Harvest Kumulani Maui

Harvest’s Kumulani Maui campus began as a church plant that originally met at an electric golf cart charging station at Kapalua, the Maui Land & Pineapple Company’s agricultural village. Set on an abandoned golf course with stunning ocean views, the campus was a ramshackle indoor-outdoor gathering space surrounded by a charming agrarian complex of corrugated metal buildings and simple industrial structures.

When Harvest set out to develop a more purposeful space for worship and community, they wanted a partner who could capture the DNA and culture of their church while honoring the character of their unique location. Their vision was deeply influenced by the island’s heritage, and they wanted the design to reflect that.

Inspired by the hina’i, a traditional woven basket used to trap fish, the campus’s Big Idea—“To Gather Lives”—became the foundation for the design. This concept not only resonated with the local culture but also tied into the biblical metaphor of becoming “fishers of men,” reinforcing Harvest’s global mission.

Our team at PlainJoe Studios partnered with Harvest to design a two-phase campus solution: a temporary gathering space to meet immediate needs and a permanent campus that would fully realize their long-term vision.

For the temporary campus, we transformed existing structures repurposed from the Maui Land & Pineapple Company headquarters, including a barn and modular trailers. We reimagined the space as a village green—complete with boardwalks, string lights, and outdoor gathering areas—bringing a warm, inviting atmosphere to the church’s worship and ministry spaces. The design balanced mid-century aesthetics with distinctive Hawaiian influences, ensuring it felt both locally rooted and timeless.

Throughout the process, we worked closely with Harvest Kumulani Maui’s leadership to create a space that would serve the local community and stay true to Harvest Christian Fellowship’s heart for evangelism.

Through thoughtful design and intentional placemaking, we transformed the temporary church campus from a cluster of utilitarian buildings into a vibrant, welcoming environment that reflects both the island’s rich heritage and Harvest’s mission. By repurposing and revitalizing existing structures, we created a gathering space that feels organic and authentic—an inspiring backdrop for worship, fellowship, and outreach.

Now, as we continue working alongside Harvest to bring their permanent church architecture vison to life, we are building on this foundation to create a space that will serve generations to come. The new design integrates traditional Hawaiian architectural elements with colonial plantation styles, ensuring it remains true to its surroundings while supporting the church’s ministry. A striking vertical structure inspired by the Hawaiian hina’i will stand as a visible landmark—both a symbol of faith and an invitation to gather.

With each step forward, we are honored to help shape a campus that will stand as a beacon of faith, story, and culture—deeply rooted in its community and open to all who seek connection and purpose.