Kaua’i entry scores in Parade of Homes

For the second time in three years, a home designed and built by local firm Puuwai Design & Construction has won an award in the statewide Parade of Homes design and construction contest.

The “Ohia” model home, located in Kalaheo’s Kakela Makai subdivision, took first place in the custom unfinished division for houses and lots valued between $400,000 and $500,000.

Today is the final day to view the entry, as the Parade of Homes was only for two weekends, last weekend and this weekend. The home is open today, Sunday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To get there, go up Papalina Road off Kaumuali’i Highway (the traffic signal in Kalaheo), past Kukuiolono Golf Course, then right onto Pu’u Road. Go past the rock wall marking the main entrance to the subdivision, then take the next left-hand turn into the new subdivision. The home is on the right.

Puuwai and Justin Thain, company president, won an award for another model home, this one at Alexander & Baldwin’s Koloa Estates subdivision, in 2000.

The Ohia has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, 2,800 square feet of living space under roof, enclosed garage and wraparound lanai to take advantage of sweeping mountain and ocean views.

The single-story home’s master bathroom is large, with his-and-her vanities, and separate walk-in shower and whirlpool tub. The lot is 10,049 square feet.

Again this year, it was the only Kaua’i entry in the annual contest.

The Parade of Homes is a project of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, and is sponsored by Bank of Hawaii. Judges look at architecture, building techniques, package financing, landscape, interior design and other features.

Justin Thain and wife Malia Thain, who is a Realtor Associate with Makai Properties, traveled to O’ahu for the Parade of Homes awards banquet at the Sheraton Waikiki earlier this month.