Part 6/10:
Architectural Marvel: The Design of La Pietra in Honolulu
Adler's plans envisioned a two-story Mediterranean revival mansion, integrating traditional Italian features with local materials. The structure centered around a lush courtyard, with arched walkways and a red-tile roof to evoke the Renaissance aesthetic. Stone sourced locally from nearby basalt quarries and sand from Barbers Point contributed to its authentic feel, with walls finished in warm, pinkish plaster.
Every detail, from ironwork balconies to imported Italian tiles, aimed to recreate the aesthetic and ambiance of old-world Italy—adapted to Hawaii’s tropical environment. The villa cost approximately $400,000—equivalent to about $7.7 million today—and took three years to complete, opening in 1922.