Some say that there is no such thing as “ceremonial” cacao, but this is only partly right. Working with the medicine of cacao in ceremony has a long tradition amidst many peoples of Meso America. And in those traditions, there was no “ceremonial” vs “regular” cacao. It was all just cacao. The ceremonies usually centered around fire rather than cacao alone.

In current times, highly processed and adulterated chocolate is a worldwide phenomenon, and much of it is grown and processed using child and slave labor, monocropping, as well as heavy use of pesticides. It has become meaningful to use the word “ceremonial” to denote a different origin story and relationship with cacao trees, beans, and the land.

Ceremonial cacao honors a way of being in reciprocity, intimacy, and care. This changes each step of the process of growing, processing, and consumption. However, as there is no one controlling the use of this term, not all ceremonial cacao will be the same, either in production process, relationship with the makers, or quality/substance.

Cacao is said to have originated in the northern Amazon region, and spread northwards into Meso America. One of the stories of how cacao came to be involves Quetzalcoatl who is said to have stolen the tree from the gods’ paradise and brought it to earth. They asked the earth gods to grow it and rain gods to water it to give humanity a gift of the heart. To remind them of love.

The island of Hawaii called the founders of Cuatro Manos y Cinco Volcanes to come and grow this medicina on its land. To grow in ceremony and to celebrate a cacao that has never seen slavery. With the energy of Pele and creation this cacao has with it the energy of creating from the unknown. Marita, one of the co-founders, is a cacao lineage holder.

This is the medicine that is needed now at this time in the world.

Hawaii represents 1% of the global cacao production in the world and although introduced in the 1800s it was never really a tree that was seen as having commercial value at the time. Growing takes 3 plus years to bear a product so sugarcane and coffee were faster commodities.

Of this 1% Cuatro Manos y Cinco Volcanes represent a smaller portion of this Hawaii diaspora being the only indigenous makers that come from a cacao lineage that follow the old traditions of deep relationship.

The cacao planted on the farm comes from beans that were blessed and brought to the islands as a gift to the King of the islands representing some of the first initial plantings of cacao.

1- Hawaiian cacao represents 1% of the global cacao production and is home to the costliest beans in the world.​​

2- Cuatro Manos y Cinco Volcanes represent 1% of that focusing on REAL ceremonial cacao made by INDIGENOUS people. No other ceremonial cacao coming from Hawai'i is made by indigenous lineage holders.

3- Cuatro Manos y Cinco Volcanes Pay LIVING WAGES. They buy direct from farmers and pay $13-$17 per pound of fermented dried beans which is at least 900% more up to 1600% more than the global average.

4- Made from PASTE not powder.

5- Cuatro Manos y Cinco Volcanes carry on an ancient tradition handed down to us SINCE 1600 BCE

6- Single FARM tree to bar HANDMADE in CEREMONY FOR CEREMONY

7- Proceeds go to land restoration, indigenous elders, growing food for the local community, animal rescue, first nation sovereignty efforts, and subsidizing/free access to teachings for indigenous students.

On average Hawaiian beans and production cost 200%-300% more to grow and make due to higher land prices and cost of goods and labor.

Please consult a doctor before taking.

Heart Rate:
Cacao will naturally raise your heart rate slightly. Please consume accordingly and mindfully.

Blood Pressure:
Epidemiological studies suggest that cacao reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Flavanols found in cocoa have shown to support blood pressure reduction.

Antidepressants:
If you are currently taking SSRI antidepressants and/or anti-psychotics, they might not be compatible with the MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) in cacao. Depending on the dosage, consuming cacao might be ok, as always, if you're taking these types of meds please consult with your doctor.

Pregnant and nursing women:
Please consult physician before taking

Other substances:
Raw cacao contains both serotonin and tryptophan which have positive effects on our mood. Blood flow to the brain is also increased amplifying brain power.

Caffeine:
The caffeine content of cacao varies widely amongst cacao plants and processing, this cacao has shown a very low, to no-caffeine feel.

-Children:
In moderation and of course smaller doses based on their weight is recommended for children.

Pets:
Cacao should NOT be consumed by your pets as it can be deadly. Please keep out of reach from your beloved animals.