Kekainani home wins Gold Nugget Award of Merit

The ʻIlima Residence at Kekainani at Hoakalei earned an Award of Merit at the 2026 Gold Nugget Awards, adding national recognition to a single-level luxury home in West Oʻahu. The win highlights demand for flexible, indoor-outdoor homes in Hawaiʻi and spotlights Hoakalei Resort’s growing residential profile.

Why it matters: - The award gives Kekainani national recognition in a field focused on residential design, planning and development. - The honor reinforces demand for single-level luxury homes that fit Hawaiʻi’s climate, views and indoor-outdoor lifestyle. - The recognition may help elevate interest in Kekainani, a limited collection of 32 ocean-view residences at Hoakalei Resort.

What happened: - The ʻIlima Residence (75.10) at Kekainani at Hoakalei received an Award of Merit in the Best Single Family Detached Home (2,001–2,499 Square Feet) category at the 2026 Gold Nugget Awards. - The Gold Nugget Awards are among the nation’s most respected competitions for architectural design, planning and development. - The ʻIlima Residence is a single-level luxury home within Kekainani, located at Hoakalei Resort in West Oʻahu. - Haseko (Hawaii), Inc. is the developer behind the project.

The details: - The award-winning ʻIlima floor plan offers more than 2,400 square feet of living space. - The home uses a single-level layout and an open-concept design. - The residence is designed to capture cooling trade winds, abundant natural light and coastal views. - Spacious lanais, a private courtyard and large gathering areas support outdoor living year-round. - The home is aimed at empty nesters, retirees, returning kamaʻāina, professionals and families. - Mac Narahara, president of Haseko (Hawaii), Inc., said the residence was designed to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s environment and the West Oʻahu lifestyle. - Kekainani offers modern island architecture inspired by Hawaiʻi’s climate and lifestyle. - Select homes also feature views toward Diamond Head. - Residents have access to the residents-only Wai Kai Hale Club, waterfront recreation, dining, golf and other resort amenities. - The Gold Nugget Awards are presented by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference and the California Building Industry Association. - This year’s competition drew more than 800 entries across 67 categories from the U.S. and abroad. - The Kekainani model homes and sales gallery are at 91-1421 Halili Street in ‘Ewa Beach. - The gallery is open daily except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - More information is available at Kekainani.com.

Between the lines: - The award validates a home design strategy centered on flexibility, low-maintenance living and outdoor connection. - The buyer profile suggests Kekainani is targeting both local and mainland buyers who want resort-style living in a limited-availability community. - The national award can serve as a marketing advantage as Haseko positions Hoakalei as a high-end residential destination.

What's next: - Kekainani will continue to showcase its model homes and sales gallery to prospective buyers. - Haseko is likely to use the award to promote the ʻIlima Residence and the broader Hoakalei community. - Interested buyers can schedule a virtual or in-person tour through the project website.

The bottom line: - The ʻIlima Residence’s Gold Nugget Award of Merit gives Kekainani a strong national endorsement for its design, location and luxury-living appeal.