Tropical getaway overlooks breathtaking Kona Coast

Kukio Residence is a tropical getaway overlooking the breathtaking lava-rock strewn Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. A real estate developer from Eugene, Oregon originally built the house along with Maryl Pacific Construction, with the intention of selling it off, but he and his wife ended up falling in love with the spot and decided to keep it for themselves. Before moving to the sprawling, fully furnished property, consisting of 4,000 square feet of living space, with one-bedroom main house and tow two-bedroom guest houses each at 1,800 square feet, they wanted to swap out the furnishings and redesign the interiors to reflect their personal design aesthetics.

They contracted California-based designer Jacques Saint Dizier, who has helped the couple with the interiors of their other properties. The designer set forth on revamping the home from floor-to-ceiling, including the furnishing and even curated an impressive Hawaiian art collection. Using the ocean to inspire his design, he first brought in lavish mother-of-pearl walls and built out from there. The design style reflected the owner’s personalities, casual yet glamorous. The designer used a lot of copper accents throughout the house to play off the stone floor and wood tones. Then he added scoops of blue to correspond with the natural greens hues from the outdoors. He used rough, primitive pieces such as the coffee table to counterbalance with the clean aesthetic of the wood cabinets and clean architectural lines.

The swim-up bar entices guests to spend the entire day in the pool. The area is surrounded by lava formations that, by law, are not allowed to be touched. Incorporating those into the landscape became important to the view.

The living room featured a continental hutch from 1895 that mimics some early Hawaiian antique pieces. Modern furniture was mixed with local art to give this tropical retreat a glamorous comfort. The chairs were chosen for their high backs to create the feeling of an intimate space.

Open to the gardens on one side and the ocean on the other, it’s hard to find a less than stunning view from the Media Room chairs. Though the living, dining and media spaces are all connected, the designer used furniture pieces and a smart layout scheme to make each area feel intimate.

The designer wished to bounce light off the table so it shines upward on guests’ faces. An old trick, it helps to get rid of dark shadows underneath people’s eyes, making everyone look beautiful. The table has a bronze copper-finished lazy Susan in the center.

The corner game table is often used for breakfast and reading the morning paper. It’s views of the Pacific are unobstructed.

Ebonized wood creates a wonderful contrast to the shimmering Mother of Pearl paneled walls in this Bedroom. Vintage lamps with custom shades give it a playful touch.

The garden becomes a part of this tropical Guest Room. The walls are covered in woven fiber.

Tropical gardens surround the Master Bedroom with it’s mother of pearl paneled walls.

The designer found this painting in someone’s garage in Bali, covered in dirt and ripped. “I could only see the woman’s face, and I was so charmed by it. I had to restore it.”

The Master Bath opens to a lush tropical garden. A copper soaking tub sits on black ili ili stones, which conceal a drain, so the need for an overflow valve is obsolete. It is the central visual feature and also a great place to relax and enjoy the sweet Hawaiian breeze.

Guest House Entry with a wood trunk bench carved in Bali.

The simple, almost primitive entry gate belies the glamour of the expansive estate that lies behind it, allowing the house and its views to unfold in a restrained progression.

Photos: Mary E. Nichols

Exquisite Hualalai Resort luxury estate

Combining intelligent Asian architecture with the finest Balinese antiques and furnishings, Hale Ku Mana is a spectacular Hualalai Resort property in Hawaii. This stunning estate home boasts 10,056 square feet of opulent living space set on 1.3 acres of immaculate landscaping with 5 bedrooms and 5 and-a-half bathrooms, and an office in the master wing. This private luxury estate features carefully crafted indoor-outdoor living spaces, six ponds, and walkways featuring rare natural materials. Even the stone tiled salt-water infinity edge pool and integrated spa feels like part of the natural environment.

Light and airy living spaces are perfectly designed to capture the essence of living in Hawaii. Stunning ocean sunset views are available from nearly every living area of the house. Every bedroom in this house is a master—each designed as a secluded sanctuary unto itself. All bedrooms feature indoor/outdoor bathrooms with privacy walls that boast original carved stone appointments designed by renowned Balinese Designer Richard North Lewis. Surrounded on three sides by the members-only Keolu Golf Course, this luxury estate feels like a private oasis and the landscaping features more than 30 different native and endangered plants. Property is sold completely furnished with Balinese antiques, original paintings created specifically for this home and custom made furniture.

