Designing for Island Living
Building a home in Hawaiʻi isn’t just about square footage—it’s about designing a space that fits the island lifestyle. From indoor-outdoor living to energy efficiency, the right floor plan will make your home more comfortable, sustainable, and enjoyable.
With Hawaiʻi ePlan, you can submit your construction plans electronically for review and approval, making the process faster and more convenient. Here’s how to choose the perfect layout for your Big Island dream home.
1. Consider Your Location and Climate
Each part of the island has its own conditions:
- Kona & Kohala – dry and sunny, ideal for large lanais and shaded outdoor living.
- Hilo & Puna – wetter, suited for elevated homes, wide roof overhangs, and good ventilation.
- Waimea & Volcano – cooler climates, often requiring insulated walls and heating options.
Your floor plan should reflect both the climate and the way you’ll use the space year-round.
2. Prioritize Indoor-Outdoor Living
Island homes are known for blending indoors and outdoors. Look for plans that include:
- Wide lanais and covered patios.
- Sliding or folding doors to extend living areas outside.
- Outdoor kitchens or gathering spaces for entertaining.
These features enhance island living while adding value to your home.
3. Plan for Energy Efficiency
The Big Island offers plenty of sunshine and trade winds—your floor plan should take advantage of both:
- Cross ventilation to reduce reliance on AC.
- Solar orientation to maximize natural light.
- Space for photovoltaic panels if going off-grid.
Energy-smart design lowers long-term costs and supports sustainable island living.
4. Think About Your Lifestyle Needs
Your floor plan should match the way you live:
- Family homes may need open kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
- Retirement or second homes might prioritize single-level layouts with accessibility in mind.
- Rental properties often benefit from separate entrances or ohana units.
Clarifying your lifestyle goals helps ensure your design meets your daily needs.
5. Design for Flexibility and Storage
Island homes often require extra storage for outdoor gear, surfboards, tools, and gardening supplies. Consider:
- Dedicated storage rooms or sheds.
- Covered carports or garages.
- Flexible spaces that can serve as offices, guest rooms, or ohana units.
6. Use Hawaiʻi ePlan for Smooth Approvals
Once you’ve chosen your floor plan, the next step is submitting your construction plans through Hawaiʻi ePlan. This electronic plan review system makes it easy to:
- Upload designs from your architect or designer.
- Track permit approvals online.
- Coordinate revisions efficiently.
Using ePlan helps keep your project moving on schedule.
Final Thoughts
The right floor plan for your island lifestyle balances comfort, sustainability, and Hawaiʻi’s unique climate. Whether you want wide lanais for entertaining, open layouts for family life, or energy-efficient features for long-term savings, thoughtful design makes all the difference.
With Hawaiʻi ePlan, you can take your chosen floor plan and submit it quickly for approval, bringing you one step closer to your dream home on the Big Island. Please visit our other websites www.accentdesignservices or www.hawaiidrafting.com for more insight.
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