Modernist Hawaii: Hale 'Ohai in Puna
Where: The Big Island || Grouped in: The Big Island Hotels || Tagged:
Once known more as a haven for society drop-outs, pakalolo planters, and hippies, the Puna District on the Big Island is becoming something of a Mecca for modernist home design (in part, due to the relative affordability of real estate down there amidst the geothermal vents and lava tube cave-ins). This gorgeous house floats in a canopy of monkeypod trees. Screened-in rooms are open to the air, the sky, and the spectacular tropical light. I can't vouch for the interior decorating or furnishings, but the site does claim to have a Noguchi dining room table (very nice). You aren't close to any great beaches but surfing and warm ocean ponds and tidepools abundant with critters are an easy drive. Don't expect gourmet food or even a decent supermarket -- not down in Puna. But hey, you can't expect splendid isolation and all the conveniences of home (via Hapa Hale).
Hale 'Ohai
$1000/wk during high season (through December 23)., $850/wk from April- October
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Comments
Paul said:
Actually, some of us are impressed both by the beach (a ten minute walk from Hale ‘Ohai then a climb down the cliff where you’ll find black sand, challenging surf, and dolphins spinning just a short swim away) and food (the lanai at Kalani Ecoresort, Verna’s 3 miles away at the end of the Red Road, and decent Thai, Mexican and Italian restaurants in nearby Pahoa town) in Puna. Or, you can stock up and cook your own feasts at your hale away from home!
—11/20/06