NA`AU

"Guts: of the heart and mind"

Ingredients I’ve learned about through hunting, fishing, foraging, and cultivating is utilized in my cuisine.

The cuisine and dining experience offered at Na`au gives our team members the opportunity to share a part of themselves to our guests.  The aspiration is for our guests to leave with a truly authentic, cultural experience, as well as a better understanding of what makes Hawai`i so special.

MISSION

Na`au will showcase coveted, wild, and overlooked local ingredients to preserve Hawai`i’s food culture, progress the local cuisine, and perpetuate our culinary heritage in Hawai`i, while providing guests with an authentic, cultural experience, bringing global awareness to Hawai`i’s cuisine, and educating the public.

About Chef Brian Hirata

Born and raised in Hawai`i, Chef Brian grew up hunting, fishing, farming, and foraging in the islands, and developed a respect for the outdoors.  He graduated from the Culinary Arts Program at Hawai`i Community College, and gained valuable experience and an expert set of skills as the Sous Chef at The Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong and as a Culinary Instructor at Hawai`i Community College.

"I believe that when you lose a part of your heritage, you tend to struggle with moving forward thoughtfully because you don’t have a good understanding of where you came from in the first place.  I think we lost this food connection, in a sense, and I want to see if we can find a way back to it - not for financial gain, but to better understand our roots and progress the local cuisine in a more conscientious fashion, while presenting a more authentic view of ourselves. " 

Chef Brian is also available for private chef and speaking engagements.  Email guestrelations@naauhilo.com for inquiries.