Architecture by Riecke Sunnland, Kono Architects, Ltd.
Interior Design by Philpotts & Associates
Photography by Linny Morris

"A different way of looking at living" is what sets Hawaiian homes apart from those anywhere in the rest of the world," declares Earl Kono, principal of Riecke Sunnland Kono Architects, Ltd. What, exactly, defines that difference in Hawaiian vision? "Here on the Islands, you’re more connected with the environment," Kono explained. Even when you’re inside, if it’s a truly Hawaiian style structure, "It’s almost like living outside."

An enchanting example of this sun-drenched, fresh-air Hawaiian lifestyle is found on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast—at Pauoa Beach, site of the graceful development known as Na Hales. Hale is the Hawaiian word for "home," and na hales means "the homes." The name is apt, because anyone crossing the threshold of one of these private residences instantly feels at home. This achievement is all the more remarkable because Na Hales are part-time residences owned by Exclusive Resorts, a luxury residence club that maintains multi-million-dollar accommodations worldwide.

Debbie Mace, director of architecture, design and construction for Exclusive Resorts, attributes the complex’s "at-home" feeling to contributions made by Kono and his firm, as well as by interior designer Lowell Tom of Philpotts & Associates, Inc. According to Mace, "RSK was selected for Na Hales because they were really interested in trying to create something that was different. Their design was influenced by Asian architecture and sensibilities, particularly the concept of bringing the outside in, opening up the living experience by designing separate little buildings." Philpotts & Associates was likewise chosen for the interior work because of its fine reputation in the Islands. Philpotts & Associates are known for their keen sense of how to express the feel and sense of place of Hawai‘i.

A typical residence at Na Hales serves to highlight the creative team’s achievements. Like all of the residences, the unit’s 2,641 square feet of living space is spread across several closely-grouped, yet separate, structures called "pods" or pavilions. These intimately close buildings are linked by a series of outdoor pathways made of cut-lava stepping stones.

The concept’s charm lies in the fact that passing from one pavilion to another—from the kitchen to the master suite, for instance—necessitates walking outside. This village-style architectural approach to a single home embodies a design principle that is traditionally Pacifc Rim tropical, and also very much Hawaiian.

"It’s a very common situation in Asian countries, where structures are typically smaller and not connected," says Kono. "We were fortunate that Hawai‘i’s climate is conducive to that experience. We’re also fortunate that land-use laws on the Big Island allow it." (Certain other Hawaiian Isles, such as Maui, require that buildings of a single residence must be more substantially joined.)

One pavilion of this unit contains a great room, kitchen and dining room. Nearby are three bedroom pavilions, each with its own private bath. There’s also a two-car garage. The grouping of structures surrounds a garden patio and swimming pool, and overlooks the Mauna Lani North Golf Course.

RSK partner Hans Riecke, now retired, originally conceived the basic Na Hales design approach. Kono entered into the project early on and assisted in site planning, including orienting the buildings toward views. He also worked on architectural and construction drawings, and saw the project through to completion. "All along, our idea was to develop an open floor plan with details like sliding glass doors to let the outside in, as well as encouraging a natural flow between pods," he says.

The "flow" that Kono mentions is a delightful process of venturing from outdoors to in, indoors to out, that’s repeated over and over again. It begins as a visitor emerges from the garage to approach the main entrance via a short outdoor pathway. Grass grows lushly between the lava stepping stones. Alongside the path stands a cedar wood trellis, supported by ohia log posts. This leads to a front door composed of Douglas fir with glass inserts. Exterior details include cedar lap siding, and doors and windows framed in Douglas fir. Asian-style peaked roofs are finished with copper standing-seam roofing; roofs feature exposed rafters with softly rounded ends.

Inside, the main pavilion houses a comfortable living room and an adjoining kitchen and dining area. Here, the intrinsic beauty of the décor is first experienced. "It’s a Pacific Rim interior, with a mix of natural materials and found items, but it also brings in Hawai‘i," explains Tom. "The architects envisioned a rustic context where the expression of materials was strong, but still had a natural feeling."

To that end, the living room’s tone is set with a monochromatic color palette. Floors are natural stone. Honey-colored Douglas fir windows with patterned clerestories let the light enter playfully as they rise to meet the cathedral ceiling. Furnishings are a mixture of softly cushioned couches and chairs with bamboo or rattan frames, clustered around antique tables of Asian or Indonesian origin.

In the kitchen, while colors are complementary, materials take on a slightly harder edge. Still the room is bright and inviting, with maple cabinetry (the upper set fronted with glass) topped with speckled granite. A center island is inset with a stainless steel Kohler sink. Other appliances include a dual-fuel Dacor range with matching hood, and a SubZero refrigerator. Guests are invited to mingle and dine comfortably at a dining table positioned to take advantage of outdoor views.

Beyond the great room, a freeform swimming pool is set amid a stone patio and grassy garden dotted with swaying palms. At the far end sits one of the home’s most endearing features: a traditional native Hawaiian hale by master builder Frances Sinenci. "It’s a very special thing," Kono says. "It’s following the ancient Hawaiian method using native materials, including thatching for the roof, and framing and posts made from ohia wood harvested on the Island. There are no modern construction techniques involved, and no metal fasteners, nails, screws or bolts."

The pool area is flanked on one side by the master suite with its 400 sqaure foot bedroom. Large sliding doors allow two walls to open up completely. These doors also have louvered wood shutters for privacy. Furnishings are mostly rattan and bamboo here, too, accented with decorative shams and pillows. The bathroom is a particular favorite of Kono’s, with high ceilings and windows that let in lots of light, a glass-enclosed walk-in tiled shower, twin sinks set in granite, and an outdoor lava-walled shower.

On the other side of the pool, a pair of guest bedrooms is linked by double bathrooms. Both offer a similar combination of Pacific Rim-Hawaiian décor, lots of windows, and doors to the outside and lava rock showers.

No matter that the Na Hales are not full-time residences. The important thing is that they offer the chance to experience the beauty, relaxation, and embrace of nature that define the Island lifestyle. "I’ve only heard terrific comments from anyone who has ever seen these homes," says Kono. "They’re amazed at the connection with the outdoors."