Hawai’i is renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. While it’s easy to assume that the majority of homes are dressed in the standard tropical decor you’d expect, mid century designs can be found in many aspects of Hawai’i’s architecture and design. See below to see our favorite mid-century modern influences in Hawai’i.

Vladimir Ossipoff

UH Mānoa describes Ossipoff as, “one of the most influential progenitors of a distinctive, Hawai‘i regional modernism from the 1940s through the 1970s.” His work influenced the modern style of architecture we see in Hawaii today. Perhaps one of the most common, his design of the “IBM Building (1962), remains one of his most publicly visible contributions to mid century Hawai‘i modernism and garnered attention across the United States,” explains UH Mānoa, Ossipoff pioneered “the “look” and values of Hawaii’s mid century architecture, (but also) his approaches to design continue to shape the outlooks of Hawaii’s next generation of architects.”

Items in photo: Moana Dresser | Waipio Bed

Native Wood in Mid Century Design Elements

Homes in Hawaiʻi unite a blend of mid century and traditional design elements through wood, the best ones being our various native species, found here in the islands.

Koa

The word Koa in Hawaiian has a symbiotic relationship with Hawaiian warriors who instituted the wood’s use with weapons and canoes. The strength of the Koa wood eventually made its way among the homes of royalty, a prized possession of few. In modern times, koa wood lives in many local homes but in many forms. Koa can be found as furniture, cabinets, flooring, and decor pieces… many of which have been passed down for generations. E ola koa, live like a koa tree.

ʻŌhiʻa

“A hard wood with a fine texture, ‘ohi‘a was used by ancient Hawaiians to make poi boards, kapa beaters, decking for canoes, and statues,” explains Denise Laitinen in her article, Crafting Hawaiian Woods for Ke Ola Magazine. The ʻōhiʻa sprouts among the lava and produces the beautiful ʻōhiʻa lehua flower, which is reminiscent of the Hawaiian goddess Pele. The ʻōhiʻa has recently experienced a new strain of a fungal infestation where the leaves change to brown within a few days, eventually fall off completely in the next couple of weeks as the tree dies. Read more about Rapid ʻōhiʻa death here. ʻŌhiʻa wood is very expensive and “typically used for flooring, cabinets, and beams,” Denise Laitinen explains, in Crafting Hawaiian Woods for Ke Ola Magazine, “compared to koa, ‘ohi‘a has a plain grain to it so it is rarely used for furniture.”

Design Tip:

Tip: Reduce your economic footprint and buy second hand! We love Hawaii Modern for refurbished and genuinely unique mid century modern furniture. They specialize in buying, selling, and restoring quality mid century modern, post war modern furniture objects.

Photos Courtesy of Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation

Mid Century Derived from Plantation Homes

The boom of plantation farming in the late 1800’s introduced immigrants to Hawaiʻi to tend to the fields, thus the inaugural Hawaiian Plantation homes. Wood furniture, natural elements, and vintage pieces curate the core palette that carries to a mid century feel throughout modern homes. Kukuiʻula illustrates Plantation-Style Architecture as “a modest bungalow of sorts, the style earned its name through its use as laborer homesteads. Homes feature low profile wood frames, exposed rafters and vertical plank siding.” Many characteristics from plantation homes are easily spotted in the design of contemporary Hawaiʻi homes and blend with new modern design trends.

Mid Century Today

After its $60 million remodel in 2017, The Laylow, Autograph Collection is Hawaii’s most instagrammable hotel and nails the mid century modern look with a touch of Hawaiian flare. Located in the heart of Waikīkī, The Laylow, Autograph Collection is dressed in colors, plants, and of course… wallpaper! In the article, The Laylow Debuts in Waikiki Following $60 Million Transformation, Lisa A. Grimaldi describes that the “Guest rooms and public areas sport nostalgic details like authentic mid-20th century modern furnishings, teak accents, palm-patterned wallpaper and woven lanterns.” From the Hideout’s terrazzo countertop to the blend of island-inspired furnishings, we are loving every detail in the design.

Need help with Mid Century Modern in your home?

At Studio Shaolin we work with clients in Hawaii and across the United States to create timeless spaces that reflect the individual needs of each project. Learn more about how we can help with your design and home renovation project by booking a discovery call.

Mid Century in Hawaii