Grab a seat on our back porch and stay a while!
Hawaiian Brewing will offer the perfect combination of a hospitable kitchen and brewery that rotates fresh, handcrafted beers on tap. Our culinary & brewing teams will bring years of experience to the big island of Hawaii.
Our iconic Hawaiian Brewing property will be completed in Kailua-Kona in 2026. The property will have a brewery, 2 restaurants and bars, beer garden and ice cream shop. With over 15+ acres of manicured and illuminated landscaping, Hawaiian Brewing will provide the perfect setting for family fun, reunions, weddings and more.
We hope to be the place where some of your best laughs, celebrations and heart-to-heart conversations are made with your friends and family.
Family will be at the center of everything we do at Hawaiian Brewing. We hope to always support our local communities and organizations with a steadfast commitment to giving back.
Meet The Team
Brian and Brian have been best friends since they were four years old. From the early days of bussing tables at Lokelanis at the Maui Marriott, to managing kitchens, they’ve worked in nearly every role the restaurant industry has to offer, gaining invaluable skills and insights along the way. Their combined experience in culinary arts and brewing is not just about making great food, drinks and beer; it's about creating memorable experiences that embody the aloha spirit—a genuine warmth and kindness that defines the Big Island of Hawaii.
Beyond the kitchen and brewery, Brian and Brian's dedication to the community is just as strong. They actively support local initiatives, whether it’s partnering with food banks, sponsoring events, or volunteering with organizations that improve the lives of residents. For them, business is more than just serving customers—it’s about giving back to the place that has given them so much.
Driven by their love for both hospitality and their hometown, Brian and Brian are committed to being a lasting presence in the vibrant Kailua-Kona community. Their vision is not just to build a business but to create a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can feel at home, enjoying the tastes, stories, and traditions that make Hawaiian Brewing so special.
Brian Sumner
Executive Chef
Chef Brian Sumner brings the flavors of the mainland to the islands with a laid-back, friendly approach. Originally from Menlo Park, CA, Brian’s culinary journey began 37 years ago in the Bay Area, where he honed his skills across various kitchens before making his way to the beautiful Lake Tahoe region in 1996.
Brian has cooked for iconic spots like The Lone Eagle Grille and Spindleshanks, and even led the banquet team at The Chateau in Incline Village, Nevada. Most recently, he served as the Executive Chef at Zephyr Lodge at Northstar California Resort, crafting hearty dishes that perfectly suited the high-altitude atmosphere.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Brian loves to explore the islands through scuba diving, fishing for fresh Kona coast catches, and volunteering to teach cooking skills to the local community. Of course, he’s also a fan of relaxing with a cold beer on the sand, embracing the true aloha spirit of Hawaii.
Brian Nelson
Brian comes from a family of brewers.
His Great-Grandparents, the Von Böegershausens, owned a small brewery in Germany for many decades. His Uncle, Martin Kelly, was the President & CEO of Pyramid Brewing Company & Vice President of Miller Brewing Company.
Brian's Great Uncle Robert C. Gadsby was Vice President of Anheuser-Busch, Inc. until his death in the late 1960s. He reported directly to August Anheuser "Gussie" Busch Jr. for over 29 years and started his career as an assistant brewer at Anheuser-Busch after receiving his brewing degree from Siebel Institute of Technology.
Moving forward, Brian hopes to make Hawaiian Brewing a success and serve his local community in Kailua-Kona and Hawaii.
