Malie Kai Chocolates
June 4, 2012
Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where cacao can grow?
Cacao has been grown in very small amounts in Hawaii since the 1850s. Most of it was grown on the Big Island.
14 years ago, a new cacao project was started in Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore. The tropical sun and rich volcanic soil create the perfect microclimate for cacao.
The Waialua region is considered the best place in the state of Hawaii for cacao production.
Malie Kai Chocolates Company harvests only about 18,000 lbs of cacao each year, which makes their chocolate one of the rarest in the world.
I recently tasted their milk chocolate bar and was extremely impressed. The chocolate had a nice, hard snap with smooth mouth feel and a slow melt to savor every bit of flavor. The intense milky notes were creamy and buttery, with subtle caramel notes right at the finish. The chocolate was fruity with nutty undertones in just the right amount.
In my opinion, it was perfectly balanced between the dairy and chocolate profiles - no single flavor was dominating or overwhelming the other.
According to the Malie Kai website, www.maliekai.com, their chocolate has a unique “Hawaiian taste.” That may be so, but I would just simply say, “absolutely delicious!”
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We bought 3 bars recently in Hanapepe (Kauai). I’ve only tried the dark milk coco late so far & it was fabulous. Still have the dark chocolate & one with the nibs to try. Will savor every bit!
YES! Totally agree. My “taster” tasted the same as yours and you say it so well.