Kona Coast Retreat

Set on a lava field poised at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this unique, custom-built residence reimagines a Hawaiian sanctuary with an unexpected, integrated and completely modern design. A traditional Hawaiian, open-plan hale scheme, consisting of seven separate pavilions, is transformed into a contemporary mixture of rich texture, tone and surface. The materials palette underscores the deep connection to the site with lava basalt floor tiles and coral wall blocks. Collaborations include lighting by the artist Michele Oka Doner, who employs the shape of branches from the property’s indigenous Kiawe tree to explore the volcanic isles’ verdant nature. This distinctive home encapsulates an ode to the rugged Kona Coast and the beloved beach culture of its owners.