Hawaii Community College Pālamanui Campus

University of Hawaii

Kona, Hawaii
Completed 2015

The first phase of the new Pālamanui Campus provides the Kailua-Kona region with its first permanent higher educational institution after decades in temporary spaces in a strip mall at Kealakekua.  A major site constraint was its location on an undeveloped lava field, isolated from existing infrastructure.  Being off-grid required creative, sustainable and ecologically driven architectural solutions.

The campus was envisioned and designed as a learning laboratory, a place for learning and a learning tool itself. Key strategies include sunlight harvesting (photovoltaic system), daylight harvesting, mixed-mode air conditioning/natural ventilation, onsite wastewater system (constructed wetlands) and water reuse for irrigation.  The 73-acre site includes an archaeological preserve containing burial sites and culturally significant features, which was protected and integrated into the overall design.

The project has been awarded LEED Platinum certification.

Photo credit: Andrew Richard Hara