Kona Brewing Company Plans Re-Launch of Makana Series

Kona Brewing Company courtesy photo.

Kona Brewing Company first released its Hawai’i-only Makana Series in 2015, and now, the company has decided to do it again.

The company will brew another set of four craft beers, and like last year, each will represent one of the four natural elements and be made with local ingredients.

In 2015, Kona Brewing sold thousands of pints of the specialty brews, raising $57,662 for four non-profit organizations in Hawai’i.

“The Makana Series was a wonderful way to honor and help protect our aina, raise funds locally, and treat customers to one-of-a-kind craft beers available nowhere else but in Hawai’i. We’re thrilled to be bringing it back,” said Sandi Shriver, head of brewing operations.

Originally, Kona Brewing began its Makana series, which means to give, in celebration of the company’s 21^st birthday and as a thank you to supporters. The series was developed around ingredients representing the natural forces earth/aina, wind/makani, fire/wela, and water/kai.

Four organizations benefitted from the year-long campaign, including Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i with the Aina Brown Ale, Malama Maunalua with the Wela Red Ale, Surfrider Foundation Hawai’i with the Kai Golden Ale, and Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative with the Makani Wheat Ale.

Now in 2016, Kona Brewing will once again kick off the series with the Aina Brown Ale, which will once again benefit the Sustainable Coastlines Foundation Hawai’i. The brew is earthy with a caramel complexity. Kalo added to the mash provides a distinct flavor.

The brew will be available on draft for three months, or until the supply runs out at the Kona and Honolulu Brewing pubs and at 30 bars and restaurants across the state.