LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
MINIMALISM
MEETS ALOHA
Hale Kiawe in Kailua-Kona epitomizes minimalist elegance, merging Indian cultural principles with Hawaiian tranquility under the serene canopy of kiawe trees.
NADINE BESSLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MATTHEW MILLMAN
Architecture: Walker Warner
Interiors: Philpotts Interiors
Construction: Metzler Contracting Co. LLC
Landscape: David Y. Tamura Associates
Lighting: EJA Lighting Design, Inc.
Structural: GFDS Engineers
Civil: Aina Engineers, Inc.
Mechanical: Mark Morrison Mechanical Engineering
Plumbing: Mark Morrison Mechanical Engineering
Electrical: Morikawa & Associates, LLC
Geotechnical: Geolabs, Inc.
Millwork: Wick Rice Cabinetry
Nestled beneath the protective embrace of kiawe trees in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the Hale Kiawe emerges as a testament to minimalist living, where the beauty of simplicity is not just an aesthetic choice but a way of life. This retreat, designed by the acclaimed team at Walker Warner with interiors by Philpotts Interiors, stands as a beacon of cross-cultural harmony, blending the homeowners’ Indian heritage with the laid-back essence of Hawaiian living.
Spanning 5,600 square feet, Hale Kiawe is a family home that embodies the principles of Vastu Shastra—a traditional Indian doctrine that champions harmonious living—while respecting the natural beauty of its Hawaiian setting. The result is a space that exudes tranquility, inviting those who enter to shed the complexities of the outside world and embrace a more mindful existence. At the heart of this home is the concept of under-design, a deliberate effort to eschew the superfluous in favor of what is truly essential. This ethos is reflected in the home’s open and expansive rooms, which are designed to foster moments of respite and renewal. Each space, with its large windows or full-height doors, serves as a canvas for the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors.
The architectural design pays homage to the agrarian structures once prevalent in the area, with corrugated metal roofs and natural wood siding that stand in striking contrast to the rugged terrain and the serene coastline beyond. This juxtaposition highlights the home’s ability to harmonize with its environment, a feature further underscored by the thoughtful integration of native and naturalized plantings that enrich the once barren land.
The east-facing entry, a nod to Indian culture, is a journey in itself, marked by a meandering pathway and a water feature that lead to an enclosed lanai. This open-air pavilion, the nucleus of the home, transitions visitors from the bustle of everyday life into the sanctuary that is Hale Kiawe.
Inside, the commitment to natural materials and local craftsmanship is evident. Custom-made furniture from Bali, Mexico, and India populate the space, alongside elements crafted from kiawe wood—a choice that not only pays homage to the home’s namesake but also anchors the interiors in the local landscape. The master bedroom, with its kiawe wood desk and side tables, and a headboard made from Hawaiian Ash, is a standout example of this dedication to authentic, place-based design.
The careful selection of art and textiles further enriches the home’s narrative, blending the homeowners’ love for Indian textiles with the natural beauty of Hawaii. A powder room vanity, for instance, features a cast concrete base and is adorned with a limited-edition print by artist Abigail Romanchek, showcasing a Hawaiian warrior chief’s cape, while the rich palette of earthy, saturated hues throughout the home reflects the owners’ cultural heritage without overwhelming the minimalist ethos.
In crafting Hale Kiawe, the Walker Warner design team, led by Principal Greg Warner, and Philpotts Interiors, led by Principal Marion Philpotts-Miller, have created more than just a home. They have built a retreat that stands as a testament to the power of minimalist design to foster a deep connection between culture, architecture, and the natural world—a place where simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.