Aloha,

When I first set out to create Kapena Tequila, I wanted more than just another bottle on the shelf. I wanted to capture the spirit of Hawai‘i—the aloha, the adventure, the melting pot of different cultures, the sense of voyaging and discovery, and bring it together with one of the world’s most celebrated traditions: tequila.

Kapena means Captain in Hawaiian, and to me, it’s a reminder of the voyagers who crossed oceans and discovered thousands of islands guided only by the stars, winds, and waves. Passed down through song and story, generations of voyaging prowess evolved through a kinship with nature.  That spirit of exploration is at the heart of this brand. We’ve taken Mexico’s finest 100% Blue Weber agave and infused it with flavors iconic to Hawai‘i, like Li Hing Mui (the salty-sweet dried plum beloved across the islands) and Hawaiian Chili Peppers. The result is something entirely new: ultra premium tequila infused with Hawaii flavors..

And it’s resonating. Kapena has already medaled in global competitions from San Francisco to Las Vegas, proving our quality belongs alongside the very best. We’ve built traction in retail across Hawai‘i, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, and our hospitality partners keep reordering. Every time I see a group raise a glass of Kapena, I’m reminded that this is more than tequila—it’s a cultural bridge, connecting people and traditions from across the Pacific.

But this is just the beginning. The tequila market is booming. It has overtaken whiskey and is poised to overtake vodka as the number one selling spirit in the US.  The tequila category is projected to nearly double in size by 2030. Consumers everywhere are seeking authenticity, innovation, and craft—and Kapena stands alone in a category hungry for something new. With the right partners, we’re ready to scale across the U.S. and beyond, from North America to the Asia-Pacific markets where li hing mui is already a familiar flavor.

Mahalo for believing in our vision. Together, we can make Kapena a household name and a brand that truly honors both Hawai‘i and Mexico.

Mucho Mahalos,

Michael Goto

Founder, Kapena Tequila