Indulge in a world of sweetness at the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival, taking place on April 26-27, 2024, at the beautiful Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive gala of all galas!

This year, we are back to our beloved gala setup with even more food booths booth outside and inside this stunning venue. The 2024 Gala event, on April 27, 2024, promises unlimited tastings at 15-18 chef food stations featuring delectable sweet and savory offerings, along with unlimited beer and wine pours from our generous sponsors.

Enjoy the rhythmic beats of a lively DJ or live music, explore a fabulous silent auction, and immerse yourself in all-around chocolate-themed fun. Don't miss the chance to make your life even sweeter by joining us at the most savored event of the year!

With VIP tickets you'll enjoy early access, reserved seating in the VIP area. The VIP section is the only seating available at the event and includes access to your own private bar serving wine, Ola Brew Spritzer & beer. We will be serving a special sweet & savory pairing within the VIP section.

J oin us for dancing, fun and supporting local cacao growth.

Schedule for 2024 (Will Be Finalized in Feb 2024)

4/25/24 - Thursday

10- 11 am - Farm Cacao Tour - TBD

4/26/24 - Friday

9 to 6 pm: Culinary Competition for our College Students - Think Masterchef - and it is FREE to attend and support; Location: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Ballroom

1-5 pm: Farm Education Seminars - This is for our local farmers and budding farmers who want to know how to grow, sell, harvest cacao on their farms here on the Big Island; Tickets to open in Feb/March 2024 once educators are confirmed. Location: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Conference Rooms

4/27/23 - Saturday

10 am to 2 pm: In Person - Chef Demonstrations - these are tasting demonstrations and are aimed at the budding chef, or chef or visitor who wants to learn new techniques with chocolate and taste chocolate in the process. Tickets can range from $35 to $85 depending on how many demonstrations we offer and speakers we fly in - will be announced in End of March 2023. Hosted in the Conference Rooms located at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

5:30 pm to 9 pm: (VIP doors open at 5 pm) Festival Fundraising Gala: 15 Chef Booths - serving sweet, savory or both tastings; Unlimited wine, beer and Ola spritzer; Dancing; Seated tables inside with AC - ONLY for VIP ONLY - which include their own bar area; We will have Tall tables with no seats throughout the event; Indoor and Outdoor venue - some booths indoors and some out; Silent Auction and Located at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/koamc-waikoloa-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/overview/