Makena
In a secluded corner on the south-west coast of Maui, Hawaii, sits Makena. Designed by San Francisco-based firm Walker Warner in collaboration with Leverone Design, Makena, with its adjoining guesthouse, is an oasis in every sense of the word – a serene retreat where disparate elements converge in perfect harmony.
From the street, Makena presents as a modest, single-storey dwelling, discreet and calm against its surroundings. Yet once inside, the home unfolds with confidence. A sequence of open spaces is filled with natural light, thanks to an array of glazed windows and doors that blur the line between exterior and interior. Coastal air flows through every room; the ocean so close it feels almost as though it’s part of the home itself. It’s a true expression of living – effortless, elegant and deeply connected to the landscape.
Light is one of the defining features of the home. Rather than chasing the sun, the design seeks to temper it. The west-facing overhang shields the home from the afternoon glare, while deep-set light wells punctuate the architecture, highlighting and enlivening the natural textures of the timber detailing throughout. The effect is calming. Luminous, not glaring. Warm, but restrained.
Sitting apart from the main house, the guesthouse acts as both complement and counterpoint. Nestled into the golden sands just a short walk away, it offers a more intimate retreat where the connection to the landscape isn’t just highlighted – it’s inescapable. Embracing a moodier palette, the guesthouse leans into contrast, its kitchen swathed in darker tones and unafraid of the interplay of shadow and light. It’s a space designed for retreat and reflection.
These two dwellings speak for themselves. The rich, tactile use of timber evokes the lightness and calm of the coastal setting, grounded by concrete and locally sourced basalt throughout. It seems to announce that this is not simply a getaway or a holiday destination but a space designed to be lived in – filled with presence and purpose.
Though the word Makena carries several meanings in the native Hawaiian language, one translation stands out: abundance. That’s exactly what you find here. In light, in texture, in attitude. Together, the home and its guesthouse speak to the tranquil pleasures of the environment.
Architecture by Walker Warner. Interior design by Leverone Design. Build by Dowbuilt and Colt Construction. Landscape design by Lutsko Associates. Lighting by EJA Lighting Design.
