Valley Isle Chocolate is a small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Maui, Hawai‘i. Founded in 2021 by Susan Schwartzkopf, her son Samual Schwartzkopf, and Sam Phillips, the company began as a passion project in their home kitchen—hand-tempering chocolate, experimenting with a ten-pound melanger, and labeling bars by hand. Today, it has grown into a thriving family-run business dedicated to crafting high-quality, single-origin chocolate.

Sourcing cocoa beans from Hawai‘i and around the world—including Ecuador, the Philippines, Tanzania, Vietnam, India, Peru, and Indonesia—Valley Isle Chocolate places a special emphasis on Hawaiian cacao and local inclusions. Their bars highlight the flavors of Maui and Kona coffee, Hawaiian sea salt, and Big Island macadamia nuts, creating a taste that reflects the rich diversity of the islands.

Each batch is carefully roasted in a restored antique Royal #5 coffee roaster, then stone-ground and conched to perfection. Their chocolate is made with just three to four simple ingredients—no fillers, no additives, no soy lecithin—allowing the natural flavors of the cacao to shine. The result is smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying, showcasing the artistry of true craft chocolate.

For over three years, the three co-founders have handled every aspect of production, sales, and distribution themselves, making Valley Isle Chocolate a true family endeavor. This month’s selection includes single-origin bars from Hilo, Kona, O‘ahu, Ecuador, and Vanuatu, offering a journey through terroir with every bite.

Exciting things are on the horizon as well—the team is developing a cacao orchard in the lush jungles of Hāna, East Maui, and expanding their kitchen to support new innovations in chocolate-making.