Indoor Outdoor Kahala Home with a Fresh & Open Take on Traditional Style

As we are blessed with the best weather on the planet, it makes sense to look for a house that opens to the outdoors. The majority of indoor outdoor homes are either sleek and modern or resort-style. Both styles work great with disappearing walls that open the home to the garden. But what if you or your other half wants a home more Martha Stewart than Tony Bahama or New York Loft? Well, you might take a look at 636 Honua in Kahala.

636 Honua, Kahala (MLS# 201407253)

What Makes This House Special?

What makes this house so special is it has tons of details that one would find in a traditional home; gorgeous wood floors, a grand staircase with white spindles, carved white columns, and wonderful fresh colors throughout. This is not the modern grey home or the resort-style beige. 

Somehow the architect found a way to make the walls disappear that doesn’t look forced. You see it immediately as you enter from the street. Walking the path across the koi ponds you see right into the home. That’s the breakfast room on the left off the kitchen. Above that, a guest suite lanai and Master Suite Veranda above the entry. A formal sense of order, but the rooms feel open and friendly.

The Great Room

One of my favorite touches are large stencil cutouts of Hawaiian garden icons of plumeria and monstera leaves in the celestial windows of the great room. It’s a great modern take on an old Victorian architectural flourish.

The home is a little bit Victorian, a little bit Plantation, and a little bit modern. Not easy to pull off, but when done well, as it is here, it creates a stunning yet familiar and comfortable home. And look at those floors. I love the juxtaposition of the rich red floors with the green lawn and white woodwork. Makes everything seem crisp and fresh, yet relaxed.

A Spacious State-of-the-Art Kitchen

Stunning. Fresh. Comfortable.

There is a bedroom suite on the main level that opens to the pool, not quite a second Master, but close. I’ve always loved the idea of rising early and taking a quick dip, and here the pool is just steps away.

The other bedrooms are up those elegant stairs. One half of the upper floor is the capacious Master Suite. Huge and stylish Master bath, and as you would expect with a traditional, there is a ton of storage throughout the home including his and hers walk-in closets here in the master suite.  

Back downstairs, the kitchen is spacious, welcoming, and state-of-the-art. An entertainment wing that leads from the house to the pool is perfect for those lazy weekends with friends and family. Everything in its place, but nothing stodgy.

The Entertainment Wing

As the walls do all disappear, the spacious green lawn and refreshing pool area just seem like adjoining rooms. At the same time, you never feel like you are in an impersonal hotel lobby. It feels like a home. I’m usually not a fan of traditional, but this one tempts me. If you are a fan of traditional, but your other half likes modern, then you might want to take a look. They might change their minds. I know I did.

Other Stylish Homes in Kahala

Want to see more stylish homes here in Honolulu’s Kahala neighborhood? Take a look at this collection of homes I put together: Stylish Homes for Sale in Kahala. If you are in town, I’d be happy to set up showings as well.