Plantation Roots. Plantation Style.

July 14, 2016 - Lahaina News

When land owner Kaanapali Land Management Corp. first started planning their Kaanapali Coffee Farms in West Maui they envisioned a residential community that would pay homage to the area’s plantation roots. Today, their dream has been realized through careful master planning and subdivision design guidelines that are helping to shape the look and feel of this true agricultural community.

The area no longer resembles what it once did during the early to mid-1900s when laborer homesteads dotted the West Maui’s slopes during the boom of Hawaii’s sugar cane and pineapple industry. Those modest bungalows of sorts, which would later be referred to as plantation-style homes, featured low profile wood frames, exposed rafters and vertical plank siding. Roofs were the most distinguishable, as they were split pitch and wide-hipped.

While the plantation homesteads are no longer, Kaanapali Land Management Corp.’s commitment to preserve our island’s plantation legacy can be seen in their Kaanapali Coffee Farms community. Local farmers and homeowners are still working together, albeit growing coffee instead of pineapple and sugar; and estates situated on breathtaking, panoramic five to seven-acres lots hark to Hawaii’s endearing plantation past thanks to thoughtful design guidelines that encourage this architectural style.

“One of the many benefits of living in Hawaii is the natural environment that provides us with an opportunity to design and build homes that emphasizes a casual indoor/outdoor lifestyle,” said Clayton Nishikawa, AIA, president of Architectural Design & Construction, Inc. “Kaanapali Land Management Corp. is to be commended for encouraging home designs that feature plantation-style architectural details. Not only does this style reflect local and cultural context that exude character and charm, but these structures also blend with the natural surroundings, enhancing the value of these homes over time.” 

To date, a total of 13 homes have been built or are under construction in the Kaanapali Coffee Farms community. Only 12 estate lots remain available for sale – many with the best views – in this spectacular 51-lot subdivision in West Maui. Prices start from $855,000.

For a personal real estate showing of the Kaanapali Coffee Farms community, please call Rohn T. Stark, PB at (808) 870-5571 or email Rohn@PlatinumPropertiesHI.com. You can also visit www.KaanapaliCoffeeFarms.com and/or like us on Facebook.