Panoramas of paradise in Koko Kai

There are a lot of nice homes out there, but many of them keep to safe, neutral tones inside and out—probably to preserve the classic design and clean lines. I’m more impressed with homeowners who step outside the box with colors that pop, and design touches that set them apart from others.

Such is the case with this five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home at 216 Lumahai St., which was probably design-forward when it was built in 1971, but has been remodeled in recent years to bring it up todate. (Click here for details.) The single-level home is 2,871 square feet and the layout is very open so you can take in panoramic views of the ocean and Diamond Head from almost every room.

Inside, the materials have slightly bolder hues than you’d find in other luxury homes mixed in with neutral elements. There are reddish African mahogany cabinets, green granite counters and backsplashes, and travertine and hardwood floors. The top-of-the-line appliances, central stereo, solar and photovoltaic systems are a nice modern touch.

There’s 1,046 square feet of lanai—some of it is just outside the home, and the rest is around the pool—all of it laid out so that you can see the ocean. Throughout the pool area and yard, there’s colorful tropical landscaping to draw your eyes to both the home and the views; beyond the basic greens, there’s a vibrant array of pink, purple, orange, and yellow.

It’s not likely you’ll forget you live in Hawaii, no matter where you live on this island, but this home is definitely built to remind you daily of what Island living is all about.