--- title: "Pu'uwai Design & Construction — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/pu-uwai-design-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~310852830 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~310852830.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Pu'uwai Design & Construction" category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9473f647015ec97a_9489-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3417 Poipu Road, Suite 108, Koloa, Hawaii 96756, United States" latitude: 21.9083 longitude: -159.4749 phone: "(808) 742-6789" website: http://www.puuwai.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 118 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # Pu'uwai Design & Construction Original Houzz profile: [Pu'uwai Design & Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/pu-uwai-design-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~310852830) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Koloa, HI - **Serves:** Lihue, Kalāheo, Puhi, Lawai, Lāwa‘i, Kōloa, ‘Ōma‘o, Po‘ipū, Hanalei, kukuiula - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work Pu’uwai Design & Construction is a full-service design/build firm dedicated to great design since 1996. Owners Justin and Malia Thain combine incredible style and innovative design to create buildings with lasting value and timeless appeal. Puuwai has an energetic staff with a wide range of expertise. -Puuwai helps realtors and buyers with property selection -Develops authentic island and plantation style designs -Provides interior design and decorating services -Sells completed homes on exceptional properties -Offers permit expediting services -Has stock building plans at the “production,” “custom,” and “luxury” levels -Engages in commercial work and tenant improvements -Partners with land developers to implement built product -Provides construction financing ### Services Provided - New Home Construction - House Plans - Multigenerational Homes - Project Management - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Floor Plans - Sustainable Design - Site Planning - Drafting - Structural Engineering - 3D Home Design - Custom Homes - design/build - kukuiula - luxury ### Areas Served - Lihue - Kalāheo - Puhi - Lawai - Lāwa‘i - Kōloa - ‘Ōma‘o - Po‘ipū - Hanalei - kukuiula ### Typical Job Cost $1 million - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Pu'uwai Design & Construction | | Address | 3417 Poipu Road, Suite 108, Koloa, Hawaii 96756, United States | | Phone | (808) 742-6789 | | Website | http://www.puuwai.com | | Followers on Houzz | 118 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Puuwai-Design-Construction-LLC-185679544821625/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/PuuwaiD\_C - Blog — https://www.puuwai.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Pu'uwai Design & Construction](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/pu-uwai-design-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~310852830) - **Website:** http://www.puuwai.com - **Phone:** (808) 742-6789 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Parade of Homes Award of Excellence Division Winner - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 12 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Communication: 10.0 ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Jeff Brink Inc, Dec. 2017** > I have worked with Pu'uwai for a few years now. Everything they do is well thought out and they are very detail orientated. They process is always very smooth. I enjoy working with them and highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Michael Mears, Nov. 2017** > Pu'uwai Design and Construction has been very good to work for. From ownership to design team to construction management and site crews, they are professional yet with the island Ohana feel. They gave clear expectations and payments were prompt. They were flexible without sacrificing their commitment to quality. **★★★★★ — SFLA, Nov. 2017** > The Pu'uwai Design and Construction team pay close attention to detail throughout the design/construction process. I have found them to be both courteous and professional to work with. **★★★★★ — Rebecca Supon, Nov. 2017** > Alison is so easy to work with. She is talented and inventive. The whole Puuwai crew with Justin and Malia are amazing. They will take your idea and run with it. The finished product is 100 times better than your idea. They have great taste and work within a budget which is a pretty unique quality these days. I recommend the whole team wholeheartedly. **★ — Marion Riley, Nov. 2017** > In November 2017, I wrote the following review and gave a 5-star rating to Pu'uwai:" We have been working with Rafael Tapia and Justin Thain of Puuwai Design & Construction for the past year to design our new home at Kukui'ula. The experience has been positive and rewarding. Rafael, with whom we have worked very closely, is creative, innovative and responsive to our design needs while keeping an eye on overall costs. Justin and Rafael understand the particulars of the design requirements/restrictions at Kukui'ula, which has made the approval process go more smoothly. While our dream home is now only two dimensional on paper, we can't wait for it to become three dimensional! " > In 2018, Rafael left Pu'uwai to form his own design firm, Tapia + Design. We transferred the project to Tapia + Design to complete the construction documents and obtain the necessary approvals/permits. Tapia + Design did a phenomenal job completing our plans. > It recently came to my attention that Pu'uwai is misrepresenting as one of their completed projects on the Houzz website a rendering of our unbuilt project that they named, "Hawaiian Home." Pu'uwai captions the rendering of our unbuilt project as follows: "This Hawaiian Home built on Kauai showcases elongated architecture..." Yet