Hale 'O Ka La — A Luxury Hawaiian Rental Revival

Diane Bobek
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 24 hours ago

Luxury vacation rental renovation in Mauna Kea Resort, Big Island Hawaii

When the smoke cleared, what remained was more than a home—it was a second chance to create something extraordinary.

We recently completed a full renovation of Hale 'O Ka La (meaning “House of the Sun”), a luxury vacation rental nestled within the Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. After sustaining severe smoke and ash damage during last summer’s coastline fires, what began as a heartbreaking loss became a meaningful opportunity to restore and elevate the home into something even more soulful and special.

Luxury interior renovation by Diane Bobek Designs on the Big Island

The transformation is incredible—lighter finishes, fresh textures, and a more refined, contemporary Hawai‘i-inspired aesthetic now flow throughout the home. We repeated wood tones and layered natural, textural materials to create a cohesive feeling across the rooms, while still giving each space its own unique spirit.

This full-home renovation was a collaboration of heart, talent, and vision—led by Diane Bobek Designs in partnership with Taleah Smith Design and Pono Hana Builders.

A Spirit-Led Transformation

From the moment you step through the double glass doors, the space opens up to sweeping views of Hualālai and the Pacific Ocean.

Lightened millwork and custom wood finishes by Thompson Art Studio

The home was once filled with dark wood, Asian antiquities, and rich finishes—many of which were damaged. We salvaged what we could and honored them by blending old elements with a new vision. Thompson Art Studio spent countless hours sanding and refinishing every door, ceiling, and cabinet, and the results are stunning.

Design Details That Ground and Glow

We remodeled the kitchen for guest chefs and a large Neolith island anchors the space which will become the new gathering place for all the guests.

Contemporary island-style kitchen with large Neolith island

Pendant lights above the island feature copper accents salvaged from the original roof, a quiet nod to the home’s past.

Kitchen pendant lights featuring original copper roof accents

Marmorino Venetian Plaster with mother of pearl and mica chips by Thompson Art Studio, glisten in the golden hour sunlight—perfectly complementing the custom-made, large double curved sectionals that bring softness and flow to the space.

Hand-applied Marmino plaster walls with mica and pearl shimmer

Sculptural lighting throughout the home, from the powder room to the great room, adds movement and elegance to each vignette.

Dining room with custom pendant lighting and tropical modern design

Custom beds crafted in white oak and walnut anchor the bedrooms with natural warmth.

Custom white oak and walnut bed in Hawaii bedroom retreat

The Garden Room & Beyond

Indoor and outdoor living blend beautifully in the Garden Room, where custom queen daybeds, soft stone, and surrounding waterfalls create a luxurious yet laid-back environment. All beds and Armoire by Werk Arts.

Garden Room design with custom sectionals and tropical landscape views

The pool lanai and newly added slide bring a sense of joy, while the saltwater pool and swim-up bar complete the resort-like experience.

Even the landscape design carries deep meaning—crafted by Ray Lager, the original architect and owner of the property, who returned to redesign and install all the exterior landscape spaces.

Saltwater pool with swim-up bar and new slide at Hale 'O Ka La

Designing with Heart (and Soul)

No project comes without challenges, and this one was no exception. With a fluctuating construction budget, Diane and the team were pushed to think smarter, placing resources where they would matter most. The result? A home that doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels it.