点评:Visiting the 21 Degrees Estate Cacao farm was a key highlight of our vacation. Michael and Maria, the owners, are so knowledgeable about their business, and with our reasonable group size we felt we had a lot of quality time with them as they shared what they learned, the whole process of chocolate making, the nuances and quality. The visit does not involve a lot of walking and takes a couple of hours, so it is manageable for any age. You get to see and taste turmeric roots, cacao beans (raw, then after fermentation and dry), locally made honey (absolutely amazing). You learn a lot about the trees, the whole process. The owners developed their farm over eleven years and share a bit of that history. At the end you can buy the chocolate you tasted - and it is highly recommended, since dark chocolate has just two ingredients (70%+ cacao and a sweetener) but cacao beans, like wine grapes, develop distinct flavor profiles based on where they grow - and they are very rich. You can also buy honey, cosmetics, etc. The admission fee is very reasonable for this relaxed, fun and educational experience. Lastly some practical advice: we went there using Uber ; it was Jan 1 so we had to wait before finding another Uber to get us back to Waikiki. If you don’t have your car you might want to reserve your return ahead of time. Both Uber drivers were very curious about the farm by the way - it seems it is a hidden gem off the beaten path. Another practical thing - the owners will provide ponchos, take them. Cacao farming is a rainforest activity, and the microclimate is such that you could get showers and then a bright sun alternating during the experience. This is not unpleasant at all - just prepare for it.
翻译:参观21 Degrees Estate可可农场是我们此次假期的一大亮点。农场主Michael和Maria对他们的事业非常了解,而且由于我们一行人人数不多,所以感觉和他们相处的时间非常充裕,他们详细地分享了他们所学到的知识,包括巧克力的整个制作过程、其中的细微差别以及品质的保证。参观过程不需要走太多路,只需几个小时,所以各个年龄段的人都能轻松完成。您可以亲眼看到并品尝到姜黄根、可可豆(生的、发酵后的和干燥后的)、当地酿造的蜂蜜(味道绝对惊艳)。您还能了解到很多关于可可树以及整个制作过程的知识。农场主花了十一年时间发展壮大,并与我们分享了他们的农场发展历程。参观结束时,您可以购买您品尝过的巧克力——强烈推荐购买,因为黑巧克力只有两种成分(70%以上的可可含量和甜味剂),但可可豆就像酿酒葡萄一样,会根据生长地的不同而形成独特的风味——而且它们的味道非常浓郁。你还可以购买蜂蜜、化妆品等等。考虑到这是一次轻松、有趣且富有教育意义的体验,门票价格非常合理。最后是一些实用建议:我们当时是乘坐 Uber 去的;那天是 1 月 1 日,所以我们不得不等一会儿才能找到另一辆 Uber 送我们回威基基。如果你没有车,最好提前预订回程。顺便说一句,两位 Uber 司机都对这个农场非常感兴趣——看来它真是一处远离喧嚣的世外桃源。还有一点很实用——农场主会提供雨披,记得拿上。可可种植是在热带雨林中进行的,那里的微气候比较特殊,体验过程中可能会遇到阵雨和阳光交替的情况。这完全不会让人感到不舒服——只要做好准备就好。