Pacific Biodiesel proves recycled cooking oil can save the planet. Started in 1995 at Maui’s landfill, this scrappy company now churns out 6 million gallons annually, employs 100 locals, and has slashed carbon emissions by 1.5 billion pounds. Celebrating 30 years as America’s longest-running biodiesel producer, they’ve earned their own holiday—”Pacific Biodiesel Day.” Now expanding into agriculture and culinary oils, they’re not just making fuel; they’re crafting Hawaii’s sustainable future.
Churning out clean, green fuel for thirty years straight, Pacific Biodiesel is marking a milestone that most businesses can only dream of. Founded in 1995 by Bob and Kelly King on Maui, this homegrown operation started with a simple idea: take used cooking oil destined for landfills and turn it into something useful. Something revolutionary. They built America’s first retail biodiesel pump. Not in California. Not in New York. In Maui, Hawaii, of all places.
From humble Hawaiian beginnings to revolutionary fuel pioneer—Pacific Biodiesel transforms waste into wonder right from paradise.
From humble beginnings at the Central Maui Landfill, Pacific Biodiesel has exploded into a powerhouse. They’ve built over a dozen refineries worldwide and now produce 6 million gallons annually. Every drop stays in Hawaii. Every. Single. Drop. Nearly 100 local residents have jobs because of it. Not bad for a company that started by recycling restaurant grease.
The environmental impact? Staggering. They’ve slashed carbon emissions by 1.5 billion pounds. Billion. With a ‘B’. Their fuel burns cleaner than petroleum diesel, supporting Hawaii’s ambitious goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045. Sure, other companies talk about sustainability. These folks live it. The Kings first became inspired during the 1970s oil embargo, when vegetable oil was used as an alternative fuel source.
They’re not just fuel producers anymore. Pacific Biodiesel has branched into agriculture, growing sunflowers on Maui and recently expanding to Kauai. Culinary oils, food products – they’re creating a circular economy while boosting Hawaii’s food security. Multi-tasking at its finest.
The accolades keep coming. The governor proclaimed March 18, 2025, as “Pacific Biodiesel Day.” They’ll be honored with a special proclamation presentation by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke at the State Capitol. They’re the longest-operating biodiesel producer in America and the only commercial liquid biofuel producer in Hawaii for three decades running.
Looking ahead, they’re aiming to nearly triple production to 16 million gallons by 2040, using 100% local feedstock. Unlike some biomass energy sources that face questions about carbon neutrality, Pacific Biodiesel’s process of recycling waste oil avoids many of the environmental concerns associated with other biofuels. Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? Not for a company that turned kitchen waste into an energy revolution.
Thirty years. One island state. Countless barrels of used cooking oil. Pacific Biodiesel isn’t just celebrating a birthday – they’re showcasing a blueprint for how local businesses can fight climate change. One fryer at a time.
