Choco le’a

Dammit Choco Le’a! You’re going to be the reason why I can’t achieve my New Year resolution of losing weight):
We buy chocolates from here on a weekly basis, sometimes even twice a week! It’s THAT good. Oh, and shall I add that I’m not a sweets type of person? I’m not a fan of chocolate, but ever since I ate chocolate from here, I have converted. Choco Le’a has seriously accomplished converting me from non-​chocolate believer to a chocolate-​fanatic.
Anyway, we always get Mochi, Cookies N Cream, and Cayenne Pepper. We tried the beer, sriracha, cheesecake, but the first three will always be my faveee.
Mochi — If you don’t come early enough, it’ll be gone and that explains how good it is. Idk how they do it without making the mochi hard. Even after I refrigerate it, its still good! The crunchy chocolate plus the softness of the mochi pairs so perfectly together.
Cookies N Cream — There’s a soft + crunchy interior that’s really interesting. The texture is what gets me. Oh and the flavor too (;
Cayenne Pepper — Chocolate + Spices = BOMB​.COM.
Service is super! The young girl is really nice and you know that these people love what they do and really care for their customers!
Just please, don’t miss out. Go early, hurry, before the mochi is all gone. You won’t regret it.

For someone who doesn’t like chocolate, I’m sure in love with this place! In the midst of Manoa next to the Doggie Bakery, tada! My boyfriend and I came on a Saturday to pick up some gifts. There’s street parking by the place or there’s a small lot in front.
The sales associates were really helpful and patient with us. They explained what were the best sales and their favorites. There’s so many interesting flavors like peanut butter sirracha, yamasaki (Japanese whiskey), B52 bomber! All the gold wrappers are liqueur chocolates. Their gift boxes for either 9 truffles (19.99)or 20 (39.99). Once picked, the sales associate wraps your chocolate box ready to go! They even have chocolate dipped fruit that comes in pineapple, mango, and jaboong (like a grapefruit).
If you’re a chocoholic, I recommend coming on Saturdays because they have a sipping hot chocolate. It’s delish but too a little too rich for me. It’s a thicker and creamy hot chocolate served with a side of chips. I seriously love their peanut butter dark chocolate dipped oreos!!! That’s what lead me to here in the first place. Can’t wait to come back and try their mochi truffles!

