A Brief History of the Big Island’s Favorite Local Grocery Chain
Our final stop on the Hawaii Sustainable Agriculture Project was KTA Super Store. If you've been to the Big Island of Hawaii (or Hawaii Island), odds are you are very familiar with the island's popular local grocery store chain. Headquartered in Hilo, KTA Super Stores is the largest network of supermarkets on Hawaii's Big Island. The family-owned grocery chain has been serving the island for more than a century. Their stores strongly support the concept of selling Hawaii grown food. Added to this are the Hawaiian values of lokahi, or working together, and the Japanese value of kaizen, or striving for improvement. Together, these values are reflected in the KTA Mountain Apple brand of local foods.
Over 1,500 years ago, the mountain apple was one of the 24 plants brought to Hawaii by the Polynesian voyagers. Like taro, coconut, breadfruit, and banana, the mountain apple was fundamental for the survival of ancient Hawaiians. The following are some of the locally grown foods sold at the KTA: Meyer lemon, papaya, argula, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, strawberries, herbs, cucumbers, kabocha pumpkin, watermelon, tangerine, and cilantro.
By the Numbers
1916 - Year when KTA Super Stores started.
5 - Number of chain stores in Hawaii.
800 People employed by KTA Super Stores.
1979 - Year when they became the first supermarket in Hawaii to use UPC barcode scanners.
500 - Square footage of the original store.
Humble Beginnings
KTA Super Stores began in 1916 as a modest 500-square-foot grocery and dry goods store, founded by Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi. The name itself tells a story of practicality and differentiation—the "K" and "T" honored the founders' initials, while the "A" was added to distinguish their venture from other stores using similar letter combinations. What started as a small operation serving sugar plantation workers in Hilo would eventually grow into the island's most significant grocery presence.
The early decades were not without challenges. The original KTA store was destroyed in the devastating 1946 tsunami that followed the Aleutian Islands earthquake, a natural disaster that reshaped much of Hilo's waterfront. Yet the Taniguchi family's determination to serve their community proved stronger than the forces of nature, and they rebuilt, continuing their mission to provide essential goods to Big Island residents.
Island-Wide Growth
From its single-store origins, KTA has methodically expanded across Hawaii's largest island. The company has grown into a seven-store chain, strategically positioned to serve residents throughout Hawaii Island. This expansion reflects not just business acumen but a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing island communities, where geographic isolation and limited competition can make access to quality groceries a genuine concern.
Today, KTA Super Stores boasts the largest network of supermarkets on the Big Island, with locations spanning from Hilo on the eastern shore to Kona on the western coast. Each store serves as more than just a retail outlet; they function as community gathering places where neighbors meet, local products find shelf space, and the aloha spirit is practiced daily.
Local Ownership, Local Values
What distinguishes KTA from mainland grocery chains is its unwavering commitment to local ownership and community values. As a homegrown, locally owned family grocery chain, KTA has proudly served Hawaii Island for over 100 years. This longevity speaks to something deeper than business success—it represents a covenant with the community that has supported the Taniguchi family's vision across four generations.
The company's philosophy, rooted in its founders' original vision, emphasizes humble service to the community. This approach manifests in various ways, from supporting local farmers and producers to maintaining competitive prices despite the inherent challenges of island logistics. KTA understands that in a place where shipping costs can dramatically inflate grocery prices, maintaining affordability isn't just good business—it's a community service.
Modern Challenges, Traditional Values
Operating a grocery chain in Hawaii presents unique challenges that mainland competitors rarely face. Everything from fresh produce to packaged goods must be shipped across thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean, creating logistical complexities and cost pressures that require careful management. Yet KTA has navigated these challenges while maintaining its commitment to serving island residents with quality products and competitive prices.
The company has also adapted to changing consumer preferences, incorporating modern amenities and services while preserving the personal touch that has defined the KTA experience for over a century. From prepared foods that reflect Hawaii's multicultural culinary landscape to support for local agriculture, KTA continues evolving while honoring its roots.
A Living Legacy
As KTA Superstores approaches its second century of operation, it stands as a remarkable example of how immigrant entrepreneurship, community commitment, and adaptability can create lasting value. In an era where corporate consolidation often erases local character, KTA remains a beacon of what's possible when businesses truly embed themselves in the communities they serve.
For residents of Hawaii's Big Island, KTA is more than a place to buy groceries—it's a symbol of local pride, a supporter of community initiatives, and a reminder that some values transcend the bottom line. As the Taniguchi family's legacy continues into its fourth generation, KTA Superstores remains committed to the simple yet profound mission that began in 1916: humbly serving the people of their island community.
