Meet Kamu and Tina

Love, Renovation, and Aloha: Our Story

Our journey began on a whim, a chance encounter on match.com after my 2017 divorce. A profile picture of me with bamboo flooring and a miter saw (yes, you read that right!) caught Kamu’s eye, and his adventurous spirit and love of family sealed the deal for me. As it turns out, our connection went far beyond that initial spark.

We both share a lifelong passion for construction, instilled in us by parents who embraced every renovation project.  Kamu, practically a building world superhero with his master carpentry skills, even built one of Waimea’s iconic homes as a child (not far from where we live now!).  His artistry in construction continues to amaze me in our home renovation adventures!

Meanwhile, my design dreams had always simmered, and the desire to be my own boss and flip houses burned bright. It truly felt like the universe brought us together – a perfect blend of creativity and construction expertise.

Taking the Leap: From Dream to Reality

In 2019, we decided to turn our passion into reality. We ditched our day jobs and embraced a world of demolition and design dreams. Our first project? A fixer-upper in stunning Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. It wasn’t for the faint of heart – noisy neighbors, overflowing trash, abandoned cars, a challenging HOA, and a major deck violation. But for us, it was pure potential.

Kamu’s masterful craftsmanship transformed the space, while my home renovation ideas and design vision danced alongside his construction expertise. It was a perfect synergy, both in love and renovation. The once-neglected property became a masterpiece, mirroring the transformation of our partnership. From that moment on, Kamu and I became not just life partners but business partners, on a mission to breathe life back into houses and create warm, inviting homes.

From Investment Property to Hale O Ka’ala: Our Dream Takes Root

What began as a real estate investment opportunity blossomed into our own private sanctuary – Hale O Ka’ala (fragrant mountain), our modern Zen farmhouse nestled in the peaceful Waimea hills. It’s a testament to transformation, dedication, and the power of a shared dream, all ignited by a single auction bid.

Our ohana extends beyond just Kamu and me. We’re blessed with three amazing sons, our furry companions – Malu the Aussie Shepherd, Buster the rescued lab, four fluffy chicken girls, two adopted kitties, and our tranquil koi pond fish.

Our life is a beautiful tapestry woven with laughter, challenges, and the immense satisfaction of bringing visions to life.  From hammering nails to meticulously choosing color palettes, we tackle every project together. As the saying goes, when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.

So here’s to Kamu, to our love for family (both human and furry!), construction, design, and most importantly, each other. 

Our story is just beginning, and we’re excited to see where the next flip takes us, in both houses and in life’s grand adventure! We are grateful to be able to share our home renovation adventures, and to offer some budget-friendly home renovation ideas in our weekly home renovation blog. Mahalo nui for joining us!