- Project: Hale Lana House
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Hawaii
- Year: 2018
- Area: 1599 m2
- Photography: Nic Lehoux
A Masterful Interpretation of Hawaiian Living
Nestled on Hawaii’s Big Island, Hale Lana House by Olson Kundig redefines modern tropical living through a series of interconnected pavilions designed to celebrate the island’s powerful natural beauty. The name Hale Lana, meaning “floating home,” captures the project’s intent—a collection of structures that appear to hover above lava fields and lush gardens, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.
This 17,211-square-foot residence offers more than just a luxurious escape; it is a refined architectural response to the Hawaiian climate and topography, using elevated lanais, operable shutters, and deep cantilevered roofs to seamlessly blend indoor spaces with the outdoors.
Pavilion-Style Living Across the Landscape
Rather than constructing a single monolithic volume, Olson Kundig composed Hale Lana as a series of canopy-like pavilions, each connected by elevated wooden walkways (lanais) and framed by curated gardens. This spatial strategy not only enhances airflow and privacy but also embraces the traditional Hawaiian architectural vernacular in a modern expression.
The primary residence is complemented by four additional structures—a cabana, master suite, guest suite, and garage—arranged to support both intimate family use and large gatherings. Each space is designed to be open and fluid, with sliding glass walls that fully retract to invite ocean breezes and frame views of Haleakalā volcano on nearby Maui.
Climate-Conscious Architecture
Hale Lana’s double-pitch, cantilevered roofs are a bold technical feat, referencing the classic island canopy form while achieving significant spans and minimal structure. These sweeping overhangs offer deep shade while enabling cross-ventilation, maintaining comfort in the tropical climate without heavy reliance on mechanical systems.
Custom operable wood shutter screens allow occupants to tune light, air, and privacy throughout the day. Many of the home’s lava rock walls continue uninterrupted from inside to outside, grounding the home in the Kona landscape and reinforcing the sense of harmony between built and natural environments.
Interior Design with Hawaiian Sensibility
The interiors of Hale Lana were custom-designed to reflect the home’s understated elegance and connection to place. Furnishings and millwork integrate subtle Hawaiian motifs and natural materials, echoing the textures of the surrounding land.
Upon entering the home, visitors are led through a densely landscaped sequence of berms, trees, and lava, culminating in a panoramic view of the Pacific and Maui beyond—an architectural reveal that encapsulates the essence of the retreat.
Olson Kundig’s Signature Integration of Site and Structure
As with other works by Olson Kundig, Hale Lana House is rooted in contextual sensitivity, craftsmanship, and a strong narrative. It stands as a contemporary interpretation of Hawaiian indoor-outdoor living, where the spirit of place informs every architectural gesture.
