Kukio Beach Club

Located within 650 oceanfront acres on the North Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, the private residential club community of Kukio was conceived as having an architectural character inspired by ancient island cultures of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim. Conceptually reminiscent of 20^th-century Hawaiian beach clubs, this 39,000-square-foot club is divided into separate pavilions carefully sited to create the “naturalness” of a coastal village settlement.

The open-air lobby in the main two-story pavilion is aligned directly to distant Haleakala in Maui and overlooks history, as the event lawn below is set against the stone foundations of an ancient Hawaiian settlement. Connected by gardens, the dining and bar pavilions are located closer to the ocean and breaking surf. Located on the “sweet spot” of the site, the curved teak bar is the main gathering pavilion. The third group of pavilions comprise the spa, fitness area and pools.

The exterior design is purposely simple to enhance open tropical living. Thatched roofs give a strong sense of island shelter and — in conjunction with site walls of lava stone, off-white plaster exterior walls and tropical woods — convey cool solace and a luxurious club environment. The interior finishes and details are designed with a character of simplicity and tropical sophistication.

Mark de Reus was principal-in-charge for Hart Howerton, the Executive Design Architect.