Kona Brewing Co., located on the big island of Hawaii, is expanding its distribution early next year into Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Missouri, the company announced today.

“This is a bit of uncharted territory for us but we are genuinely stoked to be bringing Liquid Aloha to the many craft beer lovers in our country’s interior,” Kona President Mattson Davis said in a prepared statement. “We appreciate the love for ohana (family) that Midwesterners have. In Hawaii, we have similar values of family and friendship and we look forward to finally sharing some warmth and a taste of Hawaii with more of our fans, especially during these cold winter months in the Midwest.” 

With the expanded distribution, Kona will now be available in 35 states. The beer is expected to arrive in Ohio in mid-January. Kona’s flagship Longboard Island Lager will be available in bottles and on draft year-round. Big Wave Golden Ale, Fire Rock Pale Ale and seasonals beginning in the spring with Koko Brown Ale also will be available.