KAPOLEI, Hawaii — Jason Momoa, the 44-year-old Hawaii-born star of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which will release in theaters Friday, was back home in West Oahu Wednesday to promote his vodka brand Meili, as well as his sustainable water brand, Mananalu.

Dedicated Momoa fans were lining up in front of Foodland Farms at Ka Makana Ali‘i and waiting all night despite the unrelenting rains; some as long as 11 hours.

Matthew Tabios of Makakilo was in the coveted No. 1 spot, having waited since 1 a.m.

“I wanted to be the first in line … to see Jason Momoa! This is going to be my first time. I’m always excited to meet famous people who are from Hawaii,” said Tabios. “And he’s one of the top ones that I want to meet.”

Though Momoa has played some spine-tingling characters on the screen (Khal Drogo anyone?), he seems like nothing but a teddy bear (be it 6’4”) in real life. As he took time to greet each local aunty and uncle. He gingerly shared his lei with those who needed some for a photo, gave bear hugs, thoughtfully listened to fans’ comments and compliments, and seemed to sincerely enjoy each moment with his local ohana.

Momoa is in town to launch his new eight-time award-winning American-made vodka, Meili, which he created with his longtime friend and Meili co-founder, Blaine Halverson.

An ocean activist, Momoa is also launching a limited-edition “Aquaman” bottle for his sustainable water brand Mananalu to celebrate the upcoming release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

Both Maili and Mananalu are available at Foodland and Safeway.

Fans will get a second chance to see Momoa at Safeway Kapahulu on Friday, Dec. 20 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Nuy Cho is the executive producer of Spectrum News Hawaii. Read more of her stories here.