A luxury residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, designed with a strong Japanese influence and positioned just steps from a protected wildlife sanctuary, has been listed for sale for $13.8 million. The property offers a unique combination of oriental aesthetics and natural exuberance.
Known as Paiko Retreat, the original 1983 building was designed by renowned local architect John Hara, responsible for projects such as the Honolulu Museum of Art and the University of Hawaii – West O’ahu. The first owner, of Japanese descent, wanted a house that reflected this cultural heritage, prompting Hara to be hired for the project. The appreciation of nature, intrinsic to Japanese culture, aligns perfectly with the property’s privileged location.
The current owner, Karin Sousa, reported that she and her husband, Walter, learned about the property’s history directly from the original owner’s children. According to Sousa, the conception of the house came about after the first owner’s trip to Japan, serving as the main inspiration for the design.
Architectural elements reminiscent of Japanese culture are diverse, including a traditional tiled roof, extensive use of exposed wood and an open layout. This feature integrates the main internal environments with the exterior, where there are koi ponds, ornamental waterfalls and carefully planned tropical landscaping.
After the death of the original owner, the property was bequeathed to two Honolulu educational institutions: the Punahou School and the Saint Louis School. In September 2021, Karin and Walter Sousa purchased the property for US$5.95 million.
At that time, the Sousas divided their routine between Hawaii and Las Vegas, and were engaged in building a new home in Kailua, on the other side of the island of O’ahu, when they came across this unique residence.
Karin Sousa expressed the immediate impact of the house, stating that “I found this house and we both fell in love with it”, highlighting the strong emotional connection with the place.
With five bedrooms, the house covers an area of approximately 864 square meters (equivalent to 9,295 square feet). Its location is notable, being situated on the shores of Kanewai Fishpond Lake and very close to Paiko Lagoon, which is home to a wildlife sanctuary. The proximity to these protected ecosystems not only offers stunning views, but also enhances the exclusive and serene character of the property.
Since its construction in the 1980s, the property had not undergone significant renovations. The Sousas undertook a complete modernization, replacing items such as Formica countertops and linoleum floors, as well as carrying out essential repairs, such as replacing windows and the air conditioning system.
Sousa revealed that “practically everything is new in this house now”, and the initial intention was to remain in place, which is why they invested in total renovation. She also praised the strength of the original construction, stating that “it’s a beautifully built house. Everything was in the right places, so it didn’t need any major structural work.”
Interior details include beamed ceilings and sliding glass doors that connect nearly every room to the outside. A spacious balcony was often used by the Sousas for meals and to receive guests.
Outside, a large patio with multiple seating areas surrounds the pool, complemented by stunning mountain views visible in the listing images. Alesia Barnes and Aaron Businger, of Compass, are the brokers responsible for selling the property.
With the completion of their new home in Lanikai and most of their social and family ties concentrated in Kailua, the owners chose to sell the residence in Honolulu.
Karin Sousa expressed some regret about the sale, justifying the decision by logistics: “We really don’t want to sell, but when we bought it, it took us 20 minutes to get from Kailua to here, now it takes us 45 minutes.”