construction has not even begun, let alone been completed. Moreover, Pu'uwai does not own or have the completed plans to build this home. Due to Pu'uwai's misrepresentation, I am lowering their rating to 1 star. **★★★★★ — kay ziplow, Nov. 2017** > What an incredible group to work with; professional, responsive, and above all else, they are able to communicate and execute design ideas - making the process for the client (me) such an enjoyable experience. > They know their business and know how to meet deadlines and expectations. > Such a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — Susan and Phil Deane, Oct. 2017** > When we bought our little slice of paradise in Poipu, we did a lot of research to find the right company to build our 'Hawaiian cottage.' As a builder of custom homes, we had a specific look in mind and wanted a builder to bring it to fruition. We chose wisely.. We had a specific layout to fit this property, but this is a design/build team and, given the look and quality of their finished product, we would absolutely recommend them to anyone, especially those with no experience in building. They are professional, make themselves available, and included us in discussions regarding the design, lighting, appliances, etc. Justin knew what we wanted and his execution was so well done and on time. Their finish work and attention to detail is exceptional and Malia's eye for design, utility and color pulled everything together perfectly. Their motto seems to be "we want you to be happy." We are very happy, We love spending time here and get rave reviews from family and friends who stay. If you are looking for quality and integrity, they are the firm for you! **★★★★★ — benjamin\_sand, April 2016** > PuuWai Design and Construction recently finished our home in Poipu Beach Estates. We enjoyed working with PuuWai's team of professionals. Their design aesthetic is impressive and their ability to execute is of high standards. **★★★★★ — nuiboy, April 2016** > Puuwai Design and Construction recently completed a new build out of the Hawai‘i Life office at the Shops at Kukuiula in Poipu, Kauai. Having worked with numerous contractors on our 14 offices around Kauai, we are aware of the challenges, costs and logistics of commercial space construction. Puuwai was refreshing to work with. Communications and reporting were excellent. The staff was available and skilled, often at short notice to meet deadlines. We feel that we got great value out of the services provided by Puuwai. The outcome: a great new office that fully expresses Hawaii Life Style. Mahalo Puuwai team! **★★★★★ — Kim Eyring, June 2015** > We hired Pu'uwai Design Build in January of 2014 to build our retirement home in Kalaheo on Kauai in Hawaii. We literally picked them from a sign in front of another house they were building in the neighborhood. Since we would be moving from Jacksonville, Florida - a mere 6000 miles away - we were concerned about their ability to complete a job expeditiously with the owners so far away. Justin and Malia were able to convince this that they build homes for distant owners all of the time and would keep us apprised of the progress with weekly pictures and status updates. We were able to buy a lot, pick a design (with some of our modifications), and sign the design contract in 4 days! Within about a month after we returned home, we had a firm design by constant phone calls with the Thains both of whom provided valuable insight. There were some permitting challenges which I guess is to be expected in Kauai, but Justin and Malia kept focused on the mission and helped push things through. > > We were able to make all of our own fixture, flooring, color, and trim choices within the allotted allowances. Here again, the Thains were instrumental in preventing us from making choices which wouldn't work well in Hawaii. > > Our move was going to be a complex process as we had a house to sell in Jacksonville, two dogs to bring with us, and we didn't want to have to move into temporary housing if at all possible. So, it was very important to us that the house be completed by a specific date. This is not typical in Kauai where things get done when they get done, but to Pu'uwai's amazing credit, they got the house done to fit our needs! We had to be out of our house in Jacksonville by March 31, so we left Jacksonville on March 30th, drove across country with the two dogs, flew out of LA to arrive April 8th. The house was more beautiful than we could have ever dreamed! The punch list of things to be done or fixed was less than a page long. > > Our friends thought we were crazy to build a house from 6000 miles away - only coming to physically see the progress in January of 2015 - but it was probably the smartest way to build a house. We didn't have all of the stresses of watching daily progress or not and our house is BEAUTIFUL! > > Everyday we thank our lucky stars we found Pu'uwai Design Build! **★★★★★ — stevekilo, June 2015** > Puuwai Construction built us a beautiful home and we are extremely pleased. Both the framing and finish work show great attention to detail. They were also willing to accommodate our requested changes both in the design stage and during construction. Malia was very informed and her helpful guidance was appreciated in selecting colors, textures and finishes. Justin's design skill reflect his years of experience and is a great asset during the entire planning process. Last but not least, Chris's follow through with the punch list and minor tweeks has been outstanding and show that this company cares and stands behind their finished product. **★★★★★ — hogo, July 2014** > Unlike most of people that live on the mainland that built a home in Kauai, we do not have any horror stories to share. I believe that’s because we had an open dialog with Puuwai Construction. The building of our home was a seamless process