65-1272 LAELAE RD
Property Detail
Property Description
FROM HISTORIC WAIMEA COMES A STUNNING NEW LIVING OPPORTUNITY!
All homes tell a story, a reflection of memories that becomes part of the fabric of the homes, as much as the building materials that give them form and structure. To tell the story of the Laelae Home, we take a step back to 20th century Waimea, when Parker Ranch was the largest privately owned ranch in the US.
Richard Penhallow had a long and distinguished career in Hawaii Ranching, culminating in 24 years at Parker Ranch, with his last 2 years as the Ranch Manager. Dick’s influence on education in Hawaii is unsurpassed, opening both Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Parker School, and serving as regent for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. During his time on Hawaii Island, Dick developed several home designs that used locally available materials like lava rock and Ohia wood. The homes were economical to construct and served a needed purpose, during a time when there was not a hardware store just down the street. Dick constructed the original Laelae Home in 1951, eight years before Hawaii joined the US! As homes tend to do, the Laelae Home grew up with its various inhabitants over time.
Don Ho purchased the home and expanded the Living area to the south, capturing more interior space for entertaining. When Elvis Presley visited Don Ho at the Laelae Home, they surely had drinks in the expanded Living area, taking in the views from the mountains to the ocean.
By 2016, after 65 years, it was clear that the original Laelae Home had seen better days and needed to be overhauled. The Laelae Home was tired and ready for new life and energy.The conceptual design was to create a new Laelae Home, built for today, while respecting the original building footprint, reusing materials, and updating the detailing. The reflection of new memories is integrated with the fabric of the new Laelae Home, which in turn tells the story of the original home. The Laelae Home is ready for the next chapter.