Address
4956 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816

TMK
(1) 3-5-008:029

SHPD Historic Site Number
80-14-9790

National Register of Historic Places
#00001371

Abstract
The Jean Charlot Residence is a split-level, ranch-style house completed in 1958 in the Kahala residential neighborhood of Honolulu, which features many homes in this style. It is significant for its architecture and for its association with the world-renowned Hawai‘i artist, Jean Charlot. The split-level ranch house is one-story on the southern side and two stories on the northern side. It features a low-pitched, gable roof continually sloping down from the two-story side of the house, which creates an asymmetric front facade and four vastly different elevations. Collaboration by Charlot and architect George James “Pete” Wimberly in 1957 created a house that possesses a uniquely artistic flair and combines the openness and use of lanais in island homes with the vertical emphasis of traditional French Rural architecture and the brick floors and back courtyards of Mexican houses. Landscape architect James Hubbard worked with Charlot in designing the gardens. The house has an L-shaped plan, and the cup of the L features a garden planted by Charlot that most notably uses Pandanus Trees from the University of Hawai‘i campus as well as some of his favorite plants, including Shower Trees and Jade Vines. Garden sculpture and decorative stones designed by Charlot, as well as pieces from his collection that are suitable for the outdoors, can be found throughout the home and landscaping.

This list of Hawaii’s historic properties is provided as a public service by Historic Hawaii Foundation. It is not the official list of properties designated on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places. For official designations and determinations of eligibility, contact the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources of the State of Hawaii at 808-692-8015.