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The integrated campaign is Kona Brewing’s largest advertising investment in its two-decade history and launches today, on the mainland, on TV, radio, billboards and online. The “Dear Mainland” spots feature two Hawaiian brothers commenting on “common mainlander customs,” such as multi-tasking and the brevity of happy hour, while inviting viewers to take a breath.
“Building on more than a decade of robust sales and distribution in 40 states, we’re incredibly excited to further increase awareness for Kona Brewing among the rapidly growing US audience for craft beers,” said Brand Manager Aaron Marion. “The ‘Dear Mainland’ campaign truly captures the unique Hawaiian spirit of Kona Brewing and, in a fun way, delivers our message that reconnecting with family, friends and community is what truly matters.”
The campaign promotes the Kona Brewing brand and two core beers, Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale. To ensure it captured Hawaii’s distinct cultural perspective, the spots were shot on location on the Big Island with a local cast.
“Hawaii has a different sense of time, a different set of priorities,” said executive creative Director Parker Channon, whose family has lived in the islands for 30 years. “Our campaign encourages overworked mainlanders to take a more Hawaiian approach when it comes to work/life balance. And sharing a good beer with those that matter most is a fine place to start.”
Added creative director Anne Elisco-Lemme, “It’s like the new tagline says, ‘One life, right? Don’t blow it.’”
Kona Brewing Company was started in the spring of 1994 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa. It is the islands’ first and largest craft brewery and is headquartered where it began, in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii.
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