. This is also a fun way to discover new farms, tours and markets across Hawaii!
This summer,
edible Hawaiian Islands magazine celebrates their 16th year of publishing Hawaii’s only James Beard Award winning food and drink publication. The magazine celebrates local food and drink by sharing compelling editorial supported by quality photography. edible Hawaiian islands magazine shares stories of people who are growing, cooking and celebrating local food and drink throughout the state.
Chocolate Anyone?
As I was the Festival Director for the Big Island Chocolate Festival for six years, I became quite familiar with the cacao farms and chocolate tastings on the Big Island.
One tour I suggest if you are in Kona, is the
Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory tour near Keauhou. Pam and Bob Cooper offer a very informative tour and you get to see the inside of a cacao pod, which you don’t get to see ANYWHERE on the mainland and taste their bean to bar chocolate. (NOTE: OHCF is closed on Saturday’s)
Another farm tour and chocolate tasting I suggest if you are near the East side of the island, is the
Honoka’a Chocolate Company located on the Hamakua coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i at Kahi Ola Mau Farm. Mike and Rhonda are creating their own bean to bar chocolate and recently placed in a chocolate competition (I had a chance to visit recently
where my husband filmed their farm and we got to taste the white pineapple and chocolate they produce-EXCELLENT!).
Eat and Drink
Kamuela Farmers Market is one of the most famous farmers markets on the island where you can get some of the best tomatoes and strawberries you have ever tasted and the newly open
Ola Brew in Kailua Kona supports local farmers by making their yummy beers and ciders from tropical fruit here on island.
FAQ About Hawaii Farm Day May 18. 2019
Question: I won’t be in Hawaii on Saturday May 18thcan I still participate?
Answer: Yes, it’s a social media event and you can share from anywhere in the world. Last year we had participants from Hawaii, Israel, Japan, Canada, Italy, and all over the mainland US.
Question: I don’t know what farmers’ market to go to, can you recommend one?
Answer: Our updated 2019 Hawaii Farm Guide has a listing of farmers’ markets and farm tours organized by island. Here is a list of the Hawaii Island Farm Tours and Farmers Markets:
Or if you prefer a print copy please send edible Hawaiian Magazine your mailing address and they can mail you a complimentary copy.
Question: There are no farms where I live!
Answer: We suggest that you take a moment in your day and go into nature or find something growing and share it. Just remember to use the hashtag #ehifarmday19
Question: I’m working all day so I can’t participate!
Answer: Take a photo from the week before and then on Saturday May 18thpost it on social media. But be authentic, share that you are working and when and where the photo was taken. Just remember to use the hashtag #ehifarmday19
Question: Is it OK to promote my farm or my business?
Answer: Yes! Please share your business and how you support our growers. Take videos, blog and most important include your co-workers, family and friends to participate.
Question: What is a hashtag?
Answer: A hashtag is a tool and a way of gathering all the social media posting in one place. #ehifarmday19
Farm tours are a fun way to learn more about growing, tasting and enjoying what we have here on our island. Tell us your favorite farm tours in the comments below!
Featured photo is from HIP Agriculture near Hawi.
