Mānoa Chocolate, based in Kailua on Oʻahu, is renowned for its handcrafted, bean-to-bar chocolate that celebrates the unique flavors and history of Hawaiʻi. Their chocolate bars are made with high-quality, ethically sourced cacao, highlighting ingredients with deep cultural and historical ties to the islands. Below are detailed descriptions of their diverse flavor offerings:
Signature Flavors:
1.Lilikoi x Passion Fruit: A blend of 55% dark milk chocolate infused with tangy passion fruit juice powder. This flavor celebrates the introduction of passion fruit to Hawaiʻi in the 1880s and its prominence in Hawaiian cuisine as a refreshing, aromatic ingredient.
2.Manako x Mango: Featuring 43% vegan milk chocolate with mango powder, coconut milk, and Hawaiian sea salt, this bar captures the tropical sweetness of mango, a fruit with over 500 varieties thriving in Hawaiʻi since the 19th century.
3.Paʻakai x Sea Salt: A simple yet sophisticated 70% dark chocolate sprinkled with Hawaiian sea salt, honoring its historical importance in food preservation and cultural practices.
4.Kope x Coffee: A 60% dark milk chocolate infused with locally grown Hawaiian coffee, providing a rich and bold flavor enhanced by crunchy cacao nibs.
5.Niu x Coconut: This 65% dark vegan milk chocolate uses coconut milk powder, celebrating the Polynesian settlers’ “canoe plant,” which was essential for survival and crafting.
6.Maiʻa x Banana: A 50% vegan milk chocolate bar featuring banana powder and coconut milk, this bar reflects the importance of bananas in ancient Hawaiian diets and rituals.
7.Kuawa x Guava: A tart and sweet bar with guava, which became one of the most abundant fruits in Hawaiʻi after its introduction during Western contact in the 1700s.
Here are detailed descriptions of Mānoa Chocolate’s region-specific bars, which highlight the diverse terroir and craftsmanship of Hawaiian cacao:
    1. Kahaluʻu (Oʻahu Island): This 70% single-origin dark chocolate showcases cacao from the fertile region of Kahaluʻu on Oʻahu. The flavor profile captures the essence of this unique locale, with a focus on clean, rich chocolate notes. Dairy-free and gluten-free.
    2.Nīnole (Hawaiʻi Island):The cacao for this bar is sourced from Nīnole, a lush area on Hawaiʻi Island known for its high-quality beans. This single-origin bar celebrates the region’s distinct terroir, producing a deeply flavorful dark chocolate.
    3.Kona (Hawaiʻi Island):Sourced from the Likaʻo Kula Farm in Kona, this bar represents some of the highest quality Hawaiian cacao. Beans from this region have been globally recognized for their exceptional flavor, including being named among the world’s top 15 at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris.
    4.Kealakekua (Hawaiʻi Island):Cacao from Kealakekua embodies the rich volcanic soil of Hawaiʻi Island. The chocolate delivers a smooth, balanced taste, emphasizing the unique characteristics of the region’s cacao.
     5.Koʻolaupoko (Oʻahu):Crafted from beans grown in Koʻolaupoko, this bar is another testament to Oʻahu’s cacao-growing potential. The chocolate reflects the vibrant flavors influenced by the coastal climate.
      6.Mililani (Oʻahu):Mililani, located in central Oʻahu, provides the setting for premium cacao cultivation. This single-origin bar highlights the subtle yet distinctive flavor notes from this agricultural hub.
Each of these bars is a celebration of Hawaiʻi’s diverse landscapes and their impact on cacao, offering chocolate enthusiasts a taste of the islands’ unique flavors.
Mānoa Chocolate also offers single-origin bars made from cacao grown in regions like Kona and Nīnole on Hawaiʻi Island, showcasing the diverse flavor profiles of locally sourced beans.
These bars not only deliver exceptional taste but also tell the story of Hawaiʻi’s cultural and agricultural heritage.