Lihiwai, historic house in Hawaii, United States
Lihiwai is a historic house in Honolulu built in the late 1920s that blends Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival styles. The residence contains 40 rooms, extensive gardens, a fountain, a pond, and shaded porches designed to provide comfort in Hawaii's warm climate.
The house was designed in the late 1920s by architects Bertram Goodhue and Hardie Phillip for George R. Carter, a governor of Hawaii. After his death in the 1930s, Mrs. Carter managed the property until it was sold in 1946, when most of the land was subdivided into smaller residential lots.
The name Lihiwai reflects Hawaiian heritage and local identity. The residence embodies how affluent residents of the 1920s adopted Mediterranean and Spanish architectural styles to match a relaxed island lifestyle suited to Hawaii's warm climate.
The house is located on Kepola Place and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it easy to identify and locate. Visitors can view the well-maintained exterior, traditional design, and surrounding gardens and water features from the street.
During World War II, the house was used by military personnel as a rest and relaxation facility, marking an unusual shift from its original purpose. This temporary repurposing shows how even private estates were pressed into service during wartime.
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