Community Honors Eddie Aikau Through Art, Surfing, and Education

Kona Brewing Hawaii partnered with the Eddie Aikau Foundation to unveil a statewide sweepstakes on December 24, 2025 that puts original surf art and cultural celebration at the center of a public engagement effort. The promotion features one of a kind longboards with art and designs created by JT Ojerio, a Native Hawaiian artist from Oahu, and offers entry codes hidden inside select Longboard Lager 12 packs at participating retailers. The sweepstakes is open to anyone age 21 or older and accepts entries through February 28, 2026.

Organizers said the boards were designed as a tribute to Aikau’s skill in the water and to his legacy of courage, service and aloha. In addition to surfboard prizes, the campaign supports the Eddie Aikau Foundation’s work to promote Hawaiian cultural education, including the Eddie Would Go Essay Contest, which includes categories in both English and the Hawaiian language. A community surf event in Kona on the Big Island is planned for 2026, with additional details to be announced in January.

For Kauai residents the promotion extends beyond a chance to win art and gear. The campaign raises visibility for bilingual education and for cultural programs that can improve social cohesion and mental health through shared storytelling and intergenerational participation. Community surf gatherings provide opportunities for physical activity, stress reduction, and informal mentoring between experienced surfers and youth, outcomes that align with public health goals around active living and resilience.

At the same time the structure of a beer product based sweepstakes highlights equity challenges. Limiting entry to those 21 and older excludes younger community members who are often the focus of education and mentorship initiatives, and reliance on retail purchases can restrict access for lower income families. Local organizers and community groups will need to consider complementary free events and youth oriented programming to ensure the legacy of Eddie Aikau reaches a broad and diverse audience.

Entry rules and full details are available on the Kona Brewing sweepstakes page and on the brand’s social media channels. The campaign encourages participants to share stories of courage, service and aloha using the hashtags #EddieWouldGo and #KonaBrewingHawaii.