Centennial Excellence
The 2026 AIA Honolulu Design Awards redefine what’s possible in residential architecture
By: Ku‘u Home Magazine
Sep 1, 2026
Working with an architect to design a renovation, addition or new home may seem like a luxury, but according to Julia Fink, “good design is an investment that enhances everyday life.”
“Architects help homeowners create spaces that reflect how they truly live while maximizing natural light and ventilation, responding to the site’s unique characteristics, improving resilience and planning for the future,” says Fink, executive vice president of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honolulu.
AIA marks a century in Hawai‘i in 2026. One of the events celebrating this milestone year was the 68th Annual AIA Honolulu Design Awards Gala at Hawaii Theatre Center on July 24. Ku‘u Home joined more than 200 local architects, builders and community supporters at the awards to gain inspiration from its impressive roster of local projects.
“Whether restoring an iconic midcentury home, creating multigenerational housing, integrating agriculture into daily life or pioneering regenerative building strategies, these projects reflect an expanding definition of what a home can be,” Fink says.
AIA Honolulu provided an exclusive look at the top single-family residential entries in the 2026 Design Awards pool. These projects represent the expansive visions of architects and their project teams.
“Good architecture creates places that are beautiful, enduring and uniquely suited to Hawaiʻi — homes that can better-adapt to whatever the next century may bring,” Fink says.
Haleola‘ili‘āinapono (Award of Excellence Winner)
Lead Design Firm: Bowers + Kubota Consulting
Haleola‘ili‘āinapono is Hawai‘i’s first certified Living Building residence that exemplifies regenerative housing with net-zero energy, water independence and material circularity.
Hale Mau‘u (Award of Merit Winner)
Lead Design Firm: Walker Warner
The pavilions of Hale Mau‘u are situated in a lava field landscape. Elevated walkways and village-like forms embrace native vegetation and the coastal environment.
Hale Olomana
Lead Design Firm: Geoffrey Lewis Architect Inc.
Hale Olomana bridges modern residential living with productive farming. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connections and stewardship of the land.
The Minimal House
Lead Design Firm: de Reus Architects
Restrained architecture anchors this quiet retreat in simplicity, climate-responsiveness and connection to Maui. The home celebrates light, views and place.
Makena Guesthouse
Lead Design Firm: Walker Warner
The casual, flexible spaces of this guesthouse extend the main estate’s living and entertaining experience while establishing its own relaxed identity.
Mānoa ‘Ohana Hale
Lead Design Firm: Mayumi Hara Dao Architect LLC
This accessory dwelling unit is designed for the homeowner’s family to live in privacy and proximity on the same lot.
‘Aumoana
Lead Design Firm: Peter Vincent Architects
Originally designed by architect Frank Haines, FAIA, the vintage character of this midcentury modern residence was preserved while updated for contemporary living.
Luxury Garage House
Lead Design Firm: Focus Design Studio
A showcase garage is the centerpiece of this home designed for automotive enthusiasts. Open interiors and indoor-outdoor connections befit the homeowners’ lifestyle.
This story appears in the September/October 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.