Island Treasures: Hawaiian Crown Plantation & Chocolate Factory
Grown and manufactured on Hawai‘i Island, Hawaiian Crown Plantation & Chocolate Factory makes every effort to produce entirely local products.
Owner Tom Menezes has been in farming for close to 40 years. Tom has a degree in tropical agriculture from the University of Hawai‘i. With experience in plant pathology, production, breeding, research, and farm management of tropical crops in Hawai‘i, Tom’s extensive expertise includes collecting and breeding pineapples (and ornamental bromeliads), taro, and cacao.
He has also co-authored several research papers on ginger root, taro, and cacao with members of the University of Hawai‘i. For the last 20 years, Tom has run his own successful banana and tropical crop farm and nursery on Hawai‘i Island.
Tom says, “We have partners on O‘ahu, and we have a sister store in Waikīkī. Statewide we work with 15 farms in addition to our own, with 10 different crops, but in the last 10 years we have been making tree-to-bar Hawaiian chocolates. We decided to embrace the challenge of producing the most delicious cacao. We are one of the first certified organic cacao in the United States as Hawai‘i is the only state where cacao can be grown commerically. We are always trying to improve the Hawaiian ‘local-kine’ experience and adding new tasty products. Our main markets are still in Hawai‘i for now, and we are working with other chefs and chocolatiers on the mainland.”
Tom’s daughter, Oona, manages the Hilo store, which is in its second year of operation and is growing in popularity. They serve fine chocolates, smoothies, chocolate treats (including delicious chocolate covered frozen bananas from their farm), and taro burgers.
The Hawaiian Crown™ brand represents all the values and ideals that matter most to the Menezes as a family farm in Hawai‘i. Tom says, “Here in the islands, ‘ohana, or family, is the basis of who we are and is a key element of how we interact with each other, our employees, our farming partners, and our customers in order to be successful in our island home. It is very important for us to differentiate ourselves not just in terms of the quality of our products, but also in the way we grow the crop and treat the land. We strive to use less chemicals and more sustainable farming practices than volume-based corporate farms. The love and respect for the ‘āina (land), and the appreciation that we have for the life and culture here in Hawai‘i are important aspects of how we run the business day-to-day.”
Oona says, “We ask Ke Ola readers to please come and check us out for gifts and treats for your loved ones and family. We all have a passion for making our products for you to enjoy and experience.”
We agree; the treats at Hawaiian Crown are onolicious!
Hawaiian Crown Plantation & Chocolate Factory
160 Kilauea Ave. Hilo
808.921.5899
