Hawaiian architecture: Great buildings beyond beaches

By Andrea Black
Updated October 1 2016 - 1:15am, first published 12:15am
Heaven on earth: The swimming pool and view from Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Heaven on earth: The swimming pool and view from Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Stunning living room at Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Stunning living room at Doris Duke's Shangri La in Hawaii. Photo: Doris Duke estate
Cool pool at Surfjack Hotel in Hawaii.
Cool pool at Surfjack Hotel in Hawaii.
Surfjack Hotel in Hawaii.
Surfjack Hotel in Hawaii.
The Liljestrand House. Photo: Bob Liljestrand
The Liljestrand House. Photo: Bob Liljestrand
The Liljestrand House. Photo: Bob Liljestrand
The Liljestrand House. Photo: Bob Liljestrand

Beyond the high-rise tower blocks on the beach in Waikiki, Hawaii is a haven for architectural gems – you just have to know where to look. Granted, they can be easy to miss in a destination where the natural environment often outshines the built one. After Hawaii became the 50th US state in 1959 and tourism became the major industry, cheap towers were being built to meet demand, but some architects, such as Russian-born modernist Vladimir Ossipoff, were determined to fight what he called the ''war against ugliness". Taking cues from the local environment in their design, their style became known as tropical modernism. There's a fine example that many have experienced, the Honolulu International Airport. Here indoor/outdoor lanai, or patios, border flourishing gardens. This openness to tradewinds and greenery is a salve for anyone whose plane is delayed. Beyond the gateway, there are fine examples of architecture on the Hawaii Islands. Here are some of the best.

THE LILJESTRAND HOUSE

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