HiCO Waikoloa was designed as more than a coffee shop—it’s a community sanctuary, a place where people can laugh, work, meet, and feel good together. Every detail was shaped by the intent to foster connection and joy: quick movement for daily rituals, open lounges for lingering, and warm corners that invite conversation or quiet focus.
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The design reflects the spirit of the HiCO community, integrating influences from the owner’s personal journey with coffee and the brand’s cultural pillars—art, making a difference, and gathering. Its aesthetic blends Bali grunge with vintage Hawaii, expressed through hand-troweled plaster walls, blonde woods, and vivid punches of color. Together, these elements create a textured, soulful space that feels both globally inspired and rooted in place.
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As interior designer and project manager, I led the project from concept through construction—designing, documenting, procuring, and coordinating with the contractor to bring the vision to life. The project’s success was not only in its design but in the collaboration of the entire team. Anticipating each other’s workflows and approaching challenges with joy and willingness allowed the space to evolve into what it is today: a thriving hub where coffee and community meet. The location currently celebrates a perfect score on yelp.