Spring for the deluxe tour. At the end instead of having to decide what you want you get a great…read morevariety. Our tour guide Sherry was amazing, great energy. Expected to have my husband pass me his dark chocolate as normally it's not his thing but he tried it and I'm sad to say he kept eating all the chocolate. If you're looking for a good intro to fine chocolate and eco tourism this is it.

a must-stop three hour tour for chocoholics if visiting the island of Kauai…read more Like coffee, the cacao plant grows in the tropical belt with Hawaii being the only state in the Union that can grow it. Thus, taking a chocolate tour (and sampling chocolate) became something my wife wanted to do during our visit to Kauai. I booked it on the first day on the island, with cost being $140 per person via Viator, and was able to reserve spots for the following day at 11:00. It's well set-up with clear signs pointing you to the farm (need to pass by other houses through a small residential area). Guides will tell you where to park your car...we intentionally came only 10 minutes before the start and were some of the last ones to arrive. Our tour was fully filled with a maximum of 25 guests. The property is hilly, and the tour does involve a bit of walking, with 3 separate sitting areas where we sampled different foods. In our initial gathering spot, we met Mason (our primary guide). He later told us that he was going into civics. His charismatic personality and willingness to help others, really serves his guests well during the tour and his future (in politics, I'm assuming). We learned a lot about the farm, and had access to bathrooms, natural bug spray (mosquitos definitely bite here) with a place to wash hands, and distribution of umbrellas (for the occasional shower and protection from the sun). Got to sample an apple banana and cocoa tea while learning about the history of the farm. There was so much information, I had to take notes on my smartphone...apologies if I looked like I was not paying attention. In addition to the 3968 cacao trees on the farm (46 acres), other products are grown and raised to supplement the viability of the main crop: apple bananas whose leaves are used the cacao fermentation process; honey from the 50 hives to pollinate the cacao (the parasitic destructor mites that have devastated honey bee hives across the world have not yet made it to Kauai...makes me appreciate the Hawaiian agricultural controls); the vanilla plant vines that are hand pollinated to produce such rare extract that the public can't buy it. We walked to the second spot, passing by various plants and crops. There we sampled unusual tropical fruit (rambutan, soursop, and white pineapple), chocolate covered macadamia nuts (grown in Hawaii), and different honeys. Made me love mac nuts again. The final spot was to taste the chocolate bars. We sampled 5 of theirs (70% dark, 70% with sea salt, 75% with rum, 78% reserve, 50% milk with coffee/nibs), 3 Valrhona, and 1 Hershey. Mason gave a demonstration by hand of how cocoa liquor is made from the fermented seeds (this part is done by machine at a plant in Oahu...their plan is to do future expansion in Kauai so they can emphatically state that it is a completely Kauai product). The 70% dark 1/8 lb bars are $18, and I ended up buying quite a few to give as gifts (Mason didn't buy this explanation). We tried one bar when we got home, and can confirm how creamy and sweet they are (no bitterness). Other tidbits: -- chocolate is a fruit, not a bean or vegetable. -- Only Hawaii can grow it in U.S. -- Grafting is common for consistency -- Chocolate is purple. Black means there were moldy shells. No mold here, so discarded shells can be made into tea -- Most macadamia nuts sold in Hawaii are grown in Australia, and only packaged in Hawaii. -- White chocolate is real chocolate, just using cocoa butter only. -- AI will tell you dark chocolate is bitter cause raw cocoa is earthy (i.e. bitter). Instead, Mason proposed that it was because mass production causes uneven, incomplete fermentation. Smaller batches = careful watching = less bitterness. This was a revelation to me. -- the owner is a fifth generation farmer in Kauai, with him recently changing the name of his farm to his family name. -- At the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Awards held in Europe, Lydgate won the top prize (gold medal) for the Asia & Pacific region, along with six others in the same region, including 2 others from Hawaii. They had previously been named Top 50 in the world multiple times. -- Because they are such a popular tour, there are multiple time slots and days available. The most important thing to note about the quality of the chocolate: cacao plants bear fruit all year round, with Lydgate farms picking and fermenting by hand when it is the right time (as opposed to bigger operations where they combine ripe and unripe fruit all together for the sake of efficiency). Even for a layman like me, it was a convincing argument on why their dark chocolate is premium, costly, and has no bitterness (even at 70%). The major awards that they have received is just confirmation of this fact. And the tour being 3 hours long in such a small area...the time went by really fast.

We heard about this event when we went shopping earlier this week. We couldn't wait to check it…read moreout! Lots of great crafts and other items available for purchase. Plus food options, face painting, music and more! Not sure how often they have this event, but if you're in the area, check it out!

We were shopping in town and came across this place. It was cool to watch them making stuff from…read moreoutside, so we decided to step inside and check the place out. Lots of cool items for sale. I was tempted to buy a glass guitar pick but they're slightly thicker than I like to use, haha. My daughter was looking for a souvenir for her boyfriend and she settled on a ring she found that was pretty cool! Prices were reasonable and the staff were friendly and helpful.