The palette of materials used in the finishes of Hale Ku Mana is based on natural materials primarily from Indonesia. These materials were chosen for both their unique quality and Indonesian architectural authenticity. From the many Indonesian materials available, only those of superb quality were chosen for this unique adaptation of the beauty of the Balinese house and the demands of a modern home in Hawaii.

This spectacular property is listed on the market for $13,500,000, from here.

Magnificent island-inspired retreat: Hualalai Estate

This magnificent island-inspired custom home, Hualalai Estate, features elegant living space with 4 bedrooms, each complete with garden outdoor shower lanais, as well as a fifth bedroom in an intimate guest house. Situated on a unique lot above the second fairway on the renowned Hualalai Ke’olu Golf Course, this masterfully-designed 6,300 square foot home enjoys unobstructed golf course, ocean and island views on the Big Island of Hawaii. Inside, the gourmet restaurant- style kitchen features dramatic custom mahogany cabinetry along with extensive integrated appliances.

A cornerless door system helps capture spectacular views in both the great room and master bedroom and brings the outside island world indoors. As the doors open and recede into the walls, the beauty of the Hawaiian outdoors merges effortlessly with the contemporary beauty of the interior space. That fine line between indoors and out becomes even more of an illusion as the glow of the setting sun fills the room. Overlooking the pool and golf course is the round dining room; conveniently close at hand is a temperature-controlled wine cave.

The master suite can be opened on two sides to the private end of the pool and the golf course. Poolside, guests will find an intimate breakfast table and chairs where one can watch the sun rise poolside. The master bath becomes a private retreat: a stand-alone Jacuzzi tub invites a leisurely soak, while enjoying a private view through the wall of windows, which reveals an oasis, filled with tropical flowers and an outdoor shower. All draperies and bedding are custom designed specifically for this home.

To stay at this heavenly retreat, prices range from $6,500 – $9,000 per night with a 7 night minimum stay, from here.

The huge infinity pool and whirlpool tub are the heart of this home. Whether sitting on the “yin/yang” settees around the custom-designed stone fire pit or lounging on a chaise in the shallow end of the pool, nothing says paradise with more eloquence.

The fifth guest bedroom is separate from the primary home, offering complete privacy. The suite has its own private morning kitchen complete with sink, dishwasher and microwave. Outside the triple wide glass doors are the outdoor shower and lanai, creating a sanctuary of tropical beauty. The indoor bath has double sinks and a large glass shower enclosure.

Tropical Ocean House in Hawaii

This gorgeous home in Hawaii entitled “Ocean House” has been designed by Olson Kundig Architects. The residence has been inspired by traditional Balinese palaces and temples; this house sits on a beautiful promontory of exposed lava. Tropical design concepts and time-honored building practices were used to fit the house naturally into its setting.

The lava base anchors the house to the site, while the roof planes appear to float in the sky. Broad overhangs protect the interior from the sun, while sliding window walls open to unite inside and outside and cool the house using existing breezes. A river of hardened lava runs through the site and symbolically connects the house to important Pacific culture sources of energy; the mountains and the sea.

Visit the website of Olson Kundig Architects here.

Escape to Paradise Cove in Oahu

We love this gorgeous vacation rental located on Oahu’s South Shore. Paradise Cove Estate is a luxurious oceanfront residence comprising 13,000 square feet of living space with seven spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Entrance to the home is through a large and distinguishing gate which opens to a dramatic round-about driveway circling a full-grown historic Banyan tree. Floating steps lead you through the foyer, over the pond and to the entrance where the Grand Room awaits.

The Grand Room features vaulted, open beam ceilings and is the center of this architectural masterpiece. From it extends two wings, the gourmet kitchen, game and media room, gym, private guest rooms, pool and Jacuzzi. Throughout the home one will find stunning ocean views, immense space and privacy, and the finest furnishings. Beyond the pool is a large yard with manicured lawns enclosed by native Naupaka bushes, commonly found near the ocean. Just walk out the door and straight into the crystal clear ocean. The cove is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. At night, tiki torches light up the grounds and creates a dreamy tropical ambiance.

Visit this fabulous Hawaiian retreat renting at $7,500-$12,000 per night from here.

