Big Island chocolate festival crowns Kapiolani and Leeward CC students

Kapiolani Community College and Leeward Community College students swept the top three spots in the Big Island Chocolate Festival’s college competition, turning Hawaii-grown cacao into scholarships and a direct path into the island’s food economy.

At the 13th annual contest in April 2026 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii Island, 22 students from Kapiolani Community College, Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaii Maui College competed with plated desserts judged on taste, texture, appearance, creativity and presentation. Hawkins Ko and Chase Ignacio of Kapiolani CC took first place and a $2,500 scholarship, while Leeward CC students Rhiannah Ulit and Ralf Bartolome earned second and $1,500. Kapiolani CC students Eden Chung and Daniel Tada placed third and received $1,000.

The $5,000 in scholarships came from King’s Hawaiian, a sponsor that tied the competition to workforce development as much as dessert-making. Heather Campbell, a King’s Hawaiian innovation pastry chef and judge, said supporting Hawaii culinary students is part of the company’s mission. Sheylen Say, a Kapiolani CC chef instructor, said the program was built to bridge the UH community college culinary programs and give students and faculty a chance to spend the weekend together, sharing support and collaboration across campuses.

The competition was organized by the Kona Cacao Association and built around Hawaii-grown cacao as a marketable ingredient, not just a showpiece for plated desserts. Judges included pastry chef Stéphane Tréand, Four Seasons Resort Lanai Executive Pastry Chef Bruce Trouyet and Chef Maria de los Milagros Miceli, linking the student work to the broader hospitality industry that buys and serves local chocolate products. The festival also featured a guided farm tour, chocolate farmers market, agriculture seminars, culinary demos and a gala, underscoring how cacao production, tourism and culinary training now overlap on Hawaii Island.

Festival organizers also recognized other local operators and producers. Martin Mazzanti of Ocean Grace Farms in Kalaoa-Kona won Best Cacao Bean, while the Fairmont Orchid took Best Savory in the People’s Choice awards, the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa won Best Sweet, and the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection earned Best Decorated Booth. The results showed a festival that is helping keep talent, crops and value-added food work in Hawaii instead of sending it off island.