KTA Super Stores celebrates 110 years

KTA Super Stores is celebrating its 110th anniversary, marking more than a century of serving Hawaiʻi Island and the generations of families and communities who have helped shape the locally-owned and operated company since 1916.

KTA was founded by Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi as a 500-square-foot grocery and dry goods store in Waiākea Town, now the Banyan Drive area of Hilo. At that time, Hilo was a bustling wharf town, serving boats in Hilo Bay. The sugar industry was booming, and where today there is asphalt and four-wheeled vehicles, railroad tracks and steam engines were the dominant mode of commercial transportation in the early 20th century. Wooden storefronts ringed Hilo Bay, beckoning ship crews from the Hilo Wharf to come in to stretch their legs and stock up on goods.

A Focus on Community

KTA, however, has always been focused on serving the local community. In the early days, Koichi took grocery orders from Hilo families and delivered their purchases by bicycle. What began as a small neighborhood store serving family and friends eventually grew into KTA Super Stores, still serving the community with a smile. The Japanese philosophies of on and giri, which mean gratitude and a sense of duty toward those who came before us, have always guided the Taniguchi family’s values and the way that they operate – with a focus on serving the community, rather than the company’s bottom line.

Additionally, the philosophy of okage sama de – “I am who I am because of you” is a fundamental part of their mission. It serves as an expression of gratitude from KTA, acknowledging that without the community, the business wouldn’t have survived for 110 years.

“Celebrating 110 years is a special milestone for KTA, but most of all, it’s a time to say mahalo,” said Toby Taniguchi, President and CEO of KTA Super Stores. “We wouldn’t be here today without the generations of customers, associates, local farmers, producers, and community partners who have supported us along the way. We are truly grateful for their trust and support. My great-grandparents started KTA more than a century ago, but it’s our community that has made us who we are today. We feel fortunate to be part of this community and hope to continue serving it for generations to come.”

From Halloween haunted houses to rural health fairs, serving the community isn’t just about providing an array of wonderful local groceries and goods – it’s about connection. That’s the way it’s always been and always will be.

A desire to be part of the broader community has always been an important driver for this home-grown business. KTA and the Taniguchi ‘ohana have supported dozens of local organizations throughout the years. They also donate to fundraisers, clubs, and events throughout the year. Much of their support is hands on: Barry Taniguchi helped establish The Food Basket, Inc., which is dedicated to ending hunger and helped found Community First Hawai’i, where Toby currently serves on the board. 

Continuing this Legacy

For 110 years, KTA has continued to grow, evolve, and innovate alongside Hawaiʻi Island while remaining committed to its founders’ philosophy of humbly serving the people of its community. While the sugar cane industry dwindled and Hilo Bay transformed from a railroad ringed wharf to what we know today, KTA’s commitment to local agriculture and food security has remained.

Building on its history of growth and support for local food production, KTA’s parent company, Puna Plantations, acquired K Takata Store two years ago, further strengthening KTA’s connection to the island’s agricultural and business communities and giving new life to a beloved grocery store that serves the remote North Kohala community.

Today, KTA serves communities across Hawaiʻi Island at seven locations. As the company looks ahead, KTA remains focused on staying rooted in the island and its diverse cultures, listening to customers’ needs, and continuing to evolve in meaningful ways to serve the people and families who call the island home.

Additional details about KTA’s 110th anniversary will be shared throughout the anniversary celebration at ktasuperstores.com and on KTA’s Instagram and Facebook pages.