A decadent Hilo town gem where the real magic happens when you combine the local cocoa and coffee. The mochas—especially the Paniolo mocha with its subtle Mexican kick—and the banana chocolate smoothie are the absolute standouts here. It's a polished, cozy space that doubles as a gift shop and a cocktail bar, making it it's a great spot for a treat or a late-night drink. If you're looking for a quiet place to work with wifi, or if you want a traditional, minimalist coffee house, this isn't it.
A 'decadent Hilo town gem' with a boutique gift shop and cocktail bar, making it a destination.
Polished, cozy space with vinyl playing and 'sophisticated and unique' cocktails for couples.
A 'chill' crowd and 'cozy and stylish' atmosphere that is welcoming for a treat.
Reviews mention 'all different types of local coffee' and 'single estate bean' for purchase.
the polished town cafe — go here for treats and cocktails, not the Holualoa farm tour
Not every branch is the same. Pick the one that fits the day.
Puna Chocolate Company was started in 2012 after Ben and Adam purchased a whopping 70 acres of land in a town called Pahoa, the county the seat of Puna District. In Pahoa, they encountered a fruitstand and discovered weird football-shaped squashes and asked the wonderful shop owner what they were. Not only did she proclaim that the that football "pods" were where chocolate came from, but also how to make chocolate by fermenting the cocoa beans inside. Having been raised on chocolate, it was a simple stretch from there that they could conserve the existing landscape in Puna by planting cocoa trees among the existing trees with minimal disturbance. Benjamin Vanegtern earned his Tropical Plants and Soil Science degree from University of Hawaii then went on to head the farming and planting operations across all cocoa farms. In 2016, Puna Chocolate purchased a 30 acre pasture to convert into cacao and in 2022, 20 more acres were added in Holualoa and Kainaliu which also include the 3,000 coffee trees which are the source of their cafe coffee.
- Hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM 11:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
- Phone
- (808) 489-9899
- Website
- punachocolate.com
- Address
- 277 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Book a visit to the farm.
Cacao (and coffee) Tours and 4 Course Luncheons at the South Kona Farm.
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Visiting Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe
What are the hours at Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe?
Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe is open Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe best known for?
The cafe is known for its mochas made with local cocoa and coffee, including the Paniolo mocha with a subtle Mexican kick. The banana chocolate smoothie is another standout. The space also doubles as a gift shop and a cocktail bar for late-night visits.
Does Puna Chocolate Company offer farm tours?
Yes, they offer cacao and coffee tours as well as 4-course luncheons at their South Kona Farm. Check their website at punachocolate.com for current tour availability and to book in advance.
Can I order Puna Chocolate Company products online and ship them to the mainland?
Puna Chocolate Company operates a retail gift shop alongside the cafe at 277 Keawe St in Hilo where you can purchase chocolate and coffee products in person. Their listed information does not confirm online ordering or mainland shipping; visit punachocolate.com for current options.
Is Puna Chocolate Company & Cafe good for working on a laptop?
No — the cafe does not offer wifi and is not set up as a quiet workspace. If you need wifi or a calm environment to work, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Is this a good spot for a date or an evening out in Hilo?
Yes — Puna Chocolate Company is well-suited as a date spot, with late hours (until 10–11 PM most nights), a cocktail bar alongside coffee and chocolate drinks, and a polished, cozy atmosphere in Hilo town.