Inside this Hawaiian home with sweeping views of the sea

Every cosmopolitan family dreams of a home where life slows down, and the grass feels softer beneath their feet. It’s a familiar cycle—you leave behind the simplicity of rural life in search of something more, only to find yourself yearning for what you once had. Homes like this offer the best of both worlds, combining the perks of modern living with the peace of nature. This family, long-time clients of White Noise Design Studio, accustomed to the high-octane life—enjoying the privileges of a penthouse in the heart of New York City and thriving on a fast-paced rhythm—sought something beyond the unrelenting buzz of urban existence.

Perched on the Hawaiian coastline, the 4,000 sq ft home dubbed One Ocean is where the buzz of city life feels like a distant memory, replaced by the sounds of gentle waves and the rustling of tropical foliage.

From the moment one approaches, the house feels like it has always belonged here, as if it grew from the land itself. Expansive windows draw the coastal views in, capturing the sweeping horizon in a way that almost feels unreal.

The open layout, where the living room, dining area, and kitchen seamlessly flow into one another, reflects the free-spirited lifestyle the owners envision for this home—one without boundaries, without restrictions.

The design, with its open spaces and use of natural materials, allows the outdoors to merge with the interior. The lanai stretches into the Hawaiian landscape, dissolving the boundary between the home and nature. Every material, from the wood to the stone, was chosen for both its aesthetic and its ability to endure, creating a space that feels timeless and grounded in its surroundings.

“Another sensory delight is the master bath. When designing it, we knew it had to be storybook-like, an adventure from a sleek indoor soaking tub to an outdoor standing shower enveloped in a private jungle-like setting,” says the team at White Noise Design Studio. Being enveloped by nature is akin to forest bathing within the confines of home, offering a deeply immersive experience—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The interplay of textures, from smooth stone to vibrant greenery, pushes the limits of what can be achieved in residential design. The team further adds, “The lanai and master bath are our favourite spaces for designing sylvan architecture and high-end luxury.”

The home is dressed in soft, sandy neutrals and deep wood tones that calm the senses. Custom finishes, from natural stone to hand-crafted wood and sleek artisanal metal accents, create a visual balance.

The breathtaking ocean views and spectacular scenery are highlighted by carefully selected lighting. Every corner of this vacation home is designed with the utmost attention to detail, making each space feel like a retreat within a retreat.

Natural stones, weather-resistant woods, high-end finishes, and expert craftsmanship ensure the home endures Hawaii’s challenging tropical climate—marked by humidity, salty air, and intense sunlight. “We intended for the materials in this vacation home to develop a patina over time, aging beautifully and authentically, as its owners,” says the team.

In the end, we may never fully escape the cycle of life and our endless craving for the best of both worlds. But until then, homes like this will keep offering a brief yet profound reminder of what it means to truly find balance.

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FACT FILE:

Name of the project: One Ocean

Firm Name: White Noise Design Studio

Location: Big Island, Hawaii

Built Area: 4,000 sq. ft.

Design Team: Sanjana Paramhans, Utsav Shah, Rddhima Golyan, Shruti, Sridhar

Photography credit: Hans Klett

Contractor: Tower Ke Kailani LLC

Project management firm: Clifford Planing & Architecture

Furniture: Arhaus, CB2, Restoration Hardware

Lighting: Arhaus, CB2

Window Treatments: Aloha Blinds & Shutters

Custom Art: Knitushki Store, Wall and Design

Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler