The Life in Business: Kadota Liquor and K’s Drive In

Ryan Kadota, third-generation owner of Kadota Liquor and K’s Drive In, grew up in the family business.  “Both Kadota Liquors and K’s Drive In were started in 1964 by my grandparents, Thomas and Kazue Kadota. They were affectionately known as Mr. and Mrs. ‘K’ to most of the community. I personally grew up in Kadota Liquor, it was my first job,” Ryan says.

“After the 1960 tsunami destroyed the Kadota Brothers’ Grocery Store, Thomas and Kazue opened both businesses and both have been Hilo institutions for over 45 years,” he says and describes the store’s customer base as being “as wide and diverse as Hawai‘i itself. ”

Active with the businesses for the majority of his life, Ryan has witnessed changes in the business climates. “At one time there were a number of liquor retailers throughout town. Now we remain the last of the independent liquor stores in Hilo. I like to think of ourselves as the premier liquor purveyor in East Hawai‘i. Our overall selection is vast and one of the best on the island, if not in Hawai‘i. We also take pride in our customer service, whether it’s your first visit or if you’re a regular.”

If you’re unsure about the kinds of liquor or wine you want, the store has lots of expertise. “Our wine buyer has extensive knowledge of wine, sake, beer and spirits, with certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and Sake Service Institute. It is that knowledge and expertise which sets us apart from the national chains,” he says.

Born and raised in Hilo, Ryan Kadota also accumulated extensive knowledge throughout the years. “I would work at Kadota Liquor during my school vacations, often doing supplemental wine purchasing based upon my own research of books and periodicals. I went to college on the mainland and worked there after graduation. Throughout my time in Southern California, I stayed involved in the wine scene as a consumer, cultivating relationships with other retailers as well as producers. My spirits education would at first be self-taught through reading and tasting, then later I would polish that with formal classes. I was in California for almost 20 years until I returned to Hilo in 2010 to the family and Kadota Liquor.”

The Kadota family of businesses includes Kadota Liquor, K’s Drive In & Mr. K’s Recycling and Redemption. “We appreciate the support of the Big Isle community. It has been a privilege to serve you for the past four decades and we look forward to serving your beverage needs going into the future!” Ryan exclaims.

Kadota Liquor and K’s Drive In
194 Hualalai St., Hilo
808.935.1802
Ryan@kadotas.com
www.kadotas.com