Stunning Hawaiian Home Makeovers From 'Renovation Aloha'

On Renovation Aloha, Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama will show you exactly how much money and time it takes to renovate homes in one of the most desirable (and expensive) housing markets in the US. While flipping deteriorated and abandoned homes in Oahu, these locals deal with sky-high shipping costs and near-impossible lead times — all in the name of bettering their community and providing homes for locals. Ahead, find Kamohai and Tristyn's most impressive renovations and check out just how hefty a profit their hard work returns.

This modest 1,100-square-foot house is located at the foot of the Ko'olau mountain range in the Oahu community of Kaneohe. The three-bedroom structure was built in 1965, and though it was long vacant and neglected when the Kalamas found it, its views were breathtaking. The exterior, though painted in a questionably intense shade of blue, was in fairly good shape. Purchase price: $925,000. Kamohai estimated the necessary construction and renovation costs at $120,000.

The main upgrade to the exterior was a new paint color, replacing the garish cobalt blue with a rich and more subdued blue-green — partially a nod to the colors visible among the lush and majestic backdrop of the Ko'olau mountains. Once complete, Kamohai and Tristyn were able to sell the house without listing it.

Fun fact: The Kaʻaʻawa Valley, where this home is located, is known as Hollywood's "Hawaii backlot." A number of films and TV series have been filmed here, including Lost, Jurassic Park and Hawaii Five-O.

The house was small but came with a large three-car garage and patio — potential opportunities for adding square footage to the home's footprint or creating a useful and view-friendly outdoor space. Kamohai and Tristyn took 200 feet of the carport space for expanding the total square footage and adding a fourth bedroom, thus substantially increasing the home's potential resale value.

Another outdoor enhancement was the addition of a tiki bar on the reenvisioned patio — now accessible directly from the primary bedroom suite. "Before, [this space] wasn't really utilized," said Tristyn. "Now, it's a designated private patio." And the bar is open!

In contrast to the exterior, the inside spaces were rough with stained wall-to-wall carpeting and trash everywhere. Structurally, though, most of the rooms were in reasonably good condition. But the kitchen, with dated cabinetry and appliances, showed visible signs of water damage and the floors were in rough shape.

Kamohai and Tristyn opened up the kitchen by removing a partition wall that separated it from the living area, then added new countertops, appliances, custom cabinetry and contemporary hardware. The statement feature in the kitchen is the eye-catching gray tile backsplash in a distinctive design. Other improvements include the addition of a large waterfall kitchen island. Wood floors in a light finish complete the look and stretch into the adjacent living and dining space.

The primary bedroom is fairly spacious but, prior to renovation, was closed off, had stained carpeting and was littered and filthy — with signs of rodent infestation.

Throughout the renovation, the Kalamas opened up the spaces with lots of windows to capitalize on the gorgeous views and bring in natural light. As seen here in the finished primary bedroom, the palette selected adds to the bright, open feel with the use of pale shades of green, blues and turquoise along with muted earth tones. "Obviously, we chose a darker exterior paint color," said Tristyn. "But I didn't want it to feel dark on the inside. It was dark before. We made it bright and open." One major improvement in the bedroom is access to the outdoor patio via a newly added entry with a glass-panel door.

In terms of size, the primary en suite was cramped and proportioned more like a small guest bath, with a single sink and outdated finishes. The glass shower door was salvageable and could likely be repurposed to help save on materials and import costs.

The en suite bath was expanded and transformed with a new double vanity boasting a sand-colored stone surface and fixtures in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. The shower got a major upgrade with moss green tile and a recessed shower niche. Purchase price: $925,000 Selling price: $1.3 million for a total profit, after renovation and closing costs, of $94,000

From Renovation Aloha, Season 2, Episode 5: "The Surfboard House"

The Kalamas purchased this fixer-upper in their hometown of Kailua. The 2,200-square-foot house is in a desirable neighborhood called Enchanted Lakes and on an ideal corner lot. At the time of purchase, it was structurally in good condition. The kitchen, however, was cramped, awkward and distressed — with dated tile, aging appliances, peeling paint, termite damage and cabinets in disrepair. Purchase price: $1.3 million

