Choco le‘a (Oahu)

Choco le‘a is a local chocolate shop located in the neighborhood of Manoa on Oahu. They're popular for chocolates truffles and snacks made with local ingredients. Plus iced chocolate drinks and soft cream! Great for gifts or treating yourself ^_^

Choco le‘a opened over a decades ago, and it's awesome to see them doing so well. I love stopping by anytime I'm in Manoa (which is all the time).

Sometimes I get a couple of chocolate truffles for snack (I especially like the mochi truffles). Or an iced chocolate drink for a post-lunch treat on a hot day.

I like how they set up tables outside so that you can catch up with friends there. And there is always parking to be found...which is very important haha.

Location

Choco le‘a is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Manoa! Manoa is a delicious neighborhood with very good food.

Other good eats in the area include Morning Glass (for coffee), Andy's Sandwiches and Smoothies, Little Plum (which just opened), Leahi Health, Brug Bakery, Feast (for nice plate lunch), and lots more.

The commercial heart of the neighborhood is Manoa Marketplace which is undergoing a gradual but clear revival (I especially love the new kid's playground area)...a win for the neighborhood.

Manoa about a 15 minute drive from Waikiki, and more or less close to everything (unless you drive here during rush hour because there is only one main road in and out of Manoa).

What To Get

Iced Choco le‘a Chocolate Drink
This iced chocolate drink is the item I get the most at Choco le‘a. I love hot chocolate and I really love iced chocolate. The drink is made with oatmilk and their housemade chocolate syrup (the same one that tops their soft cream). It's never too sweet and makes such a good afternoon pick-me-up.

Chocolate Truffles
The majority of Choco le‘a's selection centers around their housemade chocolate truffles. From the classic to the local, you can count on some fun and unique flavors. My go-to truffle flavors:

• Peanut butter and guava jelly
• Rainbow shave ice
• Kona coffee
• Miso almond
• Mochi - a must! Made with fresh mochi from Nisshodo in Kalihi.

Choco le‘a Soft Cream
Soft Cream is newer addition to their offerings, and a very welcome one! I always felt that Manoa was missing an ice cream shop, and am happy Choco le‘a fills that gap. Their soft cream is made with Hokkaido milk powder from Japan and is super creamy and soft.

It comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavors, or you can get a swirl. Add chocolate drizzle and sprinkles for no extra charge.

Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruits
These little bags of dark chocolate dipped fruits are wonderful. Substantial, meaty pieces of dried local fruit like mango and pineapple are simply dipped in chocolate. There are about 5-6 pieces in each bag so it makes a good treat for one or a small gift.

I remember they used to make dark chocolate dipped jabong (pomelo), fingers crossed that will come back one day!

Classic (and Reverse) Crunch a le‘a
Oh how I love this crunch! The bits and bobs are so good for snacking and you'll be surprised by how quickly you can finish an 8 ounce bag heheh. It's like a grown up version of rocky road meets rice krispie treats.

The Classic Crunch a le‘a has a combo of white chocolate, peanut butter, puffed rice cereal, marshmallows, toasted mac nuts, dark chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle.

The Reverse Crunch a le‘a is the same thing but with the dark chocolate and white chocolate switching places. They're both delicious but I like the Reverse Crunch more, it's slightly less sweet and I'm definitely a dark chocolate person.

Seasonal Treats
Keep an eye out for seasonal treats! Right now they're making a fun S'mores Sports Ball for summer. Chocolate ganache is combined with layers of marshmallow cream, mini marshmallows, and graham crackers. It's all dipped in dark chocolate. Super cute and tasty.

Insider Tips

• There's a private parking lot but it's small and not that easy to get in and out of. However there is plenty of good street parking to be found (including right in front of the store).
• If you want to enjoy your drinks / soft cream / chocolate right away, there are some outdoor tables with seating. It can get pretty sunny or rainy in Manoa depending on the day, so just plan ahead.
• They always have little samples of popular items like the Crunch a le‘a.
• Same day order ahead is available online.

P.S. If you're into local chocolate make sure to check out the most popular Hawaii chocolate brands ^_^

Choco le‘a: Info

• Website: chocolea.com
• 2909 Lowrey Ave, Honolulu, HI 96822
• Instagram: @chocoleahawaii
• Prices (approximate at time of this post): Soft cream $4.99, Iced chocolate drink $7.49, Dark chocolate dipped mango (and pineapple) $5.99, Crunch a le‘a $24.99.