I heard so much about Choco le’a, and, being a chocoholic, I couldn’t wait to visit the chocolate boutique. I finally got my chance just one week before Christmas.
I was planning to surprise my mom with a small box of truffles for Christmas. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was sure that my experience would be memorable.
Choco le’a can easily be overlooked or missed if you’re driving too quickly. Your best bet is to find parking in the neighborhood and then walk. This shop is just a hop and a skip away from Morning Glass Coffee + Café.
Choco le’a is really small, so be prepared to wait if there are a lot of customers there. During the time of my visit, there were about two or three other customers, so it was a tight squeeze in the store. I have to say, though, customer service here is exceptional. There were three girls working behind the counter. One not only offered me a sample, but she was really informative about the seasonal items, the costs of the different goodies and she was able to answer all of my questions. Plus, getting a sample never hurts, since this was my first time to Choco le’a.
The truffle flavors available for the day/​seasonal flavors are written up on the menu board, and they even had a drinking chocolate special during my visit. However, since I had just eaten, I didn’t opt for the drinking chocolate … though, I wouldn’t be opposed to getting it on the next Saturday I visit!
Due to pricing, I chose the nine-​truffle arrangement for my mom, even though there were definitely other truffles that were calling my name. I also got a chocolate-​covered OREO cookie for myself, and it was decorated with seasonal Christmas prints. Definitely made eating it more fun!
This is a great option for any chocolate fiend, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a special occasion. These little chocolates sure disappear quickly once you buy a box, but every bite (and every extra minute you spend exercising) will be worth it!
Here’s what I got:
«Cookie Butter & Peanut Butter Truffle»: I still prefer the peanut butter flavor over that of cookie butter, but this truffle features the blend of both worlds. I liked how I could taste a hint of the cookie butter flavor, but I was still able to enjoy the creamy, peanut butter taste.
«Peanut Butter»: Peanut butter has to be my favorite flavor of all time, hands down, whether it’s cookies, ice cream, brownies or any kind of dessert. I bought at least three of these truffles (so I could try one of my mom’s). I loved the creamy peanut butter interior. For peanut butter, I love strong peanut butter flavors, so this one doesn’t disappoint!
«Cookies and Cream»: Second to peanut butter, cookies and cream is also one of my all-​time favorites … probably because Cookies and Cream ice cream was my favorite flavor as a kid. I liked the fact that eating this truffle was like eating an OREO … but in chocolate form! During my visit, they were actually featuring truffles with mini OREOs in them. How creative!
«Red Velvet»: Red velvet is a hit or miss flavor at many places, but it’s a hit here at Choco le’a. This truffle wasn’t overpowering or really strong, and I liked how I could definitely tell it was red velvet.
«Chocolate-​Dipped OREO»: I don’t get chocolate-​dipped OREOs often … in fact, the last time I ever tried one was from the Honolulu Chocolate Company. But I really liked the chocolate-​dipped OREO from Choco le’a! The layer of chocolate is thick, generous and rich, but you still get to aptly taste the sweetness from the OREO. Bonus is that this one was decorated with seasonal prints, so mine had a picture of a gingerbread house on it (all in chocolate, of course). Having the seasonal décor makes these OREOS look even more enticing!
«Triple Chocolate»: I got one of these truffles, just to see how chocolaty is was. My mom described it as similar to a triple chocolate ice cream flavor. She enjoys dark chocolate, so this truffle flavor was right up her alley.
«Caramel with Hawaiian Sea Salt»: Alas, I didn’t add this truffle to the mix because my mom doesn’t like caramel, but if I were ordering a box for myself, I would definitely choose this option. I like the taste of dark chocolate with sea salt, and with a caramel interior, this truffle flavor’s sure to be a winner!

I would say more like a 3.5.
Got some chocolates for Christmas from hubby. They were good but not earth shattering. Dare I say it? I like See’s raspberry crème much better than Choco lea raspberry truffle. The chocolate’s flavor came out more at room temperature than right out of the fridge. (I kept them in the fridge because they got very soft sitting out on the counters in the heat of Hawai’i.
All in all, good chocolate but I am not sure if it is worth the steep price. I get they are hand made but this is also Hawai’i and rent is expensive.

I have introduced many of my clients, family and friends to the deliciousness of Choco Le’a this holiday season. Let me tell you, the raves continue to roll in, everyone is in LOVE! These chocolates are genius and magical, because even the pickiest of the holiday scrooges were smiling!
The team at Choco Le’a are very sweet and friendly, which is always nice. They are also helpful in guiding your choices and answering all your questions. This year as always, I was looking for something unique and interesting. Well, have no fear — I found the perfect gift! This is not your run of the mill, chocolate covered peanuts kind of joint. Choco Lea’ candies are specially made, with unique flavors and combinations to interest any palette.
For the holidays I loved that you could preorder your gifts and have them ready for pick up! The boxes of candies are colorful and nicely put together. In fact as soon as you pick them up they ready for sharing — unless your inner Martha Stewart really felt the urge to add a bow or tag. (But seriously, no need!).
Additional bonuses include, super awesome team who seem to genuinely enjoy all things chocolate, easy parking away from the mall (hallelujah), option to pick up additional items when you get there (cause I forgot to preorder for a few gifts) and lastly easy to pick up a treat for myself to enjoy on the way out! :-)

マノアにある、隠れ家チョコレートショップ！ワイキキはモアナサーフライダーでの取り扱いもあるそうです。
9種類のトリフを選び、一箱で20ドルのボックスがお勧めです。一粒2ドルで、たくさんの種類から選べます。
マカダミアナッツのコーティングチョコレートや、オレオのチョコレートがけも全て美味しいです。
もともとは、ハウスパーティーの定番デザートだったとの事、手作り感があふれるチョコレートです。
プレゼントにもお勧め。日本には上陸していないので、とても喜ばれると思います。

amazing… came here with my friend and was lucky to try the sipping chocolate with potato chips. OMG, it was so delicious. The staff was so nice and inviting. I had to buy some chocolates. $ 20 for 9 pieces is expensive but soo worth it! I’m a fan of the mini oreo, matcha, and the cookie butter. I can’t wait to try mochi when it comes out!

