The Visionary Behind Salon du Chocolat Hawaiʻi

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Corinne's journey began with a simple piece of fine chocolate. Introduced to Japanese noir chocolate by her father at age five, she developed an early appreciation for cacao and the artistry behind it. 

Her interest deepened while studying botany in college, where she explored one of Hawaiʻi's earliest cacao pods and became fascinated by the crop's potential in the islands.

As a former five-term Hawaiʻi State Representative, Corinne became one of the earliest advocates for cacao as a diversified agricultural crop. She supported legislation, industry initiatives, and statewide collaboration efforts that helped lay the groundwork for Hawaiʻi's growing cacao and chocolate sector.

She also helped organize the first Hawaii Chocolate Festival in 2011 and championed the recognition of Hawaiian-Grown Cacao Month.  She also helped organize the first Hawaii Chocolate Festival and championed recognition of Hawaiian-grown cacao, helping lay the foundation for the industry that exists today. 

 Corinne's passion for cacao extends beyond Hawaiʻi. A formative journey to Peru deepened her appreciation for cacao's cultural heritage and global significance. For more than two decades, she has followed the international chocolate industry and built relationships within the worldwide chocolate community.

In 2024, she attended Salon du Chocolat in Paris to explore the possibility of bringing the renowned event to Hawaiʻi.

 Today, through Cacao Now Hawaiʻi, Corinne continues her mission to elevate Hawaiian-grown cacao on the global stage. In partnership with the Hawaii Chocolate and Cacao Association (HCCA), she is leading the inaugural Salon du Chocolat Hawaiʻi—bringing the world's premier chocolate event to the islands and creating new opportunities for growers, makers, educators, businesses, and future generations.