Our Story
Who we are
Aloha, my name is Nyah and I am the head and heart behind Cacao Aloha. I always loved chocolate but did not think much about what it was ... until I went on a study abroad trip to Colombia - the origin of cacao. I did not know that the entire trip would be dedicated to learning about cacao, but I am so glad that it was, as I quickly fell in love with it. I was specifically fascinated by all of the hoops that the fruit has to jump through to ultimately become a chocolate bar. Absolutely intrigued by this, I completed a B.S. and M.S. studying cacao in Colombia, working with farmers and craft chocolate makers.
I started Cacao Aloha to share my passion for cacao and chocolate with others. My journey has taken me from working on cacao farms and in research facilities to teaching university classes about cacao and its sister crop (coffee), collaborating with local chocolate makers, and creating chocolate products of my own. I am excited to share the wonders and delight of this bean-to-bar process with you.
Our Mission
For most people, chocolate is familiar, but the story behind it is not. Many people do not realize that chocolate begins as a fruit, and that leaves a lot to unpack.
At Cacao Aloha, we believe cacao can be a powerful catalyst for curiosity - inviting people to think more deeply about where their food comes from, how it is transformed, and the people, skill, and care behind it.
Through hands-on classes, guests become part of the chocolate-making process rather than simply observing it. By exploring cacao and creating their own chocolate, they gain a more tangible connection to the food they enjoy and a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind it. We hope that curiosity extends beyond chocolate, encouraging guests to look more closely at the foods and processes woven into their everyday lives.
On the surface, Cacao Aloha teaches people how chocolate is made. At its heart, we make a complex food process more accessible, participatory, and joyful. We want every guest to leave feeling inspired, curious, and excited to share their newfound cacao knowledge and the chocolate they created with their ohana.
