Kona Big Wave 6Pk Cans

Kona Big Wave 6Pk Cans is a six-pack of 12 oz cans of Kona Brewing Co.’s flagship golden ale, brewed at 4.4% ABV. Winner of the World’s Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards, Big Wave stands out in the American craft ale category through its use of lightly roasted honey malt and a proprietary hop blend that channels genuine Hawaiian brewing character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.4% | Origin: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA | Style: Golden Ale | Brewery: Kona Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Kona Brewing Co. was founded in 1994 in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island and is now part of the Anheuser-Busch portfolio. Big Wave Golden Ale is built on a grain bill featuring lightly roasted honey malt and caramel malt, balanced by a special blend of hops designed to deliver brightness without aggressive bitterness. Water mineral levels at each production facility are adjusted to replicate the profile of fresh Hawaiian water, ensuring consistency regardless of where the beer is packaged a detail that sets the brand apart from mainland competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light tropical fruit leads the nose, followed by gentle grain sweetness and a whisper of toasted honey. A faint citrus hop note rounds out the bouquet without overpowering the malt backbone.

Taste: The entry is smooth and lightly sweet, with pineapple and ripe tropical fruit surfacing early. Mid-palate, toasted grain and honey malt provide soft body, while the hop blend introduces a clean, measured bitterness that keeps the beer from drifting into cloying territory.

Finish: Short to medium in length, crisp and dry with a lingering echo of golden malt. A subtle citrus note stays behind just long enough to prompt another sip.

How to Drink Big Wave

Big Wave is at its best served cold around 3845F straight from the can or poured into a pilsner glass to showcase its golden color and delicate head. Its 4.4% ABV and light body also make it a versatile cocktail ingredient. Try a Big Wave Shandy by mixing equal parts ale and fresh lemonade for a beach-friendly sipper. A Michelada works well here because the ale’s mild sweetness balances tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce without fighting for attention. For a simple twist, a Beer Margarita blending the ale with frozen margarita mix lets the tropical fruit notes play up the citrus.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and poolside cookouts where sessionability matters
• Introducing craft beer to friends who typically drink light lagers
• Pairing with grilled seafood at a casual dinner gathering
• Stocking the cooler for a beach day or tailgate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Big Wave taste like? Big Wave Golden Ale is smooth and lightly sweet with tropical fruit and pineapple notes up front, balanced by toasted honey malt and a gentle hop bitterness that keeps the finish crisp and clean.

How does Big Wave compare to Stella Artois? Both sit within the Anheuser-Busch premium portfolio, but Big Wave is a golden ale with pronounced honey malt sweetness and tropical fruit character, while Stella Artois is a Euro pale lager with a more herbaceous, grainy, and drier profile. Big Wave registers at 4.4% ABV versus Stella’s 5.0%, making it the lighter session option of the two.

Is Big Wave good for beginners? Its low bitterness, approachable 4.4% ABV, and smooth tropical-fruit character make Big Wave one of the most beginner-friendly craft ales on the market. It bridges the gap between mass-market light lagers and more hop-forward craft styles.

Where is Big Wave made? Big Wave is brewed by Kona Brewing Co., headquartered in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. The brewery adjusts water mineral levels at all its production facilities to replicate the fresh water profile found in Hawaii.

What foods pair well with Big Wave? Grilled mahi-mahi benefits from the ale’s tropical fruit notes complementing the fish’s mild sweetness. Poke bowls work naturally, as the crisp carbonation cuts through the richness of soy-marinated tuna. Teriyaki chicken gains contrast from the honey malt sweetness. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the beer’s own fruit character. Light coconut-based curries pair well because the ale’s gentle bitterness refreshes the palate between bites.

What sizes does Big Wave come in? Big Wave is widely available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans, 12-packs of 12 oz cans, and single 19.2 oz stovepipe cans, as well as on draft and in bottles in select markets.

Is Big Wave worth the price? Big Wave positions as an accessible, everyday craft golden ale priced in line with other premium domestic craft six-packs. Its 2019 World Beer Awards gold and broad availability make it a strong value within the golden ale category.

Why Big Wave?

Big Wave earned the title of World’s Best International Lager at the 2019 World Beer Awards, a distinction that validates its standing among the best easy-drinking ales globally. The use of lightly roasted honey malt rather than the adjunct grains common in mass-market lagers gives it genuine malt depth without added weight. At 4.4% ABV, it sits squarely in session territory, making it practical for extended occasions without sacrificing flavor. For drinkers looking for a craft golden ale with verifiable Hawaiian brewing roots and award-winning pedigree, Big Wave remains one of the most consistent and widely recognized options in the category.