Hawai`i's premier showcase of chocolate will return on Saturday, February 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Dole Cannery Shops. The Hawai'i Chocolate Festival features a celebration of all things chocolate and highlights locally produced chocolate products. Presented by Special Events Hawaii in celebration of the state Legislature's declaration of February 2012 as 'Hawaii-Grown Cacao Month', the festival is sponsored in part by Waialua Estate, Honolulu Magazine, Lei Chic and Buy Local It Matters.

Your admission ticket not only gets you into the Festival to browse, learn about and shop for all things chocolate, but it also is your passport to 10 chocolate samplings of your choice from some of the state's top chocolatiers. Tickets are $20 in advance online and $25 at the door at www.HawaiiChocolateFestival.com.
 
Among those showcasing their products are established names in the business like Colins Kawai (Choco le`a) as well as the familiar Waialua Estate chocolate, Hawaiian Fudge Sauce, Malie Kai, Madre Chocolates, Manoa Chocolates, and others. From the neighbor islands there will be Sweet Paradise Chocolates from Maui and the Big Island's Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory.
 
Other tasty offerings will include Hawaiian Cheesecake, Johnson Brothers Chocolate Shop Wine, Pinnacle Chocolate Vodka and Kona Brewing Company's specially brewed chocolate beer. Well-known chefs such as Ronnie Nasuti, former executive chef Roy's and now with Tiki's Grill and Bar, will feature entrees such as Chocolate Fettuccini.
 
Between bites, one can browse vendor booths and shop for everything from chocolate pearls to chocolate orchids and visit the Chocolate Inspired Spa, a Chocolate Garden featuring cacao trees (from which chocolate is grown), chocolate orchids and chocolate mint plants, plus the Coco Café & Tea House. Guest speakers and educational displays will share information about locally grown cacao and how it is transformed into chocolate. There will be live musical entertainment and hula performances. It all adds up to one sweet way to spend an afternoon!
The festival is a benefit for Halau O Na Pua Kukui, which also will perform at the event. For festival information and online ticket purchases visit www.HawaiiChocolateFestival.com  or for questions call (808) 234-0404.