A shipment of the new Kona Brewing cans arrived on my desk this week.
There’s just one problem… they don’t exist yet.
Which is a shame, considering I designed them.
Speculative concept by Art Director Samira Ghadban
So I designed them — a concept beer inspired by Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs and the idea of mālama kai, to care for and protect the ocean.
Understanding the Brand:
Kona Brewing is known for bright island storytelling and iconic illustrated cans inspired by Hawaiʻi’s landscapes and culture.
In Hawaiian culture, it’s a sacred belief: you don’t touch the turtles—you admire them from afar.
Protecting coral reefs and choosing reef-safe practices is part of preserving Hawaii’s natural beauty.
I wanted to design and collab a beer & new reef safe sunscreen that tells this story.
To expand the concept into beach culture, the project introduces a reef-conscious SPF sunscreen — reinforcing the connection between enjoying the ocean and protecting it.
INSIGHT
Hawai‘i’s coral reefs are dying from warming seas and harmful chemicals, threatening marine life and the culture tied to them.
For Kona Brewing Co., whose beers celebrate the islands’ land and sea, protecting the reef means preserving the spirit that inspires every brew.
IDEA
Kona Brewing Co. protects what inspires it. By designing a reef-safe SPF, we extend our values of caring for the land and giving back to the sea.
Every sip of Málama Kai becomes a reminder to enjoy Hawai‘i’s beauty while helping preserve it.
What if Kona celebrated not just the island above the water — but the world beneath it?
BTS