-
-
-
-
Credit: Henry Roy
Nine Brains is a hospitality-focused investment firm dedicated to elevating hotel, resort, and private club real estate.
Our investment strategy is driven by the principle of Authenticity of Place. We focus on opportunities where location plays a central role in the user experience and competitive differentiation. We avoid generic, commodity-style assets and seek projects that offer a unique connection to their environment, enhancing both the physical and emotional experience of the space.
Inspired by its namesake — the octopus, with nine brains but one purpose — Nine Brains embodies the belief that collaboration between many minds leads to outcomes greater than the sum of their parts.

INVESTMENT FOCUS
We invest in real estate with high barriers to entry and authentic local identity. Our expertise in brand creation, management, and execution enables us to unlock long-term value and create a competitive advantage in each opportunity.
Our primary geographic focus is Hawai‘i, where deep-rooted relationships and community sensitivity give us a unique edge in the market. We also pursue select investments on the West Coast, targeting high-value opportunities where we can apply our approach and drive similarly transformative results.

ADVISORY
Nine Brains offers comprehensive project advisory services, guiding clients through every stage of developing exceptional properties and experiences. We focus on place-based residential communities, membership clubs, and distinct, experience-driven projects that embody an authentic connection to their location.
Past engagements include high-profile projects and companies backed by globally recognized investors and operators such as such as the Kelly Slater Wave Co., Surf Ranch, the Brando Resort Tahiti, Mahi Pono, and Kukuiʻula.

CREATIVE AGENCY
At Nine Brains, creativity isn’t outsourced — it’s part of our DNA. Our in-house creative agency, Asunto:Studio, gives us a unique edge by blending art direction, branding, design, content production, and strategy into every project. With teams in Berlin, Los Angeles, and Medellín, Asunto:Studio draws from global perspectives to develop human-focused brands that thrive at the intersection of business and culture.
TEAM



ADVISORS

PROJECTS
PACIFIC 19 Kona
A 150-room hotel on Hawai‘i Island reimagined as a basecamp for the modern explorer. Nine Brains acquired and repositioned the property, leading all aspects of redevelopment, branding, and launch before its opening in 2023. Designed to help guests discover the island’s diverse landscapes and experiences, the hotel offers a stylish, adventure-ready home base on the Kona coast. Pacific 19 has been recognized for its distinct hospitality ethos and strong performance, serving as the flagship for the Pacific 19 brand. Go to Pacific 19
PAST EXPERIENCE
Prior to founding Nine Brains, our partners held leadership roles in the development and operation of some of Hawai‘i’s most iconic and complex real estate projects. Their collective experience spans luxury resorts, private clubs, and hospitality ventures, including Hualalai Resort, Kona Village Resort, Kohanaiki, Kukio Golf & Beach Club, Nanea Golf Club, and North Shore Preserve. They’ve also contributed to national platforms such as Kennedy Wilson and Discovery Land Company, and helped shape innovative projects like Surf Ranch and Kelly Slater Wave Co. This background informs Nine Brains’ approach to creating operationally excellent, experience-driven real estate.