Most fabulous tropical villa in Maui

This extraordinary beachfront estate, on a 1/4-mile white sand beach, is a rare masterpiece in architecture and interior design and includes every luxury imaginable. Having been featured in various design magazines as well as the TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, this stunning property sleeps 10 guests in 5 impeccable bedrooms, with 5 full and 2 half-bathrooms. The sumptuous decor inside the forty-foot-high interior has been customized with the finest art treasures from throughout the world, creating a true beachfront palace in Kapalua, Hawaii.

The Jewel of Maui is a dramatic vision at night, as seen from the edge of the sixty-foot luxury infinity-edge pool. Inside, there is central air conditioning and a media room with a 9 foot projection screen & plasma TV/DVD system. The grand hall ensures every guest in the home has a comfortable place to gaze at the ocean and pool areas from the plush, 30 foot wraparound sofa. Other features include world-class TV/DVD/CD/Digital cable stereo systems in every room, gourmet kitchen, high-speed wireless internet, BBQ, ocean view dining and a gym at this phenomenal beachfront estate.

The elegantly lit Lassen residence blends soothing colors and unique designer touches that complement the home’s picturesque location. Noted interior designer Steven Cordrey applied Philips Color Kinetics intelligent LED lighting throughout the contemporary space, from the grand hall, to the master bedroom, to the home theater, creating a colorful and ever-changing environment for the homeowner, artist Christian Lassen. Cordrey designed customized lighting effects that are stored and triggered by iPlayer 2 with a simple Controller Keypad interface. As a result, the homeowner can easily choose the desired lighting effect to match his mood, entertain guests, or simply relax.

This estate is the pinnacle of stylish, opulent beachfront luxury, with every detail of the home customized with original art treasures and furnishings handcrafted and imported from the far reaches of the world. The homeowner and the celebrity designer worked closely together to create the embodiment of tropical opulence and complement the amazing views of the Pacific and neighboring island of Molokai and the excellent white sand beach. This stunning vacation rental can be found here.

Luxury property on beautiful Kailua Beach

This grand beachside estate on beautiful Kailua Beach in Oahu, Hawaii is a premier luxury rental is set on 1.5 acres of world-famous Kailua beachfront property and boasts nearly 11,000 square-feet of grand construction and spectacular design. It is a personal and private 5-Star luxury resort!

A luscious courtyard with a lagoon-style pool, tropical waterfall, spa, cabana, manicured lawn and fragrant flowers makes a stunning centerpiece to this grand estate. Reminiscent of a luxury resort, here you’ll find every amenity a 5-star hotel would offer with the bonus of personal space and privacy. Wind, stone, koa wood, and sea all coalesce to unite the inside and outside of the estate into a single unified timeless presence.

The estate features eight luxurious bedrooms and eight bathrooms, including a dedicated staff, and exceptionally private and understated elegance. Spacious rooms are adorned with exquisite comfortable furnishings, historical artifacts, and original artwork. The home also boasts two luxurious living rooms, a chef’s kitchen, formal dining room, a movie theater and guest house make this one of Kailua’s premier beachfront properties. A sprawling, flawless green lawn abundantly extends to meet the white sandy beach.

Three separate living areas surround the lush courtyard and cascading waterfall. Wrap-around decks overlook the turquoise ocean and are ideal for watching the sunrise and catching glimpses of dolphins at play. The Kailua Estate is arguably one of the most exquisite homes ever built on the Hawaiian Islands. Every detail has been designed for the complete and total comfort of those who grace the estate with their presence. This gorgeous property can be rented here.

Spectacular and inspiring Kona Residence

Nestled between cooled lava flows, the Kona residence designed by Belzberg Architects situates its axis not with the linearity of the property but rather on an angle in order to take advantage of predominant views available to the site. Within the natural elements and geometric hardscape the residence attempts to integrate both the surrounding views of volcanic mountain ranges to the east and ocean horizons westward. The program is arranged as a series of pods distributed throughout the property, each having its own unique features and view opportunities. The pods are programmatically assigned as two sleeping pods with common areas, media, master suite and main living space. A central axis becomes the organizational and focal feature for the entire house, connecting each of the pods through an exterior gallery corridor.

