Kona Big Wave and King’s Hawaiian Deliver an Instantaneous Escape to Paradise with Taste The Aloha Experience

Kona and King’s Hawaiian create an immersive NY bodega pop-up experience and bring fans across the country closer to paradise with multisensory tasting opportunities and limited-edition merch

NEW YORK, NY— September 9– Kona Big Wave, the refreshing island-style premium beer, and King’s Hawaiian, known for its irresistibly soft, sweet breads and rolls, are teaming up to deliver the quickest possible escape to the island—no plane ticket required. Together, the two iconic brands, both founded in Hawaii, are transporting consumers to an island state of mind through a series of immersive experiences, including transforming a traditional New York City bodega into a paradise oasis, hosting nationwide sampling events and debuting exclusive Taste the Aloha kits.


According to a recent survey, 79% of Americans have never been to Hawaii. And while one in five Americans will ever physically travel to Hawaii, Kona Big Wave and King’s Hawaiian are bringing the aloha spirit to thousands of consumers, starting with an uninterrupted escape to paradise right in the heart of New York. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 18, the brands will transform New Yorkers’ everyday trip to the bodega into an immersive tropical marketplace, offering a vibrant taste of aloha in the midst of their busy day.

The Taste the Aloha bodega is open to consumers in New York from September 18 through September 19 at 320 W 14th St. New York, NY 10014, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET. Once inside, attendees can reset and recharge with a multi-sensory experience, featuring: 

Specialty curated eats by acclaimed Hawaiian Executive Chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, featuring a King’s Hawaiian-inspired menu paired with ice-cold Kona Big Wave

Relaxing sounds of Hawaiian music and immersive tropical flowers, fruits, and island-inspired signage 
Branded merch and photo-worthy backdrops capturing the spirit of aloha
“Since 2021, Kona Big Wave has proudly partnered with King’s Hawaiian to share the aloha spirit with our fans by celebrating connection, authenticity and community,” said Chris Jones, VP of Marketing for Premium Brands at Anheuser-Busch. “This bodega and our national sampling tour create unique ways for consumers to recharge and get on island time during their busy days, even if it’s just for a brief moment.”

Executive Chefs, Co-Owners Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr‑Ueoka are the husband-and-wife culinary duo behind one of Honolulu’s acclaimed culinary destinations. Renowned for their vibrant, island-inspired cuisine, they are bringing this heritage and expertise to the bodega experience with a uniquely crafted and exclusive menu that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of King’s Hawaiian with the refreshing taste of Kona Big Wave. Menu items available at the Taste the Aloha bodega include: Kona Big Wave Beer Chicken (King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, 5 Spice Mole), Panzanella Salad (Pipikaula (Hawaiian Style Smoked Beef), Tomato Poke, King’s Hawaiian Soft Pretzel Bites), Crab Toast (Garlic Crab, King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Chips), and Mochi Crusted King’s Hawaiian Haupia Sweet Bread Pudding (Pineapple Relish, Coconut Ice Cream). 

“At King’s Hawaiian, we believe in slowing down to gather with the people you love over a delicious meal — but in today’s busy world, that’s easier said than done,” said Raouf Moussa, Chief Marketing Officer at King’s Hawaiian. “That’s why we’re teaming up with Kona Big Wave, a fellow Hawaiian brand that shares our Aloha spirit, to bring people across the country experiences that help them carve out that much-needed time for themselves.”
Kona and King’s Hawaiian are also providing fans 21+ nationwide the opportunity to get a taste of paradise directly from home. Starting Tuesday, September 9, the limited-edition Taste the Aloha Pack will be available for purchase on ShopBeerGear.com, available while supplies last. The kit will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of Taste the Aloha Bodega essentials, such as a scented candle and beer & bites holder, along with a co-branded Kona Big Wave and King’s Hawaiian hat and t-shirt. 

Immersive sampling experiences featuring both brands will also take place at national retailers across the United States this Fall where consumers will be guided through a unique tasting experience of King’s Hawaiian pretzel bites & dip, paired with a refreshing, ice cold Kona Big Wave. 

Learn more about the Taste the Aloha bodega takeover by visiting konabigwave.com or following @KonaBigWave on Instagram and X. 
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About Kona Big Wave 
Founded under the golden sun of the Big Island of Hawaii in 1994, Kona Big Wave embraces the aloha spirit while spreading its foundations of balance, respect for nature, authenticity, and building community with your ohana. Today, the easy-drinking, island-style premium beer brings the aloha across the mainland U.S. and more than 30 countries globally. For more information visit konabigwave.com, and follow @KonaBigWave on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer and the nation’s top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. 

About King’s Hawaiian

Founded 75 years ago in Hilo, Hawaii, by Robert R. Taira, KING’S HAWAIIAN is a family-owned business that has been dedicated to providing Hawaii-inspired foods made with original recipes and Aloha Spirit for three generations. KING’S HAWAIIAN makes the #1 branded roll in the United States, along with other irresistible products that inspire joyous food experiences people can’t resist being a part of, including slider buns, hamburger buns, soft pretzel bites and more.

The soft and fluffy texture and perfect touch of sweetness of KING’S HAWAIIAN bread add even more fun and excitement to occasions big and small, including everyday meals and snacking, bringing loved ones together. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.KingsHawaiian.com, or find KING’S HAWAIIAN on Facebook, Instagram and X.