LAHAINA Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate-grown cacao is golden! Lahaina’s farm-to-bar chocolate maker has brought home a stunning win from the most prestigio
Maui Ku‘ia Estate Chocolate was named a “Producer of Excellence” and given the Gold Award in the Asia-Pacific Region in the International 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Awards, announced virtually from Rome, Italy, on Dec. 16.
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!”