A Radiant Hawaiian Condo Renovation
Stepping into the Kona Reef Hawaii "Opihi Suite" was like stepping back in time, vintage way. After two decades as a beloved short-term vacation rental, the condo was showing its age, with signs of wear and tear, and a general air of faded grandeur. It was clear: this charming one-bedroom, one-bath retreat, nestled on Kailua-Kona's vibrant Aliʻi Drive, was due for a complete metamorphosis. The goal? To transform it into a beacon of Modern Hawaiiana Interior Design, a space that would not only stand out in the competitive vacation rental market but also warmly welcome every visitor with a fresh, revitalized spirit.
Our journey began with a vision of creating a space that felt both deeply rooted in Hawaiian aesthetics and distinctly contemporary. The old layout presented an immediate challenge: a bulky, double-sided closet situated between the kitchen and living area. For a short-term rental, this much storage was simply unnecessary and made the kitchen feel cramped and claustrophobic, completely disrupting the natural flow. Our solution was bold yet simple: we removed it! This single change dramatically opened up the space, allowing light to pour in and creating an immediate sense of spaciousness. Beyond this strategic removal, the original footprint of the 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo remained, proving that sometimes, the most impactful changes are about refinement, not expansion.
Our design philosophy for the Kona Reef Hawaii condo centered on creating an inviting, income-generating property that would appeal directly to discerning tourists. We aimed for a look that was fresh, modern, and uniquely "Hawaiian" without resorting to clichés. This meant embracing Modern Hawaiiana Interior Design principles, blending clean lines and contemporary comfort with authentic local artistry and a vibrant color palette that echoes the island's natural beauty.
To ensure this unit would truly shine among its competitors, we made deliberate choices to incorporate bolder colors and patterns. For instance, the tile work in both the kitchen and bathroom became a canvas for this vision. As a personal passion of mine, seeing the dream of vibrant, thoughtfully chosen tiles come to life was truly amazing. Each pattern and hue was selected to evoke the lively spirit of the islands while maintaining a sophisticated edge.
A Celebration of Local Artistry
A cornerstone of our Modern Hawaiiana Interior Design approach was the integration of local Hawaiian talent. While some elements, like plumbing and light fixtures, often require sourcing from further afield, we made every effort to utilize local products and artisans whenever possible. The result is a home filled with character and story:
Art Prints: Stunning pieces by local artist Jaclynn Sabado-Eite adorn the walls, bringing the vibrant essence of Hawaii indoors.
Ceramics: The dining experience is elevated with unique dishes by Claire of Seastone Ceramics and beautiful mugs by Pokela Studios, each piece a small work of art.
Textiles: Luxurious pillows and practical tea towels from Sea Bird Jones, along with additional pillows and captivating wallpaper by HNL Designs, add layers of texture and pattern.
Wood Art: Functional art pieces like a cutting board by Baron Van App Wood Art and a hand-turned wood bowl by Michael ground the space with natural warmth and craftsmanship.
While much of the original cabinetry couldn't be salvaged due to extensive wood rot and damage, our commitment to local sourcing meant we worked with skilled craftspeople to bring in new, high-quality pieces that complemented the overall design aesthetic.
An Unrecognizable Transformation
Walking into the finished "Opihi Suite" now, it's truly unrecognizable. Aside from the fundamental layout, every element has been transformed. It feels like stepping into an entirely new space, light-filled and welcoming. The energy in the condo has shifted dramatically; it's lighter, brighter, and imbued with a palpable sense of warmth and aloha. This transformation truly embodies my design philosophy, which you can learn more about on our About Us page.
This stunning unit is ready to welcome guests. If you’re interested in experiencing the refreshed charm of this Kona Reef Hawaii gem, please contact Luva Rentals to book your unforgettable stay.
Ready to Reimagine Your Space?
Inspired by the "Opihi Suite" transformation? Whether you're looking to revitalize a vacation rental or create your dream permanent residence, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.