Hawai’i is the only state in the US that can grow cacao commercially as the plant only can grow up to 20 degrees latitude north and south of the equator.
Aloha Feels is a small batch, tree-to-bar chocolate company. We make our chocolate with locally grown Hawaiian cacao, which is unique because most of the world's cacao is sourced from farms owned by other companies, stored then shipped very far away to be produced into chocolate.
We make a luxurious, pure dark chocolate bar with 100% Hawaii-grown cacao grown sustainably by some of Hawaii's most noted farmers. We keep the cacao content above 70% to ensure that cacao's amazing health and mood-enhancing benefits are passed down to our distinguished customers.
We believe the unique flavor of our chocolate comes from Hawaii’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil, pure water from the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea, and the abundant rainfall we are blessed with. But more than that, the passion of what we do becomes part of every bar of chocolate that we make.
Processing the cacao beans is a labour-intensive process that can take up to six weeks. After reaching perfect maturity, the cacao pods which hold the beans are carefully picked. The pods are then split open, revealing the beans, which are then fermented.
Once the fermenting is complete, the beans are dried and then cracked to separate the shell from the nib. Further work involves roasting and pressing, and smoothing the cacao before being poured into the chocolate molds.
Our end product, the Aloha Feels dark chocolate bar contains only three ingredients, Hawaii Island cacao, unrefined organic sugarcane, and organic cacao butter. It’s simply divine! It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and contains no additives. All the health benefits of cacao are passed on to our customers without all the additives that are found in most commercial chocolate bars.
Meet the Aloha Feels Team
Yuri brings several years of experience in the cacao and chocolate industry. She formerly worked at the Hawaiian Crown Hilo chocolate factory and Mauna Kea Cacao. Yuri also brings a very positive and loving energy to Aloha Feels. With an optimistic and compassionate touch, she keeps the company together and always moves towards a better place. We love Yuri’s bright and blissful spirit, her dedication, and strength whilst carrying multiple responsibilities.
Yuri DeForest
Manager, Aloha Feels
Chocolate had a magical ambiance ever since I was a child. During my teenage years, my mum said chocolate is good for being lovesick or for a broken heart. My father was an expert and a teacher in the benefits of Japanese green tea, which initially was reserved only for the Zen monks and the nobility in ancient Japan. By studying tea I became aware that cacao drinks were initially only reserved for the Native American Chiefs. Chocolate seemed so potent in making us stronger and happier.
Kazemaru Yukawa
Founder / Creator of Aloha Feels
Colin was born and brought up on the Hawaiian islands and has been farming Cacao since 2007. He has been working with Kazemaru since 2013, helping to set up and run the cacao farm. Colin also has his own cacao farm, and between the two of them, they aim to grow 2000 trees in the next couple of years. He often lectures on the topic and is very passionate about the development of Hawaiian Cacao. He loves what he does and is very knowledgeable about his work. As the cacao development is new to Hawai’i, they are both very excited about its direction. They are working very hard to establish a name for Hawaiian chocolate on the global market. Colin is currently researching Cacao at the University of Hawai’i, focusing on improving post-harvest practices, including fermentation and drying. We are very fortunate and grateful to have him with us.
Colin Hart
Cacao Farmer, Researcher
Alan is a true Big Island farmer; he is dedicated to loving the land and is a loyal member of the Aloha Feels team. He was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, and has many years of experience in the tropical fruits of the Hawaii region. Alan has formal experiences with other cacao farms on the island. We are grateful to have his caring hands of Aloha for our cacao farm.
Alan
Cacao Farmer
Cameren - is the newest member of our graphic and design team, she has several years of experience in web development, graphic design, marketing, as well as Hawaiian agriculture. We are thankful and excited to have her on our team.
Cameren Wiles
Web Developer