We met Kyle & his staff during one of the hardest times of our lives... We lost an amazing soul…read morenamed Kailon in February 2025. He was loved by so many & we all struggled with his loss & how to best honor his legacy... Kailon was the kind of human that made an impact on random strangers. He brought joy to everyone who knew him. Even Kyle had a story to share about our brother; it was memorable to say the least lol. Kailon was like that... So when it came time to do the ashes, many of us wanted to enjoy a little sliver of physical love, a token to cherish. Enter: "Cremorial Glass Charms." Wow.... Kailon's ashes were mixed with glass & some green (his favorite color) & these amazing little lifetime beauties came from that mana mixed with the master glass man himself. Kyle was very considerate, respectful & really went above & beyond for us in a time of grief. His "bedside manner" was much appreciated in a time of chaos, grief & heartbreak. Now KailonStoked is all over the place. Many have his charms on them at all times, because we know his spirit is with us, but we also have a daily reminder of whose legacy we are honoring. Priced very fair & provides a unique way to preserve our loved ones.... Work with Kyle for your beloved; you can even get unsealed charms as well (in case you want to take the ashes & spread them around). From all of us in the Kailon Stoked Ohana; mahalo to the Glass Shack, owner Kyle & his amazing staff.

All we expected! Note: going early to spend extra time in…read morethe gardens isn't really an option. They open at 4:30. They take your picture on the way in ($30, ready at the show if you want to purchase it), then we boarded the tram. The guide shares about the plants, views, some history, and points out many things along the ride. We were free to roam the gardens until the imu ceremony. Many beautiful plants, trees, picturesque spots. I can see why weddings happen here! I found a beautiful spent flower on the ground I was curious about and took it to one of the aunties. She didn't know, but immediately brought me to another family member who identified it right away. So helpful! You can claim your dinner spot if you'd like (groups are reserved, otherwise it's open) while everyone's exploringthe grounds. When it's time to open the imu, the host explains the culture and history in an engaging way, then it's time to eat! They have a good system for sending tables up to eat so nobody's rushing. Mai tais (open bar included) were smooth and delicious! Food was excellent, all you can eat. Plenty of time to eat, enjoy company, listen to the music (wasn't too loud--yay!) while talking, and then we headed to the show. The seats were padded stadium seats, and rather comfortable. The show lasted about 50 minutes. Professional and nicely done. We both loved our entire time there. We'd been told this is the one to go to, but we searched Yelp anyway. It was clear from the reviews it was a good fit for us and we were not disappointed. Spendy, yes, but for dinner and a show (and the tour through the gardens), it's not that bad. We were very pleased.

Been here a few times over the years. Everything is thoughtfully planned. Lots to see, eat and do!…read more Full of entertainment and energy. They do go the extra mile with entertainment after dinner!

What a fabulous shop! Every piece is unique, artful and meaningful. The spirit of the shop is so…read morewarm and welcoming--not in the commercial sense. Can't wait to return to Kapaa.

Love this place! Lots of great gifts you just wouldn't find anywhere else on Kauai. Plus,…read moreGlenna the owner is great to talk to!

They are awesome! Great rock songs , great vocals we usually see them at Paniola Santa Maria bbqread more

Erin, Jim and I were wandering through a First Saturday Artwalk in Kapaa, heard some cool music at…read moreThe Eastside, and wandered in. Gayle was sleeping back at the Resort and missed what turned out to be a real kick ass band called the Quake. The Quake is a Hawaii dance band that plays a wide variety of genres, and probably over the last 50 years. If you see anything scheduled for them, make it a point to go and listen to their distinctive lead singer and hot guitarist.

The cutest little shop in the alley - kind of tucked away but very glad I stumbled upon KIKO on my…read morewalk through Kapa'a. They have plenty of high end gifts and souvenirs for the home and plenty of apparel and jewelry. Reminds me of a local Anthropology or Free People, but wayy better!!

My favorite shop! I always find something to cherish here. Staff is friendly and welcoming…read more I love their shop but wish there was more of the unique kitchzy but beautiful items. Recently visited and saw a lot of clothing. I love looking for a unique piece I can take home and have as a token of my trip. I love the ceramic sayings on the wall. Great items!! Highly recommend!!

Shop was relocated to area from bigger shop. A bit hidden but very unique products. Definitely…read moreworth stopping in for a peek.

This amazing pottery studio is hidden away off the main highway. There is a sign to turn down a…read morenarrow drive and the studio is a shack in the back. Free parking in front of the studio. Please note that the pottery here is not cheap but is unlike any other pottery you may have seen. We were immediately greeted and had a tour of the open air studio. I bought a mug and it is amazing.

Fun festival, $5 to get in. Lost of local crafts. Food selection is a bit small, so there can be…read morelong lines. When I got here they had country music.

Beautiful tropical paradise! Arrive early to the luau for the tram ride that takes you completely…read morearound their facility and grounds! The tram ride is very quick. Not sure if they're just trying to get everyone in and out to prep for the luau, but I would have loved a more relaxed pace. We are, after all, on island time! LOL! To the left you'll see this, to the right you'll see this...it was a lot to see in a short amount of time. It's also fun to walk around the grounds a bit and see things on your own. It's all beautiful, so take it all in before the luau!

Excellent food and beauty all around in this gorgeous garden setting. They make you feel like part…read moreof the family.