Step Inside Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama's Home in Oahu

House-flipping power couple Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama are known for bringing their real estate and design expertise to properties all over their hometown of O’ahu, Hawaii, where they create inspiring before-and-afters on their show, Renovation Aloha. They've even brought island style to the mainland (Salt Lake City, Utah) as competitors on Season 6 of Rock the Block. Their favorite reno project, however, might just be the lakeside sanctuary they call home — which was more akin to a 1970s time capsule before Kamohai and Tristyn transformed it. Together, they highlighted the stunning 180-degree water and verdant mountain views while adding modern touches, organic accents and, of course, plenty of Aloha spirit.

The two-toned exterior of the Kalamas' home — which sits on a quiet street that runs along a lake — boasts a large wooden front door. The door's organic appeal is echoed in the garage door and the fencing for a cohesive effect.

Tristyn and Kamohai’s love of family is woven throughout their home. “Our kids are the most important things in our lives, so it only made sense for [the wall of their art] to greet people right when they come in,” Tristyn says of the gallery wall in their entry hall. “This is just as much their house as it is our house,” Kamohai adds. “We want them to be represented in it. Look at this stuff — it’s rad.”

The Kalamas introduced organic touches in the entry hall and carried them throughout the rest of the home. Here, a streamlined bench with wood detail sits below a large wall clock with an undulating plank face.

The Kalamas knew they wanted to capitalize on the home’s epic water views, so they outfitted the great room with a nearly 20-foot ceiling and 16-foot-wide accordion doors to celebrate the indoor-outdoor living Hawaii is known for. Three distinct living areas — a dining room, a formal sitting area and a television lounge — offer plenty of zones for family and friends to gather.

“You come out here in the morning with a cup of coffee, it’s the most peaceful place,” Kamohai says of the covered deck off the great room. The couple wrapped the space in glass panels for unimpeded views of the lake and mountains beyond.

Behind the mounted television in the lounge, the inset fireplace — a rare-but-cozy feature in Hawaiian homes — is surrounded by a custom grasscloth wall installation crafted by a local artist.

Throw pillows with a shaka motif — the “hang loose” symbol of Hawaii — a shell lei print and other tropical-inspired designs adorn the sectional in the lounge to honor the Kalamas’ island home. “You’ll see it in the art, you’ll see it in the pillows, you'll see it in the blankets. We love to support local artists, so it’s really important for us to bring that into our home,” Tristyn says.

"There is a blend of contemporary, modern and Hawaiiana in this space,” Tristyn says of the dining room, which boasts prime views of the pool and the lake. The couple selected soft blues, greens and neutrals for the space. “You see all the color palettes you would see outside brought inside the house,” Kamohai says.

“This kitchen, I think, is a beautiful blend of you and I,” Tristyn says to Kamohai. “It represents organic and modern blended together.” Wood-grained cabinetry is juxtaposed with dark textured uppers flanking the stove. The massive two-tiered porcelain island boasts all the colors found in the kitchen, weaving the style story together.

“We carried the porcelain slab onto the hood vent, which is one of my favorite things,” Kamohai says of the elegant kitchen upgrade. “It balances out this space really nicely,” Tristyn adds.

“It may look like this is a pantry cabinet, but when you open it up … ta-da!” says Kamohai. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets between the oven and fridge open to reveal the walk-in pantry, a delightful mix of surprise and service for the ultimate in kitchen organization. “The hidden feature is really fun,” Tristyn says, and allows you “to keep your kitchen on the outside very clean and sleek and put all the utility stuff back here,” Kamohai adds.

In the main bedroom, Tristyn and Kamohai drenched the walls in soothing beige — a neutral backdrop for their organic color palette. “My favorite color is green, if the world hasn’t figured that out,” Tristyn jokes. Off the bedroom is the walk-in closet and en suite bathroom. “Our lives are so busy with the business and the kids and the show,” Tristyn says. “This space calms me.”

The primary bathroom is luxe and features the same porcelain slab utilized in the kitchen. “It's a statement piece. It’s timeless and it will feel like it’s luxurious and in style a decade from now,” Tristyn says. The dual vanity features countertop sinks, and the mirrors rise to nearly ceiling height to make the space feel larger. A walk-in shower and soaking tub combo is truly spa-worthy with an underlit niche that runs along the back wall, as well as a king-sized rain shower and body jets.