BOULDER, Colo. The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting and protecting America's small and independent craft brewers, is proud to recognize Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi as an independent craft brewery, celebrating an important milestone for one of Hawaiʻi's pioneering breweries and the state's thriving craft beer community.
Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is an independently owned company that brews exclusively for the Hawaiʻi market. While the Kona Big Wave brand sold throughout the continental United States is owned and operated separately as part of Anheuser-Busch's portfolio. The two businesses share the Kona name and heritage but operate independently with separate ownership, leadership, employees, and brewing operations.
The recognition affirms Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi's status as a locally-operated, independent brewery exclusively serving the State of Hawaiʻi and authorizes the brewery to display the Independent Craft Brewer Seal, one specifically designed for the Hawaiʻi market only, on Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi products and materials in Hawaiʻi.
"The Brewers Association is excited to welcome Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi as an independent craft brewery," said Sarah Billiu, Vice President of Membership at the Brewers Association. "For more than 30 years, Kona Brewing has helped define craft beer in Hawaiʻi through quality brewing, community leadership, and a deep commitment to the islands. We're proud to recognize the brewery's independent ownership and the important role it continues to play in Hawaiʻi's craft brewing community."
"For years, many consumers understandably assumed every beer bearing the Kona name came from the same company," said Katie Lefsrud, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi. "This recognition gives us the opportunity to clearly tell our story. Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is a locally-based, independently-owned brewery, brewing great beer that’s only for Hawaiʻi. Every beer we brew stays here in Hawaiʻi. We’re humbled to help local jobs, local communities, and share our beer with locals and visitors in this special place we call home.”
Since 1994, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi has helped pioneer the state's craft beer industry and today supports more than 200 local jobs while partnering with more than 100 charitable organizations and community events each year. Beyond the brewery, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi welcomes guests to experience Liquid Aloha at its two brewpubs: the original Kona Pub in Kailua-Kona and the Hawaiʻi Kai Pub on Oʻahu. Both locations feature locally brewed craft beer, island-inspired cuisine, live entertainment, and the warm hospitality that has made Kona Brewing a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
With independent breweries facing increasing economic pressures nationwide, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi encourages residents and visitors alike to drink local and look for the Independent Craft Brewer Seal when shopping for beer.
"When you support local craft beer, you're doing so much more than filling your cooler," Lefsrud added. "You're investing in local businesses, local families, and the future of craft brewing in Hawaiʻi."
"Kona Brewing's story is intertwined with the story of craft beer in Hawaiʻi," Billiu added. "The brewery has helped build awareness of locally brewed beer and continues to demonstrate what independent craft brewing can accomplish through authenticity, quality, and community connection."
To celebrate its renewed recognition as an Independent Craft Brewer, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi will mark International Beer Day on Friday, August 7th, with special offers and live music at both its Kona Pub and Hawaiʻi Kai Pub.
Beer lovers can stay up to date on upcoming events, new beer releases, and exclusive offers by following @konabrewinghawaii on Instagram or signing up for the brewery's newsletter at konabrewinghawaii.com.
Kona Brewing Timeline
1994: Kona Brewing is founded in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, helping launch the state's modern craft beer movement.
1994 to Present: The brewery grows into one of Hawaiʻi's most recognized craft brewers while continuing to brew locally and serve island communities.
2015: Kona Brewing Co. was absorbed by Craft Beer Alliance, the Portland-based craft brewing portfolio
Brand Evolution: The Kona brand distributed throughout the continental United States becomes part of Anheuser-Busch's portfolio through a separate ownership structure.
2019: Anheuser-Busch bought remaining shares of Craft Beer Alliance.
2020: Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi separated from Anheuser-Busch, forming its own independent company. Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is owned by PV Brewing, a private equity firm.
Today: Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi operates as an independently owned Hawaiʻi business, brewing exclusively for the Hawaiʻi market and earning recognition from the Brewers Association as an Independent Craft Brewer. Its headquarters and brewing operations are still located in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island where the brewery began in 1994.
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