I love the chocolate here and the warm feeling I get when shopping in this store. I don’t care too much for the «expensive» chocolate from See’s Candy, Ethel M’s, Fannie Maes, etc… I prefer Mounds and Hersheys. So, I was surprised that I absolutely love the chocolate here.
It’s such a cute store with a homey feel, with warm people that treat you like family. We walk in and they address hubs by name and focus all attention on him until he is done in his selection. We never feel rushed and they take the time to package the selection in a beautiful presentation.
One sample that really pleasantly surprised me was the chocolate macadamia nuts. It isn’t as visually appealing as the other candies in their shop but it is the best chocolate covered macadamia nuts I have ever eaten. It tasted like perfectly seasoned macadamias accented by delicious smooth chocolate.
The dark chocolate is so smooth and rich in flavor, it is the best I ever had. Every chocolate I tried here was so yummy.
The only downside is that I don’t remember what we purchased, so when I ate this one flavor that was so heavenly… I was so sad because I can’t figure out what flavor it was :(. I decided from now on, I will take a picture and notate what was purchased.
Hmmm, I may havd gone overboard with the picture taking today…

I stumbled across Choco le’a while roaming around waiting for Morning Glass coffee. This cute little shop is right around the corner in the residential area and at the ground floor of a house. It has two tables out front and a quaint white picket fence.
Inside the shop there is a sitting area, a few shelves with packaged treats (chocolate dipped fruit, mac nuts) and a display case that is a feast for your eyes. Each delicate piece is so beautiful and I can really appreciate handcrafted chocolates.
It was nice to hear that a local couple took a hobby and master’s program project to fruition.
About that chocolate:
These delectable little bites have fantastic flavors and it’s apparent that they use high quality cocoa nibs to craft each chocolate. From yuzu, yamazaki, and rum raisin, they have all sorts of flavors with local and asian flair. On my first trip, my favorites were the caramel ‘alaea sea salt and the yamazaki sake chocolates. And while I’m not crazy about sipping chocolate, I had a taste and the flavor is wonderful. I know a few people who would enjoy this pumped straight into their veins. Chocolate high anyone?!
(NOTE: This review is coming from a girl who doesn’t really like chocolate… so this means something! I enjoy the occasional chocolate, but am not one to crave it.)

So I’ve been a here a few times now and have tried several different things. My favorite so far is the smore’s. It’s a generous amount of dark chocolate coating with cinnamon gram crackers sandwiching a thick fluffy marshmallow. Totally divine. The quality of dark chocolate they is very good and on the truffles has a great snap. My only wish is some of the truffle flavors are very subtle. I’ll sometimes buy a couple of pieces and forget which shape is what flavor. So when I eat them I can’t really tell what flavor I’m eating, but still very enjoyable. My favorite flavors are salted caramel, haupia, and Guinness. Another plus is all the workers are so friendly.

I went to their booth at the dessert event in Kakaako a few weeks ago and got the set of chocolate and matcha truffles. They were seriously broke da mouf, easily the best chocolate I’ve ever had! I can’t wait to go to actual storefront and try more flavors.

Mmmmm, so good! The chocolate is fab and the service is even more fab! Arrived here the other Saturday with my kids just before opening. When the worker came out to open up, she cheerfully greeted and welcomed us and offered us a sample.
On Saturdays, they offer hot sipping chocolate (think: melted dark chocolate bar). I had a sample taste of it and it was SOOOOO good but at 10am, couldn’t think to order a full cup. But they offer it to go, so maybe next time!
They have a wide variety of chocolate truffles, chocolate covered oreos and more. I’ll definitely be back to experience both the chocolate and 1^st rate customer service. My kids have already planned and plotted what days they would like to visit this shop!
Located in little Manoa Square, take a right at the light after you pass Manoa Shopping Center area. It’s just on the right hand side, across the gas station and I think it’s street parking only. I love Manoa in general, it’s such a charming area and this is the perfect shop for the area! They post their daily offerings and special order boxes on Instagram.

