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.