Kauna’oa Bay

On the Big Island's South Kohala Coast, named for one of Hawaii's oldest volcanoes, large hipped roofs rise above a two-story residence, sheltering it against tropical rains. A post-and-beam structure brings a sense of order to this home's exterior, framing broad swaths of glass wall and warm wood architectural screens, which make linear compositions of sun and shade.

One first passes along a basalt stone walkway toward a wall of falling water, its reflective glimmer intimating the ocean views to follow. Entering an open air entry lanai, a staircase leads to an upper foyer that branches into spaces for living and sleeping. Here, on the upper story, screens on the structure's mountain side provide privacy, while glass walls and an elevated lanai place one within the realm of Pacific breezes.