From the street, the house didn’t have much going for it.
Built in 1960, the place was a fairly simple three-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style house, close to the majestic Olomana peaks in Kailua.
“There wasn’t much about the front that felt welcoming or gave a hint of personality,” says homeowner Dennis D. ““It looked plain, almost uninviting. The parts that made it feel special, like our open-beam lanai, were tucked away in the back.”
Dennis had a goal: He wanted to build an apartment for his daughter — something that fit her current lifestyle that also could adapt over time. But he and his family had other hopes for their home as well.
Hidden Olomana jewel
Dennis and his ohana had seen articles about Graham Builders, the award-winning Honolulu design/build firm, in this publication. “What really got us looking more seriously was a recommendation from our solar provider,” he says. “That gave us motivation to learn more.”
Attending a “Building Your Home For Life” Zoom seminar provided the family with an introduction to the renovation process and the Graham Builders team. “We were drawn to Graham Builders because of their clear attention to detail,” says Dennis. “You can really see it in the photos of their past work — everything felt thoughtful and well-crafted. That kind of care and precision was exactly what we were looking for.”
“They’re a very fun and creative family, and they had a very clear vision,” says Malia Yee, lead designer for Graham Builders. “They also wanted to capitalize on the Olomana views.”
Yee — who has worked in the architectural field for more than 20 years, designing homes worldwide for single- and multi-families — rolled up her sleeves and got to work, collaborating with Dennis and his family on their dreams for their renovation.
“It mattered a lot to us that the new apartment didn’t just get plopped on top, but actually blended with the home we already had,” Dennis says. “We talked about that with Malia again and again, and she really listened.”
House filled with color and light
“The house is now full of color, which they love and customized,” reports Yee. “We added custom built-ins in the bedroom, along with railings, and a special cupola with high ceilings to allow for light and ventilation.”
“The cupola gives the living room an airy, expansive feeling and looks stunning from the outside,” observes Dennis. “And the apartment mirrors the shape of the house — it’s like a little sibling perched above the carport. We love that!”
His family loves the other small touches, too — Saman wood countertop and shelving, copper- toned fixtures, the peaceful green kitchen, the calming blue bathroom. “In the second bedroom, we added built-in shelves and a cozy window bench that turns the space into a little reading nook. It’s small but it feels so personal and warm,” Dennis says. “And the detailed railing around the lanai and the stairs adds charm to the front of the house, something it had always been missing.”
Last but not least, the design takes full advantage of the property’s location. Large front windows in the living room and lanai open to reveal breathtaking views of Kailua, the Koolau Range, and even Ulupau Crater on the Mokapu peninsula. “It’s hard to choose just one favorite part,” Dennis concludes, “because there are so many things we really adore!”
Founded in 1990, Graham Builders remains the only contractor in Hawaii honored by the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Business Ethics. You’re cordially invited to attend Graham Builders’ FREE “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on August 2 nd . Register at grahambuilders.com or call 808/593-2808.