A few weeks ago a girlfriend of mine sent me a photo of Choco le’a’s assortment of chocolate dipped fruits and I lustfully begged her to grab me some pineapple if she stopped by. I happily picked up my treat and heard more about this hidden treasure of a chocolatier hidden in Manoa that I somehow hadn’t discovered yet.
A week later with all the pineapple safely deposited in my belly, I decided to make my maiden voyage to Choco le’a and with that visit a new love affair was born. Upon walking into the store, I was immediately greeted and offered a taste of their sipping chocolate which is nothing short of magical.
I decided to treat myself to a box of assorted truffles and am still kicking myself for not getting more than nine. The standout favorites from my assortment were the peanut butter and jelly, yuzu, triple chocolate, Lilikoi, salted caramel and Kona coffee. Basically they were all incredible.
I haven’t tasted chocolate this incredible in years since my favorite guilty pleasure of a chocolatier went out of business and I’m so very happy to have found this place. If you’re a chocolate lover, you NEED to get here. The staff is lovely, and don’t worry about the prices you’re worth it and so is incredible chocolate.

I decided to check this place out since I’ve been craving chocolates. My número Uno chocolate in the world are Teuscher Champagne truffles which are Swiss chocolate but this place is pretty good too. They have locally made Begian chocolate here. I loved their Toffee truffle and their Truffle mochi chocolate was yummy as well! The ladies that work there were super duper friendly. Place is super cute and looks like a house from the outside. Great place to come to after when you have a sweet tooth or if in the area for lunch or dinner!

Forget Godiva, forget Honolulu Chocolate Company. The best chocolate can be found in a tiny shop in Manoa called Choco le’a. They specialize in truffles, and let me tell you, you won’t settle for anything less after you try their truffles.
Their display case is filled with many different flavors of truffles. You can buy them by the piece ($ 2.25) or custom build a box of 9 ($ 19.95) or 20 ($ 39.95). They also have pre-​set boxes of 9 or 20 if you’d rather grab-​n-​go. They also have non-​truffle chocolate items such as chocolate covered oreos, chocolate covered macadamia nut clusters, and chocolate dipped mango.
The shelf life of most truffles is weeks, although believe me, you’ll eat them up way before then. Truffles that are more perishable like the mochi and haupia should be consumed within a week.
Their boutique here in Manoa is only open 3 days a week: Tuesdays (10 – 5), Fridays (10 – 6), and Saturdays (10 – 4), so plan accordingly.
Whether you are looking for that perfect gift for someone, or you just need a pick me up, you’ll never go wrong with a box of chocolates from Choco le’a.
They have a small parking lot off of East Manoa Road (right after Finance Factors), but it’s way easier to get in/​out by parking on Lowrey Ave in front of their shop.
Shop local!

Gadzooks, this is the best chocolate shop on the island!
I read an article that said Bill Gates got his chocolate catered from Honolulu Chocolate Company for his wedding because it was that good. They’re lucky Choco Le’a wasn’t open yet because he probably would’ve picked Choco Le’a instead. Since I’ve found out about this place, I’ve been coming back every week. Yeah. Seriously. No, I’m not having a wedding every week but the goodness sure tastes close to it.
A 9 piece box will run you $ 20 but this isn’t your Hershey’s bar that you snarf down. Girl, slow your row! I make this box last at least a week. 1 piece at the end of the day because this truffle will make your whole day better.
Pay attention to the temperature of the chocolate. The case they use keeps the truffle at the right temp. It’s around 60 F (can’t remember exactly). Leave it too long out when it’s warm and you lose some flavor intensity. Too cold and the chocolate won’t melt as quick in your mouth. It’s a science and an art!
Location & Parking:
It’s a quaint, little shop in a quaint little building. Get on E Manoa Rd, pass the Starbucks and Morning Glass, make a right on Lowrey Ave and literally, start looking for parking on the street. The building is the first? one on the right. If you’re lucky there will be a spot right in front. Otherwise, I just make the next right and park in the neighborhood.

