‘It’s our community that has made us who we are today’: KTA Super Stores marks 110th anniversary

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

The Big Island grocery chain was founded by Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi as a 500-square-foot grocery and dry goods store serving boats in Waiākea Town, now the Banyan Drive area, at Hilo Bay in what was a bustling wharf town at the time.

Sugar boomed as an industry, and where today there is asphalt and 4-wheeled vehicles, railroad tracks and steam engines reigned commercial transportation in the early 20th century. Wooden storefronts ringed Hilo Bay, beckoning ship crews from Hilo Wharf to come in, stretch their legs and stock up on goods.

KTA, however, has always been focused on serving the local community. Koichi Taniguchi took grocery orders from Hilo families during the early days, delivering their purchases by bicycle.

What began as a small neighborhood store serving family and friends eventually grew into KTA Super Stores, which still serves the community with a smile.

Japanese philosophies of on and giri — gratitude and a sense of duty toward those who came before us — forever guide the Taniguchi family’s values and the way they operate, with a focus on serving the community rather than the bottom line.

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

“Celebrating 110 years is a special milestone for KTA, but most of all, it’s a time to say mahalo,” said KTA Super Stores President and Chief Executive Officer Toby Taniguchi. “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.”

He added his family founded and operated island grocery chain is truly grateful for its customers’ 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,” Taniguchi said. “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 always has been an important driver for this home-grown business.

KTA and the Taniguchi ‘ohana 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, which is dedicated to ending hunger, and helped found Community First Hawai’i, where Toby Taniguchi serves on the board.

KTA continued to grow, evolve and innovate throughout the past 110 years 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.

KTA parent company Puna Plantations also builds on KTA’s history of growth and support for local food production, acquiring K Takata Store 2 years ago and further strengthening KTA’s connection to the island’s agricultural and business communities.

It furthermore gave new life to a beloved grocery store that serves the North Kohala community.

KTA now serves communities around Hawaiʻi Island at 7 locations. The locally-owned grocer as it looks ahead remains focused on staying rooted on the island and in its diverse cultures, listening to customers’ needs while continuing to evolve in meaningful ways to serve the people and families who call the island home.

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