Makena Beachfront Hale

Overlooking Makena Beach, this landscape is shaped by view, climate, and daily life. The composition is anchored by a compact infinity-edge pool with a plexiglass edge, extending the visual field toward the Pacific while defining a boundary between the residence and the adjacent resort.

A generous lanai organizes the primary living spaces, integrating dining, cooking, and lounge areas into a single plane oriented to sunset views over Kahoʻolawe. From here, the landscape unfolds into a series of outdoor rooms, including a spa, sunken firepit, and private outdoor showers connected to each bedroom.

Material clarity grounds the project. Large-format limestone terraces meet lava rock walls, while a restrained tropical planting palette introduces texture and seasonal variation with minimal maintenance. An adjacent heiau is carefully preserved within the broader composition, reinforcing a connection between cultural context, landscape, and horizon.

Recent visits to site to walk the dimensions and measure the finished grade of the infinity edge. As well, an adjacent Heiau (ancient worship site) is protected and visible from the gardens.

Some inspiration for the site came from local hotels and dazzling pool designs. Though tricky to establish, the client is wishing for an abundance of the exotic fuchsia-hued Lipstick Palms (Cyrtostachys rend) throughout.

A selection of the concept design iterations, always pushing beyond the expected. As well, a visit to the local nursery, South Maui Gardens, always inspires.

As the client values custom art, a sculpture by the renowned BREAKFAST studio from New York is planned for the wall of the entrance.

The infinity-edge pool, detailed in plexiglass, is seamlessly integrated with the architecture, offering a continuous experience of water, light, and horizon from day into night.