Hawaii has long suffered from a dearth of interesting architecture. That's due, in part, to the lack of permanent structures (aside from lava-rock temples and agricultural structures) existing in the islands in pre-contact days. The headlong rush to develop Hawaii also bulldozed many lovely historic buildings. And new architecture? Let's say the islands, with architecture reminiscent of Las Vegas in the 1970s and 80s, are not a primo destination for modern architecture buffs. Which is why the grand re-opening of the King Kamehameha Golf Club on Maui is such a big deal. The clubhouse at this posh, two-course club near tony Wailea was based on a luxury home design drafted by Frank Lloyd Wright. Originally intended for Marilyn Monroe and her then-husband, playwright Arthur Miler, the building never went up after their marriage went down in flames. The design languished until a group of flush Japanese

investors found the design. They contracted with Taliesin West, the architectural studio that FLW founded, to build the sucker. It cost $27 million to complete and was finished in 1993 but has been closed to the public, save for special events, for a number of years after the club's Japanese owners went belly-up. I'm not sure how much membership costs. They are only selling 800 (400 to locals, 400 to off-islanders) so its gotta be serious cash. Regardless, the building itself is stunning and the pro-shop and building are open to the public. Definitely worth a gander, if not golf shirt or three. Added bonus: the club has works from a number of noted Hawaii artists on display including muralist Herb Kawainui Kane and kapa beater Pua Van Dorpe.

—Alex, 07/03/06