Business Monday: Oʻahu-based brewery to open second taproom, restaurant in Volcano

Steve Haumschild loved his job as a ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but thought he could better provide for his family by changing course and tapping into his love of creating beer.

In 2014, he started Lanikai Brewing Co. on Oʻahu, and now he is back on the Big Island, set to open on Friday a second taproom and restaurant near the national park in Volcano Village.

“Since opening Lanikai, I have split my time between Oʻahu and Volcano because I have always loved it here,” Haumschild said of the Big Island, where he lived for 20 years. “There is a powerful mana you feel in this spot, and the community cares about everyone here.”

The Lanikai Taproom and Restaurant, which he calls his satellite location, has taken over the space at 19-4005 Haunani Road formely occupied by now-shuttered ʻŌhelo Cafe. He has some soft launches planned for the community this week before the official opening on Friday.

Volcano is a small, sometimes sleepy town, so Haumschild is making the taproom’s closing time “not too late” at 9 p.m. to mitigate noise and safety concerns.

“We want the people who live here to know that we want to hear their feedback and make sure they know that we want to cater to their needs,” Haumschild said. “I do think we will be offering something Volcano doesn’t have already, so I’m making sure the restaurant does not step on anyone else’s toes.”

Sam Hall, vice president of sales and marketing, said: “Steve is ingrained in the community in Volcano and has spent quite a bit of time creating great working relationships.”

Residents and visitors can look forward to an intimate taproom experience, with indoor and outdoor seating. It will feature exclusive small-batch brews with names such as Party Wave, Board Schwartz and Aloha Friday, and a locally curated menu with special collaborations with local farmers, artists and chefs.

“It feels like every 10 minutes, people pop in to say hi and see how everything is going,” Haumschild said. “The community loved ʻŌhelo Cafe and it left a void up here when they closed. When it was announced that we would be here in this spot, people were really excited about it and very supportive.”

Since opening his first location, Haumschild and brewers have focused on crafting island-inspired beers and spirits that reflect the flavors and culture of the islands. The business is committed to using local, island-grown ingredients to support local agriculture and community initiatives for sustainability.

“Our dream has always been to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s incredible biodiversity through our beers,” Haumschild said. “There’s no better place than Volcano — a place of raw, natural power and beauty — to expand that vision.”

Lanikai develops its flavor profile with the seasons to create a product that aligns with the natural climate changes in Hawaiʻi. When mango season is over, Lanikai will move onto the next seasonal product.

“Tying ourselves to seasonal differences and sourcing food throughout the whole island chain creates a product we are proud of,” Haumschild added.

But Hall added that they would like a majority of the ingredients for the new taproom to come from the Big Island.

“We want to call Kaʻū and Puna farmers for ingredients and open contracts with people close by to support a system of sustainability,” he said.

Lanikai is also one of the only places offering compostable packaging for all of its beer. The packaging breaks down so that any ocean animal can eat it and be unharmed.

Lanikai also will be a place for events and gatherings, especially during Volcano Village’s arts and culture events such as the Artists Hui and the Experience Volcano festival, Hall said.

“We have such a great location and lots of support,” Hall said. “Everyone seems excited to have a consistent restaurant coming and a place to go, grab a drink, and spend time with friends and community members.”

Lanikai Taphouse and Restaurant will open at 11 a.m. for lunch only on July 11, and will then open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The Lanikai Brewing taproom in Kailua has 14 drafts available on the menu, including:

• “Party Wave” — Pilsner ABV 5% IBU 30, Local ingredient: Māmaki
• “Pualani” — Sour Ale ABV 5.5% IBU 6, Local ingredient: Rosehips and hibiscus
• “Pillbox” — Porter ABV 6.5% IBU 45, Local ingredient: Vanilla
• “Moku” — Imperial IPA ABV 8.1% IBU 75, Local ingredient: Pikake
• “Aloha Friday” — Hazy IPA ABV 6.8% IBU 16, Local ingredient: Lilikoi
• “Cheehoo” — IPA ABV 5.9% IBU 55, Local ingredient: Citrus zest
• “Board Schwartz” — Schwarzbier ABV 5.1% IBU 23, Local ingredient: Cacao
• “Zicatela” — Mexican Lager ABV 5.5% IBU 13, Local ingredient: Lime and sea salt
• “Negra Zicatela” — Dark Mexican Lager ABV 5.5% IBU 15, Local ingredient: Lime
• “Surf Czech” — Czech Lager ABV 4.2% IBU 33, Local ingredient: Citrus juice blend
• “Lilikoi Lemonade Shave Ice” — Tropical Seltzer ABV 5%, Local ingredient: Lilikoi
• “Punaluʻu” — Nitro Stout ABV 6.2% IBU 42, Local ingredient: Macadamia and vanilla
• “Cesar’s Michelada” — ABV 5.5%

For more information on the newest Volcano Village business, visit the Lanikai Brewing website and its social media pages.