A method of producing 1,8-dihydroxy naphthalene (DHN) is provided. The method includes culturing cells under suitable culture conditions for the production of DHN. The cells include a nucleic acid encoding a polyketide synthase polypeptide and one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more protein enzymes used in the DHN melanin pathway. DHN melanin pathway genes may be expressed in the cells, which may recombinant E. coli cells. The cells may include inhibitors to stop the conversion of DHN into melanin within the cells. The cells may include glucose as a cell nutrient. The glucose may be derived from biomass. DHN may be produced, harvested and the harvested DHN may be catalyzed into a cyclic hydrocarbon.