Hawaii’s Kuleana Rum Works has grown an incredible 84%
Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Federico Hernandez
According to Nielsen, Kuleana Rum Works, an award-winning additive-free rum from the Island of Hawai’i, has grown an incredible 84% year-over-year, far outpacing the top rum brands in the U.S.
Calypso Rum gained 10% with 29% national distribution, while Diplomático Rum only rose 1% with 27% distribution. Both brands had over $5 million in yearly retail sales. Kuleana Rum Works, on the other hand, grew by 84%, with only 1% of its sales going to stores around the country. This shows not only how well the company is doing now but also how much promise it has for the future.
Steve Jefferson, the founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works, said, “We’re getting results that big brands aren’t.”” And most people haven’t even seen us on a shelf yet. We’re just starting to use the potential.
Kuleana Rum Works makes ultra-premium rums without any additives using fresh-pressed kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane) that is grown and distilled in Kohala, Hawai’i. As more and more people want to know what’s in their spirits and how good they are, Kuleana’s dedication to purity and authenticity shows that ethical rum can compete and even lead on the national stage.
