Matsuyama Food and Fuel: Where Innovation Meets Multi-Generational Vision
Twenty years ago, a grandfather envisioned the perfect location for a family business at HOST Park. Today, his grandsons have turned that dream into reality with Matsuyama Food and Fuel, the only gas station in Hawaiʻi—and potentially the world—utilizing deep sea cold water cooling technology. Saving 40-60% on air conditioning costs, this innovative convenience store and fuel station embodies the sustainable resource management that NELHA champions. For Alex Matsuyama and his brothers, returning home to build on their grandfather's foundation represents more than business success; it's carrying forward family tradition while embracing cutting-edge environmental technology. The collaborative community at NELHA, with its supportive board and network of vendors working together, provided the platform for the next generation to thrive. From bentos to fuel, Matsuyama Food and Fuel serves the community while demonstrating how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand, honoring the past while building a sustainable future.
We all know that Kailua Kona is very hot, and here at Matsuyama Food and Fuel, as soon as you step into those doors, little do you know that AC and that cool feeling that you get right off the bat is through NELHA's deep sea cold water, and that is what's cooling down this building and this facility that you're coming into.
I'm Alex Matsuyama, and we are here at Matsuyama Food and Fuel here at NELHA close to the Kailua Kona Airport. What we provide is quick grab and go food such as bentos, pizzas, poke, and also fuel being such a convenient location close to the airport.
Utilizing Deep Sea Cold Water
I would encourage local businesses to look into the positive resources that NELHA has to offer, such as deep sea cold water. You know, we utilize that resource and we save 40 to 60% on our AC costs. And that's huge savings over time.
"We're the only gas station in the whole state and potentially the world that is utilizing this special, innovative resource that NELHA provides."
We're the only gas station in the whole state and potentially the world that is utilizing this special, innovative resource that NELHA provides.
Multi-Generational Vision
So my grandfather was the one who was initially interested in a property around this area, and he would always tell my dad, you know, that would be a perfect place for a small convenience store and gas station. That was maybe close to 20 years ago when he had that vision.
And recently my dad found out that NELHA was gonna release this parcel for commercial use, and he remembered what his father told him and he told his sons that, you know, you guys gotta jump on it. It is gonna be a really good, perfect location for you guys to start your own company and your own store.
Community Support
One thing I really love about being here at this location, you know, is working with NELHA and seeing that they're an awesome community, that they have all of the vendors work together. You know, they all try and support each other and especially the board, you know, with their willingness to work with new businesses and make sure that they provide a platform that these new businesses can thrive and grow on.
Coming Home
When I was a teenager, I never thought that I would come back, but in the back of my head I always knew like no matter what, it was always gonna be here for me. And now that I'm here working, and now I'm actually glad that I came back and am here working and carrying on the family business and tradition that was started by my grandfather.
And I think he would be very proud seeing this location and how much the next generation has grown and prospered with the foundation that he laid down.
Visual Chronicles: Explore the Journey
Dive into our curated gallery to glimpse key moments from our success stories. Click any image to enjoy a detailed lightbox display, bringing each narrative to life.
