Kona was founded in 1988 by Dan Gerhard and Jacob Heilbron, with roots in Vancouver and a headquarters in Ferndale, Washington. From the early days of the Kona Kilauea to the modern Process, it has built a reputation for tough, sensible, ride-anywhere bikes.

The brand is best known for the Process trail and enduro range and the much-loved Honzo hardtail, alongside adventure and drop-bar bikes like the Unit and Sutra. After a rocky spell under corporate ownership, Kona returned to its founders in 2024.