Space for entertaining is almost a prerequisite when it comes to high-end homes. Still, few possess the space to host a community-sized crowd like this custom residence in the exclusive Kohanaiki resort enclave on Hawaii’s Kona Coast.
Designed by Shay Zak of San Francisco-based Zak Architecture, the plantation-vibe contemporary is one of the largest in the community, and for a good reason. After completion in 2013, the home served as the enclave’s interim clubhouse while the eventual clubhouse — a massive 67,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor building that Zak also designed — was being built.
The home’s U-shaped design surrounds a central courtyard with a reflecting pool.
Since reconfigured as a residential home, the 8,200-square-foot home retains elements of its clubhouse roots. The main living area is devoted mainly to open-concept space consisting of a chef’s kitchen, living room and dining area. Pocketing walls of glass bookend the common area, opening on one side to a large lanai and, on the opposite side, to a central courtyard with a reflecting pool.
Incorporating a classic Hawaii feel with modern notes, the interiors feature vaulted, wood-clad ceilings with triangular clerestories that bring in natural light. Artistic fixtures, dark stone floors and custom cabinetry area among eye-catching details of note. Similar to the clubhouse, the interior design was done by Sequoia Contract Works.
Pocketing walls of glass connect the indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Other highlights include a family room with its own bar, an office/den, six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. Many of the spaces open to intimate side-yard settings including one with decking and a spa and another with outdoor showers enveloped in colorful landscaping.
To the rear, a curved infinity-edge swimming pool is centered on the coastline, creating the illusion of meeting the ocean. The impressive pool, which has a baja deck, is flanked on either side by stone patios. Manicured lawn fills the space between the house and pool. Nearby is an outdoor kitchen complete with bar seating.
Accent lighting make the Shay Zak-designed home and swimming pool stand out at night.
According to Hawai’i Life’s Carrie Nicholson, who holds the listing for the $18.5-million property, prime residential offerings at Kohanaiki include estate lots, single-family residential homes, hales and townhomes.
Properties in the community are just a short stroll from some of the Hawaii Islands’ most coveted surf spots as well as reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Residents also have the potential to join the Kohanaiki Club, a private beach club featuring access to the clubhouse mentioned above as well as an organic community garden, tennis courts, spa and fitness facilities, a bowling alley, a cigar lounge and a 39-foot Yellow Fin boat.
The curved shape of the swimming mirrors the surrounding coastline.
Also included in the membership is special access to the resort’s Rees Jones-designed golf course, which has the distinction of being the only Jones-designed course in the state.
