So, you are vacationing on Kauai and you’re looking for things to do. You’ve done beaches, waterfalls, canyon hiking, and a helicopter tour…so, now what? How about a chocolate farm tour?
Whether you’re a foodie, a chocolate lover, or just looking for something unique to do, a Kauai chocolate tour is a must. In addition to chocolate, you’ll also get to see and sample some unique tropical fruits, honey, and vanilla.
This post will show you what this chocolate farm tour is like and how to book it for your next Hawaiian vacation.
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Kauai Chocolate Tour at Lydgate Farms
About Lydgate Farms: This fifth-generation, family-owned farm offers sustainable cacao farming, uniquely crafted chocolate, and educational farm tours.
Lydgate Farms Location: Lydgate Farms is located on the east side of the island of Kauai | 5730 Olohena Rd, Kapaa, Hawaii 96746
- Distance from Lihue Airport: 19 minutes
- Distance from Princeville: 38 minutes
- Distance from Poipu: 39 minutes (If you’re looking for a great hotel in the Poipu area, check out Grand Hyatt Kauai).
Hours: Daily tours at 9 a.m. (Click here for updates to schedules due to COVID-19); Drive-up farm gift shop open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-Noon.
Cost: $95 for adults and kids 13 and up; Children 12 and under are free
Contact Information: [email protected] | 808-821-1857
What To Expect During Your Chocolate Tour
This chocolate farm tour will take you around part of the 46-acre farm to show you how chocolate is made — from cacao bean to chocolate bar.
Your guide will tell you more than you ever realized you wanted to know about how chocolate is made. I learned that cocoa pods look and taste gross before they get turned into chocolate! Who knew?
During the 3-hour tour (cue Gilligan music) you will also have the chance to taste some unique tropical fruits like Soursop, Meyer Lime, Lychee, Mamey Sapote, and Rollinea.
And Honey. Lydgate Farms makes honey too. If you are feeling frisky, you can chug it, college style.
Kids, don’t do this at home.
Pro Tip: If you purchase honey, pack it in your suitcase! I forgot and had a jar of it in my carry-on bag. The Kauai airport didn’t have a TSA PreCheck line open, so I had to go through the regular security line manned by a grumpy gus that deemed my honey a national security threat. I was displeased, to say the least.
The last part of this chocolate farm tour is a sit-down chocolate lesson and tasting. The lesson was really interesting and the chocolate (lots of it) was divine!
There’s a little hut set up next to the tasting area that has a few kids’ activities, so little ones who get antsy have a place to play that’s out of the way.
What To Bring
You really don’t need anything for this tour other than a camera and money to buy some chocolate to take home. My favorite was the one with cacao nibs and coffee beans — I wish I bought more!
You may want to bring an umbrella if it’s raining, but they also have some on hand. A light rain jacket and sturdy closed-toe shoes are a good idea too if rain is in the forecast.
Pro Tip: Did you know that Hawaii has recently voted to ban certain harmful sunscreens? So, be sure to pack some reef-safe sunscreen for your next visit to the Hawaiian islands.
How To Book Your Lydgate Farms Chocolate Tour
You can book your cacao farm tour directly on the Lydgate Farms website. Book in advance as the tours do sell out.
Adults: $95
Kids 12 and Under: Free with an accompanying adult (Due to COVID-19, there are restrictions on children ages 2-5).
There is a small bit of walking so if you have mobility issues you might want to skip this tour. Otherwise, it’s good for the whole family.
Tell them that Katie from Katie Goes There (formerly Zen Life and Travel) sent you, and you will get…nothing. Sorry, they have no idea who I am.
More Kauai Activities: Whale Watch Cocktail Cruise | Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail
Other Kauai Farm Tours To Check Out
Kauai is a bit more rustic than the other Hawaiian islands that attract tourists, so you can find lots of farms and agriculture. Here are a few Kauai farm tours you might want to check out when you are there:
- Kauai Kunana Dairy Farms: Goat milk products, tropical fruit trees, and organic vegetables are available at this Kauai family farm. Tours include honey tasting, fruit tasting, and cheese tasting. Farm tours require advanced registration.
- Garden Island Chocolate: Here’s another Kauai chocolate tour! Visit their website to book your tour.
- Kauai Coffee Company: This is the largest coffee farm in the United States! Tours are available Monday-Thursday for adults and children 8 years and older.
If you just can’t decide, check out a Kauai Food Tour to try a little bit of everything!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to take a chocolate tour, Kauai is the place to do it! The lush, tropical setting of Lydgate Farms is the perfect location to spend a few hours learning about and tasting chocolate. This family-owned farm produces yummy chocolates as well as honey that you can purchase to take home with you.
You can even bring the kids because this unique Hawaiian activity is great for the whole family.
Maybe a chocolate farm tour isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kauai, but it’s a great way to spend a Hawaiian morning. Aloha!
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