that kept everyone in the loop and there was never a surprise. > With that said, we highly recommend Puu’wai as probably the best construction company on the island of Kauai. > Mahalo, > ~Holt & Margo Cloward ## Selected projects - [Hale Ohia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hale-ohia-pj-vj~7180585) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Pa'ina Makai](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pa-ina-makai-pj-vj~2391535) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 40 - Description: Brand new luxury home in the "Modern Beach" style showcasing an imperceptible melding of the outdoors and in. This home speaks in a Hawaiian vernacular punctuated with expressions of bold, modern statements. Every inch as luxurious as the first. - [Hale Kahakai](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hale-kahakai-pj-vj~2396800) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 18 - Description: Beautiful Living Lanai - [Anuenue Kakahiaka](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/anuenue-kakahiaka-pj-vj~2020943) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 27 - [Hano Hano Akala](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hano-hano-akala-pj-vj~1846335) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 17 - [Wainani Ohia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wainani-ohia-pj-vj~1077093) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 11 - [Hanao'O Kuhio Kukuiula](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hanao-o-kuhio-kukuiula-pj-vj~1077337) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 18 - [The Bungalow at Brenneckes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-bungalow-at-brenneckes-pj-vj~1500979) - Location: Lawai, HI - Photos: 20 - Description: A two story beach house gets a fresh makeover in Poipu - [Hawaiian Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawaiian-home-pj-vj~2599291) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 3 - [Hale O Ho'oli](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hale-o-ho-oli-pj-vj~3024904) - Location: Koloa, HI - Photos: 47 - Description: This beautiful beach-style home opens to the back lanai and infinity edge pool. Pocketing doors in the living room and suite bedrooms create a seamless indoor-outdoor feeling throughout the home. The walls are white-painted board and batten with black aluminum-clad wood windows and white-painted eaves. The roof material is rough wood shake. The palm trees growing out of the planters on the lanai soften the landscape while a built-in outdoor kitchen BBQ area by the pool makes for easy entertainin… - [Island Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/island-villa-pj-vj~5426419) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/pu-uwai-design-and-construction-pfvwus-pf~310852830) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122630459/list/outdoor-furniture) — 18 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122021612/list/lighting) — 16 ideas - [Hare](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121997318/list/hare) — 54 ideas - [DESIGN + BUILD](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118210286/list/design-build) — 1 idea - [Living Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967106/list/living-rooms) — 6 ideas - [Outdoor Bathing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967090/list/outdoor-bathing) — 3 ideas - [Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967072/list/pools) — 19 ideas - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967061/list/bedrooms) — 25 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967052/list/bathrooms) — 18 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108967038/list/kitchens) — 8 ideas - [Luxury Tropical](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108966299/list/luxury-tropical) — 38 ideas - [Classic Plantation](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108966133/list/classic-plantation) — 29 ideas - [Modern Beach](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108966120/list/modern-beach) — 44 ideas - [Pacific Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108966080/list/pacific-modern) — 18 ideas - [Modern Beach](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74510827/list/modern-beach) — 15 ideas [See all 15 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/puuwaidesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the cabinets.** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the hardware on these cabinets. Where could I purchase? Thank you! A: Aloha friend! The hardware was custom milled from solid brass stock. **Q: love this kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* Please share details of the gold hardware on the kitchen cabinets. A: Hi, and thank you for noticing the natural brass hardware on the cabinets. We had those custom fabricated by a local artisan from solid brass stock. We love them and hope you do also! **Q: Is this a custom or stock vanity?** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wood? A: This vanity was customed designed by our talented design team. The wood is "ribbon mahagony" which gives the brindled look as the light reflects on it. Feel free to contact us directly if you would like to purchase the detailed building plans for the vanity. Aloha, **Q: Bathroom cabinet hardware from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is the cabinet hardware from? A: Emtek, thanks Rita. **Q: brand and name of floor tile** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautuful tile... what is name of the floor tile please A: Arizona Tile - Find **Q: Gold Hardware** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, Where did all the kitchen hardware come from? A: Aloha! The hardware was ordered from Newport Brass and Alno Inc. Creations. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*