Kona Chocolate Festival

Kona Chocolate Festival
Courtesy of Kona Chocolate Festival

Need an excuse to visit Hawaii this spring. How about a delicious chocolate festival?

The 8th annual Kona Chocolate Festival will take place from March 31 to April 5, 2009 in Kona on Hawaii's Big Island.

Events include farm tours, cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, chocolate spa, and more.

The Kona Chocolate Festival Gala Event (tickets from $40) at Sheraton Keahou Bay Resort & Spa will take place on April 4. The gala benefit will include chocolate samplings, chocolate taste-off competition, food and wine pairings, chocolate fountain, and live music of Cyril Pahinui & Salsa Latinos.