Eric, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, served 27 years in a variety of combat units, deploying three times to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. He first became intrigued about distilling spirits while in Iraq when soldiers in another unit were busted for making moonshine in their barracks. Eric later learned how to distill whiskey from a fellow Marine and friend who owns an amazing distillery in Indianapolis. While distilling with that friend, he decided that upon retirement from the Marine Corps he would make whiskey and surf. So here he is making whiskey and surfing as much as he can...

Ian, also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served 24 years as a Marine Infantry Officer, deploying to combat zones overseas multiple times. During a 2007 deployment, he was designated the U.S. Civil-Military Leader of Rhamadi, Iraq during the ``Awakening`` where the U.S. military partnered with local leaders to turn the tide against Al Qaeda in Iraq. Ian's efforts during the deployment were captured in an award-winning National Geographic special, and he has a street named after him in Rhamadi. Ian has a passion for sweet bourbons with a single large cube of ice. He is the perfect host to the many visitors of Ko'olau Distillery, loves the company of friends and shares his whiskey with anyone.

Ginger is the unstoppable engine that makes Ko'olau Distillery successful. She handles all of the company’s administration and compliance aspects. The only thing Ginger works harder on than the distillery is her family. Ginger avoids the limelight and shuns attention, preferring the self-satisfaction of a job done well. She really enjoys a whiskey sour but would prefer we made vodka...

Olivia brings her expertise from Philadelphia where she finished her undergrad degree and began her distilling career in 2015. Originally from the East Coast, Olivia moved to Oahu in June of 2021 and joined the Ko'olau Distillery team. The creativity of distilling is what draws her to the craft. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Brewing and Distilling. Olivia is also an experienced rower and enjoys puzzles.

Justin, a retired U.S. Navy Chief, hails from Waimanalo and was raised in Texas. His aloha is Texas-sized! An experienced homebrewer, he has many accolades in the local homebrewing scene, alongside his wife, winning 9 medals in diverse categories including Best IPA and Best-in-Show Overall at the 2019 Hawaii Homebrew Competition. He represented Hawaii for the first season finale competition on VICE TV series BEERLAND. Justin is deeply dedicated to the craft, having traded shore-leaves while deployed to volunteer at breweries in Saipan, Guam, Alaska, Oahu, and Maui. He dove into distilling, broadening his horizons to someday open his own brewery/distillery. In early 2023 Justin was invited to appear on Discovery channel’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller where he took home the title of “Master Distiller” for Hawaii and Ko’olau. That journey lead Justin to leave the distilling floor in 2023 to become the General Manager for Ko’olau Distillery bringing you many exciting activities and wonderful drinks in our Tasting Room. His vision for the tasting room boasts community events, fundraisers, comedy, live music, food trucks, and nationally recognized celebrity guests. We are very excited to be a part of his journey to owning his own Distillery someday.

Chico, who is a retired US Navy Senior Chief, is our newest addition to the production floor. He was born in Louisiana but calls Texas home. He spent nearly 24 years in the Navy doing a variety of jobs from working on weapons delivery systems to teaching survival school. Little known fact: he was trained as a bassoonist in middle and high school. Chico came to the distillery through the DOD Skillbridge Program. Instead of completing his internship and moving on to other ventures, he wanted to stay with the Ko’olau Distillery family and was hired as the Assistant Distiller. He’s a fast learner, he’s always smiling, and can often be heard saying “being a good dude is free”.

Nick studied business during his time at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After working with a beer distributor on Oahu, he brought his knowledge over to KO'OLAU in July of 2023 to oversee the Sales and Marketing of the Distillery. His enthusiasm for connecting with new individuals and engaging with people drives his passion to help the company succeed. When Nick is not out in the market, you can find him surfing or hiking around the island.