Farmers prepare for harvest at Maui Ku‘ia Estate cacao farm
By Staff | Apr 30, 2021
Farmer Palani Wright harvests cacao at Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate’s 20-acre farm in Lahaina. PHOTO BY BRAD PAULSON.
LAHAINA Things are hopping at Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate’s 20-acre cacao farm in Lahaina. Not only is the farm now open for public tours, but spring harvest for the 5,000-plus cacao trees is underway. For cacao farmers David McPherson and Palani Wright, the hands-on process of cultivating, harvesting and fermenting cacao is an experience to be savored. “Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that can grow production cacao,” McPherson said. “That being said, it is new to us as farmers. It’s exciting to be part of a new cacao origin that produces high-quality cacao beans. Not only on our farm at MKEC, we want to see all of Hawaii grow a high-quality cacao bean!”
‘Farm to Bar’ Maui Chocolate Tours offered
By Staff | Jan 8, 2021
The tour is offered Monday through Friday at 9 and 11 a.m. Tour Guide John Bolte is pictured.
LAHAINA Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate is now welcoming visitors to its Lahaina farm! The Maui Chocolate Tour offers an exciting first-hand look at how cacao is grown and harvested right here on Maui, and then wraps up with a delicious nine-piece tasting among the trees. The 90-minute guided walking experience is offered Monday through Friday at 9 and 11 a.m. Participants meet at the Ku’ia Factory located in Lahaina at 78 Ulupono St., Suite 1, in the Lahaina Business Park and enjoy a ten-minute ride to the farm.