Brewers Association Recognizes Kona Brewing Hawai‘i as an Independent Craft Brewer

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 Hawai‘i as an independent craft brewery, celebrating an important milestone for one of Hawai‘i's pioneering breweries and the state's thriving craft beer community.

Kona Brewing Hawai‘i is an independently owned company that brews exclusively for the Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i's status as a locally operated, independent brewery exclusively serving the State of Hawai‘i and authorizes the brewery to display the Independent Craft Brewer Seal—one specifically designed for the Hawai‘i market only—on Kona Brewing Hawai‘i products and materials in Hawai‘i.

"The Brewers Association is excited to welcome Kona Brewing Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i'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 Hawai‘i. "This recognition gives us the opportunity to clearly tell our story. Kona Brewing Hawai‘i is a locally based, independently owned brewery, brewing great beer that’s only for Hawai‘i. Every beer we brew stays here in Hawai‘i. 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i welcomes guests to experience Liquid Aloha at its two brewpubs: the original Kona Pub in Kailua-Kona and the Hawai‘i Kai Pub on O‘ahu. 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 Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i."

"Kona Brewing's story is intertwined with the story of craft beer in Hawai‘i," 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."