Waiakea Water Review: Volcanic Source, pH, Minerals, Pricing and Alternatives
Waiakea is a Hawaiian volcanic water sourced from a snowmelt and rainwater aquifer on the eastern side of Mauna Loa on the Big Island. It is one of the few mainstream waters marketed both as naturally alkaline and naturally mineral-rich.
The brand sells still and sparkling water in PET, aluminum cans and a fully degradable bottle format, and donates a portion of every purchase to clean-water projects through Pump Aid.
This review covers Waiakea's source, mineral profile, pH, packaging, sustainability program, pricing and where it fits versus other alkaline and volcanic waters.
How we scored it
Weighted across the seven factors published in our scoring methodology. Overall = weighted sum of factor scores ÷ 100.
| Factor | Score | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste / drinking experience | 4 / 5 | 20% | 0.8 |
| Source transparency | 5 / 5 | 20% | 1.0 |
| Mineral data availability | 4 / 5 | 15% | 0.6 |
| Packaging options | 4 / 5 | 10% | 0.4 |
| Availability | 4 / 5 | 10% | 0.4 |
| Price / value | 3 / 5 | 15% | 0.5 |
| Environmental disclosure | 4 / 5 | 10% | 0.4 |
| Overall | 100% | 4.1 / 5 |
Taste scores reflect comparative editorial analysis of published mineral profiles, carbonation levels and consumer reception — not laboratory or blind taste testing conducted by BotledWater. All other factors are scored from published product information, brand documentation and regulatory filings. Source and mineral analysis verified from Waiākea published product information (Kea'au, Hawaii).
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Water type | Still and sparkling volcanic water |
| Brand origin | Hilo, Hawaii |
| Source | Mauna Loa aquifer, filtered through volcanic rock |
| Total dissolved solids | Approximately 102 mg/L |
| pH | Approximately 8.2 (naturally alkaline) |
| Silica | Approximately 30 mg/L |
| Packaging | PET, fully degradable bottles and aluminum cans |
| Best for | Naturally alkaline hydration with a sustainability-led story |
Source
Waiakea is sourced from a protected aquifer on Mauna Loa. Rain and snowmelt filter through roughly 14,000 feet of porous volcanic basalt before being bottled near Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The volcanic rock contributes the brand's signature silica content and its naturally alkaline pH.
Mineral Profile
| Mineral / Measurement | Approximate amount per liter |
|---|---|
| Calcium | 10 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 3 mg/L |
| Sodium | 9 mg/L |
| Potassium | 5 mg/L |
| Silica | 30 mg/L |
| Bicarbonate | 57 mg/L |
| Total dissolved solids | 102 mg/L |
| pH | 8.2 |
pH Level
Waiakea is naturally alkaline at roughly pH 8.2, achieved through contact with volcanic rock rather than ionization. This places it alongside Icelandic Glacial and Mountain Valley among genuinely naturally alkaline mainstream waters.
Sustainability and Packaging
Waiakea was an early mover in fully degradable PET and now sells in aluminum cans for sustainability-conscious shoppers. The brand donates 650 liters of clean water for every liter sold through its partnership with Pump Aid.
Taste
Smooth and slightly silky from the silica content, with a clean alkaline finish. Mineral content is low to moderate, which keeps the taste light rather than mineral-forward.
Pros
- Genuinely naturally alkaline (pH ≈ 8.2).
- Notable silica content for a mainstream water.
- Strong sustainability program including degradable bottles and aluminum cans.
- Clean-water donation model via Pump Aid.
- Smooth, light taste suited to everyday drinking.
Cons
- Long-haul shipping from Hawaii adds carbon cost.
- Moderate TDS — not a high-mineral water like Gerolsteiner.
- Premium pricing.
- Limited availability outside the US compared with global brands.
Available Sizes & Pricing
Common pack formats sold for this brand and where each one fits. Prices are indicative tiers, not live retail prices — check the retailer for current pricing.
| Product type | Pricing position | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| PET still bottles | Premium | Everyday alkaline hydration |
| Degradable bottles | Premium | Sustainability-focused shoppers |
| Aluminum cans | Premium | Plastic-free on-the-go |
| Sparkling cans | Premium | Bars and events |
Similar Alternatives
Bottled waters with a comparable profile, in case this brand isn't available or isn't the right fit.
| Alternative | Choose it instead when… |
|---|---|
| Icelandic Glacial | You want another naturally alkaline volcanic-style water. |
| Mountain Valley | You want American spring water with glass packaging. |
| Essentia | You want a much higher alkaline pH from ionization. |
| FIJI Water | You want high silica content with a softer mouthfeel. |
| Liquid Death | You want a sustainability-led canned water with a bolder identity. |
Where to Buy
Best price online: prices change daily — open the retailer to see today's live price, available sizes and shipping.
Disclosure: BotledWater may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial standards or product comparisons. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability can change. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Final Verdict
Waiakea is one of the most credible naturally alkaline waters on the US market, with a real volcanic source and a meaningful sustainability program. Shipping from Hawaii is a fair criticism, but on water quality and brand integrity it earns its premium price.
