Ho‘omau Maker: Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Company

Poni Askew, a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Wahiawā, is the co-founder of Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Company, a small-batch vinegar brewery that transforms off-grade island produce into bright, tropical vinegars inspired by Hawai‘i’s bounty. Alongside her husband, Brandon Askew, an award-winning vinegar brewer, she leads a mission rooted in sustainability and local sourcing. Each bottle celebrates the flavors and food systems that make Hawai‘i unique. A lifelong entrepreneur and community builder, Poni’s work uplifts local farmers, honors place, and inspires connection — one vibrant, handcrafted vinegar at a time.

Hawaiian Vinegar Company’s Banana Vinegar is made with fresh Nam Wah bananas sourced from Lokoea farms on the island of Oahu. This vinegar has a subtle tones of banana that will take your taste buds on a tropical journey.

To create this delicious vinegar, we start with the freshest Nam Wah bananas, picked at the peak of ripeness from our trusted local farmers at Lokoea. We then slowly ferment the bananas first into wine and then age for nine months before fermenting them into vinegar, using a careful double fermentation process to preserve the delicate flavors and nutrients of the fruit.

The result is a vibrant and flavorful vinegar that is perfect for adding a touch of tartness to your favorite dishes. Use it as a dressing for salads, a marinade for meats, or a sauce for grilled vegetables – the possibilities are endless.