Waves of Change

Design trends have ebbed and flowed at the Koko Kai Cliffside home. Its original construction in 1978 included era-appropriate heavy massing, brick arches and pavilion roofs. A renovation in 1994 added a second story punctuated by white curving forms and flat roofs, with angular interiors tying these postmodern themes together.

Peter Vincent Architects (PVA) recently took on a challenging, major update to Koko Kai Cliffside. The home befits a fresh look embracing its dramatic locale, a timeless beacon of luxe island living atop a 150-foot rocky slope with views of Hawai‘i Kai’s shores.

“Originally composed of five fragmented levels, the home felt dark, disconnected and isolated from its surroundings,” says Peter N. Vincent, PVA managing partner. “The primary design challenge was to create a cohesive, contemporary residence that embraced indoor-outdoor living while responding to the strong winds characteristic of this side of the island.”

Vincent notes that budgets and building codes directed the project team toward a strategy of “transformation through refinement” instead of overt structural and exterior changes. Cleaner lines balance the home’s existing curved forms with “visual continuity and architectural discipline.” Subtle nautical influences in the primary bedroom and living areas “evoke the sensation of being aboard a vessel overlooking the landscape.”

“Inside, this theme continues with a boat-inspired soffit that mirrors the geometry of the deck, reinforcing a sense of movement and con-nection between interior and exterior spaces,” Vincent says.

“We are incredibly proud of this collaboration,” he adds. “The owner, contractor and consultants came together seamlessly to create something truly special.”

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Before and After: Entryway

A ceramic piece by Japanese artist Jun Kaneko defines the new entryway (bottom). The previous entryway is shown at top.

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Before and After: Primary Bedroom

A contemporary nautical theme elevates the remodeled primary bedroom (bottom) from its dated look before (top).

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Before and After: Dining Area

Peter Vincent Architects’ innovative open layouts and clean lines in the updated dining area (bottom) bring more light and air to the once dark and clunky space (top).

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Before and After: Bathrooms

Neutral finishes and ambient lighting blend the new bathroom spaces (bottom) with ocean views and coastal surroundings. Old bathroom images are shown at top.

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Before and After: Stairway

Glass railings reflect natural light along remodeled stairways (bottom), keeping transitions between levels in the home airy and uncluttered compared to the previous design (top).

Before Photos Courtesy Peter Vincent Architects • After Photos By Kyle Rothenborg

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This story appears in the May/June 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.