I used to say that chocolate makes me sneeze, but I need to rephrase that to say low-​grade chocolate makes me sneeze because Choco Le’a chocolates don’t make me sneeze! That’s how I know this is quality chocolate made with lots of aloha. The girls that work there are also very sweet and cheerful. Ever since I found this gem, I’ve been going back frequently to get my chocolate fix!

Mixed feelings about writing a glowing review. Some of the best premium chocolates I’ve had. At least as good as those I’ve gotten both in person and ordering online at up to double the price. And customer service is patient and friendly. So what’s my problem? Theirs is a small shop (a dozen people starts getting a bit tight already) with limited parking (no huge lot) and open only three days out of the week. If all Oahu Chocoholics knew of this place, I would probably have to wait an hour just to get in the door on a Saturday.
But aside from my selfish motive to keep Choco le’a a hidden gem, I really hope anyone on Oahu who appreciates good chocolate gives them a try. There aren’t many local shops offering top quality artisan chocolate and it is good to support locally owned small businesses.
So what about the chocolates? I have not had a bad one but the ones that motivate me to drive from Aiea to Manoa are the lychee, mochi, butterscotch, and cherry truffles. The mochi truffle has fresh mochi in it and so is more perishable than the others. Make sure you get only enough for same– or next-​day eating, then return for more as soon as you can. The others are liqueurs and will keep for longer in the ‘fridge. They have done an awesome job using just the right kinds and amounts of liquor to complement the flavor of the chocolate.
They have a subscription program that offers a prepaid discount on a 20 piece box of truffles each month for six months at a time. Ask and sign up if they are adding subscribers. I waited several months before there was an opening but am really glad I joined.

There are two major addiction in my life.
A great dim sum joint and that perfect chocolate slowing melting in my palate.
As you walk into this cute and cozy little heaven you realized there’s something very special about this place. There was certainly a lot of love in creating the ambiance. There was a bit of a crowd, so we waited patiently for our turn. When we reached the counter, the amazing staff could only be described as «graceful» and «peaceful». I’m not sure what it was, however it felt as though an angels was offering a small piece of heaven called chocolate.
There were so many choices, I couldn’t choose so I asked for every flavor behind the glass counter.
It was a wise decision, every bite was divine. Each chocolate was better than the last. Who are these angels? Where have they been all my life? Is this really how heaven feels like?
Sigh…today was a very happy day.

Yay! Choco le’a has opened a boutique in Manoa Square! Previously, the gourmet chocolates could only be found at Eden in Love at Ward Warehouse, Red Pineapple in Ward Center, and the Moana Surfrider Hotel Spa in Waikiki. But now, you can get your artisan chocolates and truffles by the piece every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday in Manoa.
Being a dark chocolate fan, I love that they use European dark chocolate exclusively. They will however, work with local brands of chocolate and milk chocolate by request. But the chocolate they use is just beautiful. It’s smooth, silky and rich in taste.
At their boutique, the truffles are sold individually and you can customize a 9 or 20 piece box. For ease of ordering, you can also get preset boxes which make wonderful gifts. The artisan truffles are made from fresh, natural, organic, and wholesome ingredients as often as possible. My favorite truffle is the mochi truffle, but I haven’t met a Choco le’a truffle that I didn’t like. My current 9 piece truffle box has a sake, a Guinness Beer, a Glenfiddich, and a margarita truffle. I can’t wait to bite into those!
They also offer solid chocolate pieces, chocolate dipped fruit, and chocolate macadamia nut clusters. They make an amazing chocolate covered oreo in a variety of oreo cookie flavors. Everytime I bite into one, I am amazed how fresh and crunchy the oreo cookie is.
In addition to their retail services, they are available for catering and wholesale orders.
Just a word of caution, because they do not use preservatives in their chocolates, perishable flavors, such as fresh mochi, haupia, and cheesecake, must be refrigerated.
I’m super excited about their new location! Service is excellent!
Follow on IG @chocoleahawaii for updates.