Positively Perfect
Hawaii Home Remodeling, May 2014
Landscaping & Water Features, Outside,
by Brandi Benson
After more than a decade, this Waimanalo landscape continues to evolve.
From serene koi ponds to a towering, 15-foot waterfall, there are amazing discoveries at every turn in this secluded home by the beach in Waimanalo. The dramatic landscape draws in visitors and demands their full attention. From the custom roof swooping across the house — reflecting the movements of nearby Waimanalo Bay — to the water features that immerse them into a tangible paradise, they can’t help but stop and stare, mouths agape.
“The goal all along was to get people to stop and say, ‘Wow,’” says designer Billy Pulaski of Hokuahi Lawns.
Previously, the 1930s plantation-style home and its surrounding landscape were in great disrepair. “We had a rusty fence, two Norfolk Island pines that didn’t feel tropical — they gave you a Colorado feel,” says homeowner Narahari das. “The landscape was very plain and nondescript — no water features.”
The landscaping project, which began more than a dozen years ago, became a quest for tropical perfection. Cascading waterfalls, multiple koi ponds and low maintenance plants fill every corner of the garden. Other additions include areca palms, ginger, Hawaiian ferns, lilies, iris and open spaces accentuated by manicured lawns. “The goal was to create the feeling of being immersed in natural beauty,” says Pulaski.
Once the initial landscape renovation took shape, Narahari was so impressed he asked Pulaski to also design his home. “Usually, people do it the other way around,” Pulaski laughs. “Here, we designed the house around the landscape.”
From the beginning, Pulaski says, he felt a spiritual connection with the project. “I wanted to design something that spoke to me. There are very few places that speak to me,” says Pulaski. “I wanted to raise something out of the earth, and this, to me, rises out of the earth. This is Hawaii. This says jungle. It says tropical.”
With a project that has been in nonstop motion for more than 12 years, so much has been done and redone in the quest for perfection. “Twelve years ago, this was all bamboo, really,” says Gary Shinn, owner of Hokuahi Lawns. “There was nothing here.”
Looking out at the grounds today, Shinn says he is "flabbergasted" at the results. “It’s a testament to teamwork. Billy and the homeowner have really worked together on this for quite some time,” Shinn says. “They’ve done it very tastefully, with solid plant selections throughout the property. It’s a true collaboration.”
Asked if he thinks they might be wrapping up the project soon, Shinn just laughs. “Probably not,” he says. “I wonder, how do you make perfect even more perfect? These two continue to find a way.”
TOP TIPS
• When it comes to a landscaping makeover, the size of your property doesn't matter. This tropical paradise was carefully crafted on less than a third of an acre. • When adding a water feature, work with rather than against the existing landscape. Change elevations to add interest to a flatter location.
Landscaping & Water Features, Outside,
by Brandi Benson
After more than a decade, this Waimanalo landscape continues to evolve.
From serene koi ponds to a towering, 15-foot waterfall, there are amazing discoveries at every turn in this secluded home by the beach in Waimanalo. The dramatic landscape draws in visitors and demands their full attention. From the custom roof swooping across the house — reflecting the movements of nearby Waimanalo Bay — to the water features that immerse them into a tangible paradise, they can’t help but stop and stare, mouths agape.
“The goal all along was to get people to stop and say, ‘Wow,’” says designer Billy Pulaski of Hokuahi Lawns.
Previously, the 1930s plantation-style home and its surrounding landscape were in great disrepair. “We had a rusty fence, two Norfolk Island pines that didn’t feel tropical — they gave you a Colorado feel,” says homeowner Narahari das. “The landscape was very plain and nondescript — no water features.”
The landscaping project, which began more than a dozen years ago, became a quest for tropical perfection. Cascading waterfalls, multiple koi ponds and low maintenance plants fill every corner of the garden. Other additions include areca palms, ginger, Hawaiian ferns, lilies, iris and open spaces accentuated by manicured lawns. “The goal was to create the feeling of being immersed in natural beauty,” says Pulaski.
Once the initial landscape renovation took shape, Narahari was so impressed he asked Pulaski to also design his home. “Usually, people do it the other way around,” Pulaski laughs. “Here, we designed the house around the landscape.”
From the beginning, Pulaski says, he felt a spiritual connection with the project. “I wanted to design something that spoke to me. There are very few places that speak to me,” says Pulaski. “I wanted to raise something out of the earth, and this, to me, rises out of the earth. This is Hawaii. This says jungle. It says tropical.”
With a project that has been in nonstop motion for more than 12 years, so much has been done and redone in the quest for perfection. “Twelve years ago, this was all bamboo, really,” says Gary Shinn, owner of Hokuahi Lawns. “There was nothing here.”
Looking out at the grounds today, Shinn says he is "flabbergasted" at the results. “It’s a testament to teamwork. Billy and the homeowner have really worked together on this for quite some time,” Shinn says. “They’ve done it very tastefully, with solid plant selections throughout the property. It’s a true collaboration.”
Asked if he thinks they might be wrapping up the project soon, Shinn just laughs. “Probably not,” he says. “I wonder, how do you make perfect even more perfect? These two continue to find a way.”
TOP TIPS
• When it comes to a landscaping makeover, the size of your property doesn't matter. This tropical paradise was carefully crafted on less than a third of an acre. • When adding a water feature, work with rather than against the existing landscape. Change elevations to add interest to a flatter location.
