New Kona Brew Pays Tribute to Ocean, Benefits Surfrider Maui

By Maui Now Staff

Kona Brewing Co. will  release Kai Golden Ale, its newest 21st Birthday Makana Series small batch beer, on Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at 5:15 p.m. at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū.

Inspired by Hawai‘i’s waters, the new brew is made with desalinated seawater collected from 3,000 feet below the Kona Coast. The desalinated seawater is full of minerals that give the ale a light, crisp finish.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter, a nonprofit that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

Kai Golden Ale is the third small batch beer in the Makana Series, Kona Brewing’s campaign to say mahalo to the people of Hawai‘i for their support over the last 21 years. A portion of the proceeds from each limited edition beer in the series—each inspired by Hawaii’s natural elements—goes to one of four Hawai‘i-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to restoring and preserving Hawai‘i’s natural resources.

As a lead up to the launch, Kona Brewing will team up with the Surfrider Foundation for a pau hana beach cleanup at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, at Pā‘ia Bay. The public is invited to attend. More information is available on the Maui Surfrider website.

The Maui Tropical Plantation launch party features Danni Girl Piilani Arias, GoMega and The Green. General admission concert tickets are $21. For ticket locations, visit the Kona Brewing website.

For every pint of beer sold, $1 will be donated to the Maui Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

The golden-hued ale (4% ABV) will be available only in Hawai‘i. It will be available on-draft only for approximately three months, or until supply runs out, at about 30 bars, restaurants, and both Kona Brewing pubs in Honolulu and Kona beginning Aug. 8.

Due to limited supply, the series will not be available at the growler station or for dock sales at the Kona brewery or Koko Marina pub. A list of locations selling Kai Golden Ale can be found using the Find Beer tab on the Kona Brewing website.

For more information, call (808) 334-BREW or go online.