Kona Brewing Hawaii and Hawaii Ulu Cooperative Celebrate Local Agriculture with New Ulu Lager

Limited-release beer showcases Hawaiʻi-grown breadfruit while supporting local farmers and sustainable food systems.

Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi, an independently owned and locally based brewery, is proud to once again partner with the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative to brew ʻUlu Lager, a limited-release collaboration celebrating one of Hawaiʻi's most resilient and culturally significant crops. Crafted with locally sourced ʻulu flour from the Cooperative, the beer brings together Hawaiʻi's brewing and agricultural communities in a refreshing lager that highlights the versatility and sustainability of breadfruit.

Light-bodied and crisp with subtle malt character, ʻUlu Lager is a traditional lager with a distinctly local twist. Brewed using ʻulu flour produced from Hawaiʻi-grown breadfruit, the beer reflects Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi's ongoing commitment to sourcing local ingredients and supporting Hawaiʻi's farmers. The beer is 5% ABV and 17 IBUs, making it an easy-drinking lager perfect for life in the islands.

"Collaborating with the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative gave us the opportunity to brew a beer that tells a uniquely Hawaiʻi story," said [Vince Morenza, Head Brewer], Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi. "ʻUlu has nourished island communities for generations, and we're excited to showcase its potential in a beer that celebrates local agriculture, sustainability, and craftsmanship."

ʻUlu, also known as breadfruit, is a nutritious staple crop that has sustained communities throughout the Pacific for centuries. As a perennial tree crop, it produces fruit year after year without needing to be replanted, making it one of Hawaiʻi's most sustainable food resources. Through its work with farmers across the islands, the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative helps strengthen local food systems by creating markets for Hawaiʻi-grown ʻulu and expanding opportunities for value-added products like ʻulu flour.

"Every partnership that introduces more people to ʻulu helps build awareness of its importance to Hawaiʻi's food future," said [Dana Shapiro, CEO], Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative. "We're excited to work with Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi on a collaboration that supports local growers while sharing the story of this incredible crop with a new audience."

Designed to pair with island favorites including kalua pork, fresh fish, grilled vegetables, and pizza, ʻUlu Lager offers a clean, approachable profile while showcasing the subtle contribution of locally sourced ʻulu flour.

ʻUlu Lager will be available starting Friday, September 4th for a limited time at Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi's Pubs on Oʻahu and in Kona, as well as at select accounts across the state, while supplies last.

Don't Miss the ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa Edible Showcase 
To celebrate this collaboration, Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative invite the community to the ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa Edible Showcase on Wednesday, September 23rd, where guests can enjoy ʻUlu Lager alongside an incredible lineup of ʻulu-inspired dishes created by Hawaiʻi chefs, producers, and food innovators.

The Edible Showcase is part of the 2026 ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa (Breadfruit Celebration), a week-long event that brings together farmers, chefs, researchers, educators, and community members to celebrate the cultural significance, sustainability, and future of ʻulu in Hawaiʻi. Join us on Wednesday, September 23rd to raise a glass of ʻUlu Lager and celebrate this special collaboration.

For event details and tickets, visit: 2026 ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa (Breadfruit Celebration)
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Celebrate the Collaboration with Limited-Edition Merchandise
In addition to the beer, exclusive collaboration merchandise, including a limited-edition T-shirt and hat, will be available for purchase at the ʻUlu Hoʻolauleʻa Edible Showcase, through the
Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi online store, and at Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi's Pubs on Oʻahu and in Kona while supplies last.

A portion of proceeds from the collaboration merchandise will benefit Hawaiʻi ʻulu farmers, helping support local growers and a more resilient food system in Hawaiʻi.

About Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi
Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi is an independently owned and locally based craft brewery brewing exclusively for the Hawaiʻi market. Since 1994, the brewery has been committed to creating beers inspired by the islands while supporting local communities, agriculture, and Hawaiʻi's vibrant craft beer culture.

About Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC) is a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to revitalizing ʻulu (breadfruit) as a viable crop and dietary staple. Representing more than 230 family farmers across Hawaiʻi, HUC is working together to provide high-quality, nutritious, sustainable local foods while strengthening food security and mālama ʻāina. Farmer owned, ʻāina grown.