Kona Brewing

Kona Brewing Company introduced Pacific Golden Ale (now called Big Wave Golden Ale) and Fire Rock Pale Ale to Hawaii in bottles and kegs on February 14, 1995. Longboard Island Lager was added three years later. Approximately 10 other styles of beer are brewed on a regular basis and served at Kona Brewing Company’s pubs with a select few being served at some finer restaurants and markets. These range in color from very blonde to black; in flavor from tangy to hoppy to roasty… and everything in between. Today the three flagship beers are widely distributed throughout Hawaii, making Kona the top selling craft beer in the islands. Longboard Island Lager, Big Wave Golden Ale, Fire Rock Pale Ale and our three Aloha Series beers Koko Brown, Pipeline Porter and Wailua Wheat are distributed in 36 states throughout the United States and 9 countries abroad. Recipes and beer specifications are dictated by Kona Brewing Company’s brewmaster, who oversees each of Kona Brewing Company’s partner breweries as the beer is brewed and packaged. The beer brewed at Kona Brewing Company’s partner breweries utilizes Kona’s hops, malt and proprietary yeast. The water mineral levels at each brewery are adjusted to replicate the water used in Hawaii. A sample of each batch of beer is sent to the Kailua-Kona brewery for sensory evaluation. The brewmaster and quality assurance employees are in daily contact with mainland partner breweries. Kona Brewing Company recognizes the importance of crafting its tasty ales and lagers close to their markets. By brewing the beer close to distribution markets, Kona Brewing Company ensures beer drinkers are receiving the freshest beer. This also enables Kona Brewing Company to minimize its carbon footprint, expending limited resources to deliver quality beer.