Expansive Kūkiʻo Residence

Kohala Coast, Hawaiʻi

2026

A ground-up landscape transformation at one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most coveted private communities. With everything demolished to the slab, this double lot at Kūkiʻo presented a rare opportunity: abundant space and an open canvas to reimagine outdoor living at the highest level. The result is a layered, resort-caliber landscape composed entirely of custom elements — each zone distinct in purpose, unified in character.

                Project Highlights:
Entry koi ponds — a composed arrival sequence that establishes the tone of the property
Reflecting pond with integrated fire pit — a focal point balancing stillness and warmth
Expansive pool with a lower-level fire pit terrace for multi-level outdoor living
Large covered entertaining pavilion — designed for seamless indoor-outdoor hospitality
Master shower garden with cold plunge, sauna, lounge area, and double-sided water wall — a private wellness sanctuary

              

Type

Residential

Client

Private residential

Work

Full landscape renovation

Room to frame and provide open space

The double lot created beautiful opportunities for plantings to frame and soften the architecture, while still leaving expansive space for views, and room to enjoy the yard.

With a generous double lot and a client with a clear vision for luxury, the design challenge was not space but orchestration. Custom amenities within a cohesive landscape required deliberate sequencing: each zone needed to feel purposeful while contributing to a larger whole. From the entry arrival to the private wellness garden, every element was custom-designed and precisely placed, resulting in a complete reimagining of the site rather than an assembly of features.

Molly Scheufler