KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – Kona Brewing Company, Hawaii’s longest-running and favorite craft brewer, celebrates a 25-year Liquid Aloha legacy this year. Founded by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, the company broke ground on its original brewery and pub in Kailua-Kona in February 1994 with a focus on creating uniquely tropical brews that reflect the Hawaiian culture and spirit of Aloha. Kona Brewing Co. has remained steadfastly committed to its founders’ vision as it has grown to become the number one selling craft beer in Hawaii and expanded into all 50 states nationally and 30 countries worldwide.
This year, Kona Brewing Co. will commemorate its 25th anniversary milestone with a year-long celebration to share the spirit of Aloha with more consumers than ever before. As part of the celebrations, Kona will be expanding on its giving program to increase support with long-time local philanthropic partners in Hawaii and begin new partnerships with community organizations across the U.S. Additionally, Kona will open its brand new brewery just steps away from its current Big Island location this year, increasing production 10-fold and making Kona one of the most sustainable breweries in the world. And finally, to mark its 25-year milestone, Kona will release a special Hibiscus Brut IPA, initially as an exclusive anniversary beer in Hawaii and then later on the U.S. mainland.
“Kona Brewing Co. has always been committed to family, or Ohana,” said Kona Brewing Co. senior director of brand marketing Cindy Wang. “We were welcomed with open arms to the Kailua-Kona region 25 years ago when we had nothing but a vision and a deep love of the Islands. Throughout our growth, giving back to our home market has always been integral to our DNA, and now, after 25 years, we are proud to expand on that legacy and share the spirit of Aloha with more people than ever before.”
Kona Brewing Co.’s 25th anniversary celebrations include:
25 Years of Giving Back
Kona Brewing Co. supports hundreds of Hawaii-based causes each year and contributes over $120,000 annually to non-profit organizations that work to protect the local culture and environment. As part of its silver anniversary celebrations this year, the company will make an additional $25,000 contribution to its long-time partner, Ke Kai Ala Foundation, a Hawaii-based charity that supports youth, the environment and cultural programs. Additionally, this year, Kona Brewing Co. will expand its giving program to support new communities across the U.S. mainland, including a nationwide Meals on Wheels Van Tour.
The New Kona Brewery
Kona Brewing Co.’s largest undertaking, both in size and scale, is a new state-of-the-art 30,000 square-foot brewery, located just steps away from the original brewery in Kailua-Kona. Kona Brewing Co. invested more than $20 million to ensure it is one of the most efficient and sustainable breweries in the world. The new brewery will boost Kona’s production capacity to 100,000 barrels per year, while innovative water-saving technology and solar-plus-battery power will dramatically reduce the environmental impact of brewing beer on an Island with limited resources. When open, the new brewery will create additional employment opportunities and allow Kona Brewing Co. to begin expanding its current brewpub to serve more visitors.
Hibiscus Brut IPA
Kona Brewing Co. will launch a special Hibiscus Brut IPA to toast its silver anniversary – an 8.2 percent ABV dry IPA with hibiscus and hop-based hints of gooseberry and melon. The fruit-forward anniversary beer will be available in draught throughout Hawaii, beginning with Kona’s anniversary in February and will launch nationwide in September 2019.
“In making our anniversary brew, we wanted to create something as special and distinctive as our Island home,” said Ryan McVeigh, innovation brewmaster at Kona Brewing Co. “With our Hibiscus Brut IPA we’ve accomplished just that. Gorgeous with a light rose hue, the brew is clean and dry with added Nelson Sauvin and Hallertau Blanc hops that complement the vinous character of the style. It’s the perfect beer to celebrate not only our anniversary, but any occasion!”
National Celebrations
Kona will be bringing its 25th anniversary celebrations to the mainland and reaching more consumers than ever this year, launching limited-edition gear, artwork and merchandise that reflect the brand’s commitment to the Aloha Spirit. Additionally, the company will launch its first-ever on-package sweepstakes program, giving fans an opportunity to win a chance to visit Kona’s home in Hawaii.
“Some of our greatest memories over the past 25 years have been when consumers, who may or may not have had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, are introduced to the Aloha Spirit through our beer,” said Wang. “Being able to share the spirit of Hawaii and remind more people of the countless reasons we love our home is why we continue to do what we do. We can’t wait for another 25 years of brewing Liquid Aloha and celebrating what matters most with our ever-expanding Ohana.”
To learn more about Kona Brewing Company, visit konabrewingco.com, follow @konabrewingco on Twitter and Instagram and check out youtube.com/konabrewingco.
About Kona Brewing Company
Celebrating its 25th year, Kona Brewing Company was started in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, who had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit, passion and quality. Today, Kona is Hawaii’s longest-running and favorite craft brewery, known for top-selling flagship beers Big Wave Golden Ale and Longboard Island Lager and innovative small-batch beers brewed exclusively on and for the Islands. From the beginning, Kona has remained committed to brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality closest to market, which helps to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing shipping of raw materials, finished beer and packaging materials. In 2019, Kona Brewing Co. will open a brand new 100,000-square foot brewery steps away from its original brewery and pub. Built with the latest innovations in technology and resource efficiency, the new brewery will be one of the most environmentally sustainable brewers in the world. Kona Brewing Co. has become one of the top craft beer brands in the world, while remaining steadfastly committed to its home through ongoing investments in environmental sustainability and its Makana community giving programs. As part of Craft Brew Alliance, an independent craft brewing company that brews and distributes a variety of award-winning craft beer and cider brands, Kona is available in all 50 U.S. states and 30 countries worldwide. For more information call 808-334-BREW (2739) or visit KonaBrewingCo.com. Talk with us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @KonaBrewingCo.