When you think of Hawaii, what comes to mind? Lush landscapes, rolling waves, volcanoes, and a culture deeply rooted in respect for nature. But hidden in that paradise is something many people don’t realize: Hawaii also gives us one of the world’s most unique waters—Waiākea. Today, we’re spotlighting this volcanic treasure and unpacking why it’s not just a beverage but an experience of place, purity, and purpose.
The Story Behind Waiākea
Waiākea was founded in 2012 by Ryan Emmons, who, while spending time in Hawaii, saw an opportunity to share the islands’ pristine natural resource with the world, but in a way that respected both the environment and the local community. Unlike most bottled waters, Waiākea isn’t just about hydration it’s about sustainability and social responsibility.
The name “Waiākea” itself reflects that commitment. In Hawaiian, wai means water, and ākea means broad or expansive. Together, it captures the idea of life, giving water in abundance, a concept tied closely to Hawaiian culture and respect for nature.
What makes Waiākea truly special is its source: snowmelt and rain filtered through thousands of feet of porous volcanic rock on Mauna Loa, one of the largest volcanoes on Earth. That natural filtration process enriches the water with minerals, giving it both a silky-smooth taste and remarkable health benefits.
The Mineral Content That Matters
As water sommeliers (yes, that’s a thing!), we look at more than just taste. We look at Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, and mineral balance. Waiākea has a TDS of around 82, which puts it in the “light” mineral category—perfect for everyday drinking. But what makes it stand out are the unique volcanic minerals.
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Silica (30 mg/L): Silica is often called the “beauty mineral” because it supports hair, skin, and nail health. Many customers tell me that once they switch to silica-rich waters, they notice real changes.
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Calcium (6 mg/L) & Magnesium (6 mg/L): These are essential for bone strength and muscle function. Magnesium, especially, supports hydration at the cellular level.
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Potassium (3 mg/L): A vital electrolyte that helps regulate muscle contractions and fluid balance.
And then there’s its pH of ~8.2, making it naturally alkaline. While the alkaline water “trend” can sometimes feel gimmicky, Waiākea’s alkalinity isn’t manufactured—it’s a result of nature. That distinction matters.
Why Should We Drink Waiākea?
We’re surrounded by endless water choices, but most aren’t single-source, natural, or even particularly healthy. Waiākea delivers on all three fronts. Here’s why it deserves space in your hydration routine:
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Sustainability First: Waiākea was the first U.S. bottled water brand to use 100% rPET bottles (recycled plastic), reducing carbon emissions by up to 90%. They’ve also invested in a reforestation initiative and run their entire operation on renewable energy.
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Social Responsibility: For every liter sold, Waiākea donates a week’s supply of clean water to communities in Africa through its partnership with Pump Aid. Your hydration ripples across the globe.
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Taste and Feel: Smooth, light, with a slightly sweet finish—that’s how many describe Waiākea. It’s the kind of water you can drink all day without feeling heavy.
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Health Benefits: The balance of silica, calcium, magnesium, and potassium makes Waiākea ideal for skin health, athletic recovery, and overall hydration.
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Connection to Place: Drinking Waiākea is like drinking Hawaii itself, volcanic, pure, and alive with energy.
How I, the Waterlady, Enjoy Waiākea
On my table, Waiākea is my “everyday luxury.” It’s the water I’ll grab in the morning before my first meeting or sip during an afternoon reset. I love pairing it with tropical fruits, pineapple, mango, papaya, because it feels like the flavors and minerals are meant to be together.
And yes, sometimes I’ll just hold the bottle and admire the way it connects me to a volcano thousands of miles away. That’s the joy of fine water, it tells a story with every sip.
Closing Thoughts
So, why Waiākea? Because it’s more than hydration, it’s a philosophy. It respects its source, uplifts communities, and nourishes our bodies with minerals straight from Mauna Loa. If you’ve never tried it, consider this your invitation.
You can grab Waiākea by the bottle or case at www.salaciousdrinks.com—and trust me, this is one Hawaiian souvenir you won’t regret.
