As a part of a multi-phase revitalization of Maui’s Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Nordic PCL completed an extensive renovation at the property’s signature restaurant, Humuhumu (short for Humuhumunukunukuapua`a, Hawaii’s state fish). Originally constructed in 1991, the Grand Wailea property was built with the objective to create not only a beautiful place to stay but to integrate the beauty of Maui into the property itself, with Humuhumu standing as its cornerstone dining establishment. The newly refreshed restaurant embodies this original vision of seamlessly blending nature and Hawaiian heritage while implementing a modern aesthetic. Updated features for the restaurant include a circular living aquarium that serves as the centerpiece bar, as well as native Ōhi‘a Lehua trees used throughout to conceal structural posts and electrical wiring.

The Nordic PCL team completed this project on a fast-tracked five-month schedule. Despite its modest size of just over 5,000 square feet, this lagoon-side restaurant presented complex challenges, including the installation of new lighting, AV systems, structural enhancements and customized Hawaiian-inspired features. Three new art installations adorn the aquarium bar, while bamboo accents and traditional fishing elements seamlessly blend with refreshed materials like wicker and metal mesh, elevating the restaurant's refined atmosphere. The aquarium bar itself required extensive coordination; the aquarium was manufactured in Arizona, an ocean away from the Nordic PCL office. To address this, PCL’s Arizona-based team was able to collaborate with its Hawaii counterparts and meet with the manufacturer in person to ensure design and schedule expectations were being met.