Kua Bay Residence

In historic Maninio Wali, on Hawaii’s North Kona Coast, this four-bedroom home on a 29,000-square-foot lot maximizes its use of a small, dog-leg shaped property.

Entering through the auto court, at the upper level of the site, a stone garden path leads past three guest cottages to the internal garden and main pavilion, lending the property an organic village-like feel.

The primary living pavilion — with open gathering and dining areas and a master bedroom suite — focuses on the jewel-like Kua Bay on the coast below.

The detailing is evocative of a Japanese sensibility in craftsmanship and restraint. A limited palette of finish materials includes cedar timber ceilings, local ohia millwork, and travertine stone and cumuru wood floors.

Pocketed doors in most rooms open large expanses of walls to embrace views and gardens, transforming the home into an open-air tropical environment.