To help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house, two separate arrays of roof mounted photovoltaic panels offset the residence energy usage while the choice of darker lava stone help heat the pool water via solar radiation. Rain water collection and redirection to three drywells that replenish the aquifer are implemented throughout the property. Reclaimed teak timber from older barns and train tracks are recycled for the exterior of the home. Together with stacked and cut lava rock, the two materials form a historically driven medium embedded in Hawaiian tradition. 3-D modeling and digital fabrication through CNC machinery was incorporated to further enhance traditional elements in a contemporary arrangement. Local basket weaving culture was the inspiration for the entry pavilion which reenacts the traditional gift upon arrival ceremony. CNC milled ceilings and screens throughout the house continue the abstract approach to traditional Hawaiian wood carving.

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Photos: Benny Chan (Fotoworks), Belzberg Architects.

Stunning Maui villa with fabulous ocean views

This magnificent oceanfront estate is located on the Island of Maui, Hawaii, between Kaanapali and Kapalua. Designed by California architecture studio Arri LeCron, this incredible property consists of over 9,200 square feet of flexible living space. The residence feature 7 bedrooms each with a luxurious bath, wet bar and attached oceanfront ohana, 3 half bathrooms, a large open living space with a fully equipped kitchen with separate enclosed butler’s kitchen, sports bar with pool and games tables on a floating mezzanine, a spa and waterfalls and a garage that can fit three cars. An extra guest house of 529 square feet, with astonishing views of the ocean, awaits visitors with a luxurious bedroom and bathroom. An oceanfront pool completes the luxurious features of this spectacular residence. The residence was named Jewel of Kahana due to its uniqueness and luxurious features. The house is for sale at the price of $14.9 million, sold fully furnished.

Spectacular beach house in Maui

Located close to a well-known surfing spot in Maui, Hawaii, Slaughterhouse Beach House expands the concept of a traditional surfing hut with three connected huts – general living quarters, guest suites, and a main sleeping area. Designed by architects from Seattle, Olson Kundig Architects fused Hawaiian tradition with some of the latest innovations in sustainable architecture. The house is situated high enough to provide spectacular views, but low enough to blend in with the landscape of pili grasses and ironwood trees. The structure’s walls are constructed from rammed earth. In this process, different local earth-based mixtures are packed together, and the resulting striated layers are visible both inside and outside the building. The walls blend in with the surroundings, are low maintenance, virtually fireproof, and provides a strong sound barrier.

 The roofs are the first thing you notice about the house, these great umbrellas of corrugated metal with extra-deep overhangs to keep out sun and rain. Hefty steel beams protect the roofs from hurricanes and earthquakes. They also do away with the need for supporting columns and allow for uninterrupted views from every room in the house. Materials are simple and raw: concrete floors, rammed-earth walls, exposed lumber, corrugated metal for the roof. The decks are made from ipe, a durable and sustainable hardwood from Brazil that doesn’t need to be treated with preservatives.

The house is cooled by massive, 18-inch-thick walls made from rammed earth. During the hottest part of the day, you can still feel the coolness of the night in the walls. This is one of the only rammed-earth houses built in Hawaii, and using Maui earth as a building component means it’s local and natural. Custom-made glass-and-steel-framed walls tilt back on hydraulic lifts (by means of 20 pistons) like airplane hangar doors, so you fully experience the views and changing weather patterns on both the Mauka (mountain) side and the Makai (ocean) side.

Family life is oriented around a long concrete counter, extending from the kitchen, straight out through the front window and 15 feet beyond, over the ipe wood deck.

A simple seating area to one side of the central pavilion—daybed, coffee table and chairs.

Materials are simple and raw: concrete floors, rammed-earth walls, exposed lumber, corrugated metal for the roof.

Even when the front wall is closed, this hyper-extended counter juts 15 feet through the glass facade, as if it’s riding the house, like a surfboard rides a wave.

The central axis of family living is this massive counter top of smooth concrete that extends the length of the kitchen.

The decks are made from ipe, a durable and sustainable hardwood from Brazil that doesn’t need to be treated with preservatives.

Forty-three-foot-wide glass-and-steel walls on hydraulic pistons flip up to open both sides of the main living area to the trade winds of Honolua Bay.

Custom-made glass-and-steel-framed walls tilt back on hydraulic lifts (by means of 20 pistons) like airplane hangar doors, to fully experience the views.

Many of the home’s accessories can be found at Plantation Design.

Transom windows allow natural light into the master bedroom.

The children are perched at the end of the concrete countertop. A small plot of grass surrounding the property’s pool gives way to native plantings.

Photos:  Simon Watson