Hawaii Life Inherits Maui Land & Pinapple Co. History

I love “Hawaiian Style” architecture so when Tobi & Matt let it be known that our office would be located at the old Maui Land & Pineapple headquarters, I was there…no questions asked.

An old Hawaii real estate legacy, Maui Land & Pineapple C0., makes room for new technology focused brokerage, Hawaii Life.

What an amazing space! The property consists of 4 “pods” with intersecting walkways. There is a conference room located in one of the pods with the largest conference table I’ve ever seen. Floor to ceiling windows and lots of natural light.

This building was a special location to me growing up. I lived about 4 blocks away. I remember that most of my friends in high school worked at the pineapple cannery during the summer.

Recently, I noticed that there was a building that looked very similar in design located in Wailea, where I walk with my dogs. So I picked up one of my favorite books, Under a Maui Roof, and began to do some research.

It turns out that the building was designed by a firm called Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) and was built in 1971. The firm has celebrated its 60th year of design and has several offices around the world.

Matteo’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

As I dug further, I discovered the other building that I suspected was theirs, currently Matteo’s Restaurant, had been designed by the firm as was The Chart House, Wailea.

Here is where it gets exciting. Check out some of their other designs:

First Hawaiian Bank, Kahului

The FHB Kahului Branch was built in 1982 and was designed as a residential scale building to reflect the charm of the island. It is a contemporary interpretation of Hawaii’s historic architectural form. The low eaves of traditional Hawaii roof design cast magnificent shadows on the exterior walls.

Sheraton Maui Kaanapali

The Sheraton Maui Kaanapali was built in 1963. It was the first hotel in Kaanapali and was the first “upside down” hotel. All the public areas are located on top of black rock and the guest rooms descent down the face of the rocks to the ocean below.

Four Seasons Resort Wailea

The Four Seasons Resort Wailea was built in 1990. Palatial in concept with massive columns and formal gardens. The hotel was developed using symmetry and formal pattern. The U-shaped building placed guest rooms at 45 degree angles to the corridors offering awesome ocean views and natural light.

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua was built in 1992. The original design was scrapped when an ancient burial ground was discovered (now marked & preserved). The redesigned plan was not as prominent as initially planned. The revised plan reduced the scale of the project and allowed the design to step down following the slope of the land. It is built in the heart of pineapple fields and retains its understated elegance.

The Kona Hilton

For my friends on the Big Island, the firm also built the Kona Hilton in 1968. Another awesome example of WATG architecture.

So, while I work away at our amazing office, I’m honored to have this be not only part of my history, but part of the Hawaii Life history.