Frank Lloyd Wright, a renowned American architect, left behind an immense legacy of over a thousand designs, with approximately half brought to life. While many of his iconic structures grace the continental United States, two remarkable projects stand out in Hawaii. One is the distinguished King Kamehameha Golf Club on Maui, and the other, the captivating Cornwell House in Waimea. This exceptional residence, the sole Frank Lloyd Wright home in the Hawaiian islands, offers design aficionados an unparalleled retreat, conveniently situated near the region's breathtaking white-sand beaches. Furthermore, it presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Wright's architectural genius, as it is available for nightly vacation rentals.

Discovering the Architectural Gem: Cornwell House in Waimea

In the picturesque locale of Waimea, Hawaii, the Cornwell House stands as a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's enduring architectural philosophy. Conceived by Wright in 1954 for the Cornwell family in Pennsylvania, the initial plans for this magnificent dwelling remained unrealized for decades. However, in 1995, a visionary advertising executive from Honolulu breathed new life into the project. Collaborating meticulously with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the executive oversaw the construction of the 3,700-square-foot home in Hawaii. This remarkable residence, a prime illustration of Wright's \"organic architecture\" concept, is nestled on a sprawling three-acre estate, offering panoramic vistas of three majestic volcanoes and just a brief journey from sun-kissed, white-sand beaches.

For those eager to experience this architectural marvel firsthand, the Cornwell House is exclusively accessible as an overnight guest, with an average nightly rate of $903. Managed by VRBO and South Kohala Management, this luxurious vacation rental boasts three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to six individuals. The interior design showcases Wright's distinctive style, featuring graceful rounded walls crafted partly from coral sourced from Oahu, rich Cherokee-red concrete floors, and bespoke furnishings designed by Wright himself, including integrated seating, iconic Barrel and Origami chairs, and elegant Taliesin floor lamps. The house is bathed in natural light, thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor floor plans and a series of strategically placed skylights. A highlight of the property is the open-air lava-rock hot tub, offering a perfect setting for stargazing under the Hawaiian sky.

While the Cornwell House's state-of-the-art kitchen provides an idyllic space for culinary pursuits, the charming nearby town of Waimea presents an array of exceptional dining options. Noteworthy establishments include The Fish and the Hog, renowned for its slow-cooked BBQ and locally sourced seafood, and Merriman's Big Island, which serves exquisite regional dishes in an elegant ambiance. For beach lovers, the serene white sands and tranquil waters of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area are less than a 15-minute drive away. Mauna Kea Beach, often lauded as one of Hawaii's finest beaches, is similarly close by. Navigating the area conveniently requires a vehicle, which can be easily rented upon arrival at Kailua-Kona airport, a mere 55-minute drive from the property.

This architectural sanctuary offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a profound connection to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and a tranquil escape into the natural splendor of Hawaii. The thoughtful integration of design with the surrounding landscape truly epitomizes Wright's vision, making it an unforgettable destination for design enthusiasts and travelers alike.