The Kalamas substantially expanded the kitchen, opening it into the living space and completely refurbishing it with custom cabinets, a sleek backsplash in pale gray, all-new appliances, open shelving, a new pantry and a large kitchen island. Passing through the pantry, a formerly underutilized adjacent space was transformed into a hidden prep kitchen/bar and laundry room. "I leaned into midcentury modern and Hawaiian vibes with this house," said Tristyn. "The finished house is giving a lot of organic feels with the light wood and contrasting dark counters and accents. It's very clean and sophisticated but feels very custom and cozy."

The primary suite came with two walk-in closets but felt dark and closed off. The en suite bathroom was in rough shape, with chipped plaster, paint peeling off the ceiling and cracked tile. Kamohai and Tristyn determined the space would require a complete gut and overhaul.

With light, natural earth tones and organic finishes offset by contrasting dark fixtures and accents, the new en suite bath follows the same palette strategy implemented throughout the renovation.

Behind a modern barn-style entry door, the spacious bath features a large double vanity, a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. The tile surround also boasts an earthy sand tone. "It feels like you're in a spa," said Tristyn. "Modern, neutral, organic." Purchase price: $1.3 million Selling price: $1.98 million

From Renovation Aloha, Season 2, Episode 6: "Historic Challenges"

With this renovation, Tristyn took on her toughest design clients ever — her in-laws. (No pressure!) Yep, the duo tackled the renovation of Kamohai's childhood home. And time was of the essence: Kamohai's parents planned for a major holiday gathering to take place in the completed home, and the date was fast approaching. The 1,100-square-foot home is located in Kaneohe on the east side of Oahu. It was built in 1982 and has three bedrooms and one and a half baths. Renovation budget: $400,000

The footprint of the garage was reworked to make way for a new facade and front entry with natural wood siding, a new railing and fresh landscaping.

The new living room boasts a complete transformation, with new hardwood floors in a light finish, recessed lighting, built-in shelving and a contemporary ceiling fan. Now, the furnishings are sleek, modern and kid-friendly. The Kalamas installed a new window, along with a glass-panel front door, to bring in lots of natural light.

The improved layout features an open design where the living room flows seamlessly into the newly added dining area, built where the old exterior deck had been. "This is the type of house we used to dream of," said Kamohai's father, Kamoa, "but never imagined we could have something like this. This is a palace."

Kamohai's parents' wish list included: an updated kitchen, a functional dining room, additional bathrooms (the house had only one full bath), a more private primary bedroom and an outdoor deck.

The new kitchen boasts modern design with custom ceiling-height cabinets in dark-stained natural wood, a matching vent hood, modern appliances and new recessed lighting. The kitchen retains its original footprint but is upgraded and customized.

Kamohai's old bedroom received a kid-friendly makeover with bunk beds. (A couple more may be required. Kamohai's parents have 14 grandchildren!)

The only way to achieve everything on Kamohai's parents' checklist was to add on a second story. Plans for the new upstairs addition included a new primary bedroom, a bonus living area with a wet bar and two separate upper lanais. "This is a massive renovation," said Tristyn, "but a total game-changer."

The original primary bedroom was given a lavish and luxe treatment with fresh white paint, additional windows, a king-sized bed, and new bed linens and curtains in natural shades. Accompanying the bedroom is a new full bath and a new primary suite is now located upstairs.

The renovation required removal of the existing roof to accommodate the second story, as well as foundation improvements, the addition of stairs, reframing of the interiors and a complete demo of the existing kitchen and bathroom.

The new upstairs primary suite is bold in white and blue, yet offers a soft, beachy vibe. It features white linens and curtains, large windows and frosted glass doors that lead to one of two lanais. A separate but adjoining bonus living area follows the same coastal color palette and is highlighted by vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a reading nook. The en suite bath includes a massive walk-in shower with sand-colored tile, a soaking tub and a double vanity.