The Original Donkey Ball Store on Postcard

"Donkey Ball Store This is a worthwhile quick stop for anyone who enjoys chocolate or innuendo and is passing through Kainaliu on the west coast of Hawaii Island (around eight miles south of Kailua-Kona, just before Captain Cook). They specialize in donkey balls, which are macadamia nuts covered in thick milk chocolate. Actually, they have a whole menagerie of balls beyond donkey: boar, goat, monkey, dolphin.... Whether you want milk, dark, or white chocolate, coconut flakes or a salty caramel crunch, or just candied mac nuts without the chocolate, there's something for you. It's all made on-site, and the smut doesn't stop with the names: You'll be asked if you "want a sack for your balls," too. Whatever you choose, they'll make a great gift... if they last that long. (If you'd rather save the balls for a special occasion, Rebel Kitchen is just a couple yards away.) By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

Where to Shop on the Island of Hawaii

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@afar

"Donkey Ball Store This is a worthwhile quick stop for anyone who enjoys chocolate or innuendo and is passing through Kainaliu on the west coast of Hawaii Island (around eight miles south of Kailua-Kona, just before Captain Cook). They specialize in donkey balls, which are macadamia nuts covered in thick milk chocolate. Actually, they have a whole menagerie of balls beyond donkey: boar, goat, monkey, dolphin.... Whether you want milk, dark, or white chocolate, coconut flakes or a salty caramel crunch, or just candied mac nuts without the chocolate, there's something for you. It's all made on-site, and the smut doesn't stop with the names: You'll be asked if you "want a sack for your balls," too. Whatever you choose, they'll make a great gift... if they last that long. (If you'd rather save the balls for a special occasion, Rebel Kitchen is just a couple yards away.) By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Contributor"

Souvenirs and Big Island Art

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Janet Gutierrez

Google

It has taken me almost a month to write this, but I didn't feel good about not sharing my experience at Donkey Balls. I bought a latte at Donkey Balls Kainali during the Mele Kalikimaka town stroll and the latte that they sold me was made with spoiled (cow's) milk. I thought it tasted off, so I asked my husband (poor guy) to try it and he literally had a chunk of curdled milk on his upper lip after taking a sip. I went back inside and explained the situation. I didn't get an apology or offer of refund, but she did offer to make me another one with a different kind of milk. To be fair, I wonder if she had ever made lattes before as she attempted to steam my second cup in the cup. That was new to me and I'm not a barista, so I didn't question the process (it wasn't good, but it wasn't spoiled, so there's that). With all the great coffee shops (Kaya's, Puna Chocolate, and So'K) in town, there's no reason to sacrifice.

Eddie Tsai

Google

Customer service 10/10 Value for money 10/10 Quality of experience 9/10 The main disappointment is the factory (which would have been allowing a tour) is not open. Here you are guaranteed the some of the finest production of local Cacao and Coffee (which is not open too when I visit) Notice because of covid the shop has seriously cut down its man power. Right now it is having a hard time recruiting and reopening. I tested two different types of "balls" with champagne as company, very impressed. The visit to Donkeys Ball will both be tasty and historic. A very enriched experience should the factory was open. The operating manager did her best showing us the history and what would have been like while we checked out.

Mark Smith

Google

We see the chocolate for sale all across the island but like to visit the factory to get it at its source. You can see where they make the chocolate as well as a small store where they carry most varieties + shirts. Good place to visit if you like chocolate!

Rebekah Diaz

Google

Went here off the recommendation of our tour guide app. Cute, small store & the staff were super attentive and funny. Making jokes on the whole “donkey balls.” It was great and cute stop!

Debra Davidson

Google

There was very little product, it was much more expensive that other near by places. We saw a coupon and a free totebag if you spent $35, they didn't have the bags either..

