Koolau Serenity

Visiting Haiku Plantations in Kaneohe is like taking a step back in time. The quiet gated community is close to modern developments in Windward Oahu while still being comfortably ensconced by the Koolau Mountains. Residences in Haiku Plantations date back to the 1960s, when homes were modest and simply designed and their large plots were just right for laid-back local living.

The owners of this Haiku Plantations home purchased it in 1996. As the third owners of the property, they inherited several remodels and additions since the original build in 1967. In 2019, they embarked on a total renovation with David Nadolney at Open Concept Designs. Their goal: to turn the home into a contemporary mountainside retreat.

“Our vision was to give the house a more Island-style appearance,” the homeowner says. “The kitchen was dark and small, and the bathrooms were outdated. A particularly challenging area was the very small bedroom upstairs with a disproportionately large deck. We aimed to increase the size of the bedroom and replace the deck with a small, covered, wraparound version.”

Rich woods, a soft color palette and odes to nature in furnishings and décor give the Haiku Plantations home an Island-style feel.

Custom etchings by William Grix Art Glass are featured throughout the home, linking interior spaces to Hawaii’s natural beauty with designs inspired by the outdoors.

The kitchen was relocated to a new 1,000-square-foot, two-story addition and reconfigured for gourmet entertaining. A custom light fixture illuminates the island.

A dining area with a wine bar was also incorporated into the new space. An antique koa dining table, cherished by the homeowners, anchors the room.

The homeowners closely collaborated with Nadolney on the optimal floor plan, selecting unique and beautiful materials that blend with the elements of nature surrounding the home. For Nadolney, it was a gratifying process; as founder of Open Concept Designs, he’s designed and managed remodels for over 25 years, and his knowledge of architecture and construction have made him a trusted leader in the field.

“I like working with clients who let me be creative with their homes,” says Nadolney.

This project required gutting the home and moving walls, he explains. The original floor plan with long, narrow rooms was thoughtfully reconfigured into airy layouts. Constructing a 1,000-square-foot two-story addition was key to more effective spatial planning — the kitchen and dining area were moved there, along with a new wine bar on the first floor.

An exterior view of the new addition highlights its seamless connection to the rest of the home. A stone terrace, located just outside the kitchen on the first floor, serves as an al fresco dining area next to the garden.

The primary suite was expanded with an open layout that flows into a sitting room. Large patio doors allow the homeowners to enjoy views of Kaneohe Bay.

On the second floor, the primary suite was expanded to include a cozy sitting room with large glass patio doors that face Kaneohe Bay. The luxe primary bath — a highlight of the remodel for Nadolney and the homeowners — features custom wave-themed etching on pristine glass windows and artisanal wavy limestone tiles along the walls. A new “retreat room” rounds out the second floor, with a coffee bar and lanai perfect for enjoying pensive moments and the sweet mountain air. A glass transom that tops the retreat room’s patio doors features etched depictions of native ohia trees and iiwi birds.

“These thoughtful details not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also brought a piece of Hawaii’s natural beauty into our living space,” says the homeowner. “We couldn’t be happier with our beautiful, transformed home.”

A spa-inspired ambience in the primary bath was created with a clean, neutral color palette. Wave motifs in the window glass etching carry over to the limestone tile on the walls.

The “retreat room” in the second-floor addition provides a calming space surrounded by nature. Ohia trees and iiwi birds are depicted in the glass transom above the patio doors.

Nadolney says the home feels “very surreal.” Fog can sometimes be seen enveloping the Koolau slopes, with waterfalls cascading majestically on days with heavy rain. When considering a renovation, Nadolney says it’s important to take in surrounding details and work with a project team that can make the most out of your location, ideas, space and resources.

“We are all visual creatures and get inspired by pictures,” he explains. “It’s very tough to design a project of this scale on your own. There are too many design aspects to consider, and often people want more than they can afford. The most important thing is to establish a realistic budget and hire a designer in the beginning.”

Call (808) 242-5500 or email david@ocdhi.com to connect with Open Concept Designs for your next project. Learn more at ocdhi.com.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.