With a name like the Big Island, we expect everything here to be larger than life. That certainly goes with the private residential club known as Kohanaiki, which boasts some of the most incredible homes in all of Hawaii. This beloved destination has become an especially favorite getaway for the well-known names of Silicon Valley, and few neighborhoods draw the attention of high rollers quite like it. Just how nice are the homes? Well, at least one is good enough to be the stylish, luxurious clubhouse.
Now, though, one estate claims the crown for being Kohanaiki’s most expensive listing yet. Formerly owned by the founder of the award-winning DuMol Winery—a favorite of U.S. Presidents—this $22 million home, known as Ala Kohanaiki 25, is another masterpiece from architect Shay Zak and will certainly become someone’s ultimate dream retreat. Especially once any prospective buyers check out the incredible wine room.
This is the kind of home where even the towel hooks for the outdoor lava rock shower will impress guests. Every inch of this 6,755-sq. ft. palace has been designed to not only embrace local culture but blend it with modern luxury. More simply, there’s hardly a piece of furniture or décor that doesn’t seem like it was custom made for this residence.
Yet it’s the surroundings that really push things to the next level. Open the wall of doors to the common area and guests will be captivated by the views, likely not even noticing the huge wood ceilings or the large floor tiles that flow from the living space to the massive patio area.
Even more impressive, the living space opens on both sides, offering access to the backyard’s infinity pool (overlooking the tee on the 16th hole of the Rees Jones-designed golf course) as well as a serene sitting area for those friends and family members who don’t want to miss one moment of the perfect weather.
In addition to the wine room fit for a celebrated winemaker, there is also a lanai with a built-in bar that boasts a custom beer tap, if only to prove the point that everything within the walls seems unique. The kitchen appears like it was designed to turn ordinary meals into performances, offering counter space as long as the dining table, ideal for any chef who wants to show off a penchant for finger snacks while encouraging everyone to grab a small plate and mingle.
Kohanaiki offers far more than unbelievable homes and championship golf. The community pool is great for catching up with neighbors—the lots are large, so it’s not like residents see each other when getting the morning paper—and fine dining options and even a spa are just a golf cart ride away. That is, if the homeowner hasn’t already turned one of the rooms into a Zen retreat already.
