Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages announced it has added three new athlete investors and “impact partners” as it continues to expand its roster of sports figures backing the Hawai‘i-based brand.
The company announced that Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant have invested in Waiākea, joining a broader group of athlete investors that includes MLB star Aaron Judge, NFL defensive standout Myles Garrett, and NBA veteran Klay Thompson, among others.
Waiākea positioned the partnerships as mission-aligned investments tied to its sustainability and community initiatives, citing the company’s focus on “Mālama i ka ‘Āina” and its “Live Aloha” values. The brand also pointed to recent recognition as one of the highest-scoring Certified B Corporations in the beverage and water categories.
McMillan, who is from Waimānalo, Hawai‘i, was described by the company as a standout entering the 2025 NFL season after being selected eighth overall in the draft and finishing his college career as the University of Arizona’s all-time receiving leader. Williams was described as a two-time MLB All-Star and former National League Rookie of the Year who recently signed with the Mets. Grant was highlighted as a 12-year NBA veteran, a 2021 Most Improved Player finalist, and a 2020 Olympic gold medalist.
Beyond the newly announced investors, Waiākea said its existing athlete impact partners also include Marcus Mariota, Shane Victorino, Kolten Wong, Kirby Yates, Taylor Crabb, Coco Ho, and Jocelyn Alo.
Founded in 2012 in Hilo, Waiākea operates as a public benefit corporation and sells Hawaiian volcanic water and coffee products. The company said it distributes through thousands of retail locations in Hawai‘i and the continental U.S., including national chains. Waiākea also emphasized its long-running packaging initiative, noting it was an early U.S. adopter of 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, and described its water as naturally filtered through volcanic rock, resulting in an alkaline, electrolyte-rich profile. Through its nonprofit foundation, the Kōkua Initiative, Waiākea said its programming has impacted more than 495,000 people in Hawai‘i.
KEY QUOTES:
“Waiākea represents the pride of Hawai’i and the power of doing things the right way. Investing in a brand that puts culture and purpose first means a lot to me. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of what’s ahead.”
Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers rookie and Waiākea investor
“I am excited to join the Waiākea team and be part of such an amazing brand. They have built something special, and I am proud to support their continued growth.”
Devin Williams, New York Mets pitcher and Waiākea investor
“Before I met the team and learned what the Waiākea company was all about, I was already a big fan of their water. As I have gotten to know the team better, it’s clear that their focus on family, their philanthropic core, and care for the environment make them the perfect partner for me. I’m so excited to be a part of this company and community.”
Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers forward and Waiākea investor
“We are incredibly proud to welcome T-MAC, Devin, and Jerami to the Waiākea ‘ohana. We are not only partnering with the best in their respective sports, but also working with impact leaders who truly believe in our mission and community impact.”
Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO, Waiākea
