One of the most wonderful little excursions that you can do on Kaua‘i is only moments from Kapa‘a It is healthy, fun, educational and interesting with a little exercise, lots of fresh air and generous, healthy samples of local delicious
One of the most wonderful little excursions that you can do on Kaua‘i is only moments from Kapa‘a
It is healthy, fun, educational and interesting with a little exercise, lots of fresh air and generous, healthy samples of local delicious food.
The Steelgrass Chocolate Farm tour is an amazing combination of all of the above — a guaranteed good time for visitors, children, kupuna and kama‘aina. Hawai‘i is the only state where chocolate trees grow. The Steelgrass farm is the original chocolate farm nestled in an 8-acre botanical garden in the hills above Kapa‘a Town.
The famous Lydgate family is the host for its three-hour eating tour, beginning with a little of the family’s history on Kaua‘i and, of course, some chocolate. The family’s focus is on sustainability, and the farm is leading Kaua‘i’s island-wide movement toward sustainable local agriculture.
The guides lead you through groves of fruit trees and exotic flowers toward the chocolate grove. You pass vanilla vines, peppercorns, papyrus, exotic bamboos and palms. You’ll see the bees in the honey combs and taste a multitude of local fresh fruits and honey from the hives.
This honey, organic and completely free of medication, is from the palm blossom and is indescribably delicious. You learn about the botany and history of chocolate making and see the steps involved to produce the world’s best chocolate. Then there is the tasting.
A highlight for everyone in the “From Beans to Bar” tour is the tasting. Generous amounts of exotic chocolates are offered for your sampling pleasure. Back at the gift shop, you can load up on chocolate, honey and the Steelgrass Farm’s own vanilla bean. Only on Kaua‘i do we have the ability to live close to the land and teach our children and guests about sustainable farming in a fun way.
For tickets and reservations, call Steelgrass Farm at 821-1857 or email info@steelgrass.org. Don’t be surprised if your call is answered by one of the Lydgate clan in between hand-pollinating the vanilla flowers. They work it!