Rachel Royer Denzer

Google

Chocolate shop that can’t stop and won’t stop! The staff is super friendly and quick to give you a sample of any ball you want. I would recommend the Salty balls or any of their hot sauces. Just brace yourself for every ball joke ever invented 😬

Geoff Fiedler

Google

Silliest selection of every kind of chocolate combination, rolled into a sphere. Classic macnut in dark or milk, with salt, coffee, and cocoa dusted varieties. The perfect take-home gift with a sense of humor. Not cheap. $15 for a small sack, but the novelty, great taste, and the authentic artisanal creations are well worth the price. Located in the heart of the Kona coffee growing area, this is a super convenient spot with interesting shops and restaurants. While you're there, be sure to go next door and try the local honey (it's delicious, local, and a bargain)

tim arnold

Google

What an amazing sweet. Handmade, so many different flavors. The lady in the small shop is very friendly, devoted to the products and has nice stories to tell. Be aware that this is the only place to buy the originals! There are many bad copies around. Definitely stop by and get some!

Janet Gutierrez

Google

It has taken me almost a month to write this, but I didn't feel good about not sharing my experience at Donkey Balls. I bought a latte at Donkey Balls Kainali during the Mele Kalikimaka town stroll and the latte that they sold me was made with spoiled (cow's) milk. I thought it tasted off, so I asked my husband (poor guy) to try it and he literally had a chunk of curdled milk on his upper lip after taking a sip. I went back inside and explained the situation. I didn't get an apology or offer of refund, but she did offer to make me another one with a different kind of milk. To be fair, I wonder if she had ever made lattes before as she attempted to steam my second cup in the cup. That was new to me and I'm not a barista, so I didn't question the process (it wasn't good, but it wasn't spoiled, so there's that). With all the great coffee shops (Kaya's, Puna Chocolate, and So'K) in town, there's no reason to sacrifice.

Eddie Tsai

Google

Customer service 10/10 Value for money 10/10 Quality of experience 9/10 The main disappointment is the factory (which would have been allowing a tour) is not open. Here you are guaranteed the some of the finest production of local Cacao and Coffee (which is not open too when I visit) Notice because of covid the shop has seriously cut down its man power. Right now it is having a hard time recruiting and reopening. I tested two different types of "balls" with champagne as company, very impressed. The visit to Donkeys Ball will both be tasty and historic. A very enriched experience should the factory was open. The operating manager did her best showing us the history and what would have been like while we checked out.

Mark Smith

Google

We see the chocolate for sale all across the island but like to visit the factory to get it at its source. You can see where they make the chocolate as well as a small store where they carry most varieties + shirts. Good place to visit if you like chocolate!

Rebekah Diaz

Google

Went here off the recommendation of our tour guide app. Cute, small store & the staff were super attentive and funny. Making jokes on the whole “donkey balls.” It was great and cute stop!

Debra Davidson

Google

There was very little product, it was much more expensive that other near by places. We saw a coupon and a free totebag if you spent $35, they didn't have the bags either..

Rachel Royer Denzer

Google

Chocolate shop that can’t stop and won’t stop! The staff is super friendly and quick to give you a sample of any ball you want. I would recommend the Salty balls or any of their hot sauces. Just brace yourself for every ball joke ever invented 😬

Geoff Fiedler

Google

Silliest selection of every kind of chocolate combination, rolled into a sphere. Classic macnut in dark or milk, with salt, coffee, and cocoa dusted varieties. The perfect take-home gift with a sense of humor. Not cheap. $15 for a small sack, but the novelty, great taste, and the authentic artisanal creations are well worth the price. Located in the heart of the Kona coffee growing area, this is a super convenient spot with interesting shops and restaurants. While you're there, be sure to go next door and try the local honey (it's delicious, local, and a bargain)

tim arnold

Google

What an amazing sweet. Handmade, so many different flavors. The lady in the small shop is very friendly, devoted to the products and has nice stories to tell. Be aware that this is the only place to buy the originals! There are many bad copies around. Definitely stop by and get some!

The Original Donkey Ball Store

The Original Donkey Ball Store

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Highlights

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