The Pinkerton Beach House, located at 922 Mokulua Drive in Lanikai, Hawaii, tells the story of a developing community, an influential family, and the evolution of a historic home. Built in 1926 during the early years of Lanikai’s transformation into a residential beach haven, the house remains a physical connection to Lanikai’s housing development.
1924: Lanikai’s Housing Boom
In 1924, developers led by Richard Trent purchased the land known as Kaohao and renamed it Lanikai. Advertised as a “heavenly sea,” the area was designed as an exclusive beachside community, attracting Honolulu’s affluent residents. Initial sales were brisk, with 49 oceanfront lots, including the one eventually purchased by the Pinkertons, sold almost immediately. At the time, the area lacked modern infrastructure; paved roads and utilities were promised but not yet available.
1926: Construction of the Pinkerton Beach House
Dr. Forrest Joy Pinkerton, a prominent physician specializing in ear, nose, and throat care, and his wife Marion purchased their lot in Lanikai shortly after the development opened. Construction on their beach house began in 1926, making it one of the first 25 homes built in the community. Designed by the Honolulu architectural firm Rothwell, Kangeter & Lester, the house exemplified the Hawaii Regional style, featuring a single-story U-shaped plan, a hipped roof with exposed rafter tails, and board-and-batten siding.
The 1920s and 1930s: Life in Lanikai
In its early years, “Lanikai” was a weekend and vacation retreat. The Pinkerton Beach House, like its neighbors, reflected this purpose with an open layout designed to embrace outdoor living. The home’s courtyard and lanai provided ample space for relaxation, and features such as large sliding doors and louvered bedroom doors maximized ventilation. The Pinkerton family, which included Dr. Pinkerton’s notable career contributions to Hawaii’s medical community, enjoyed the home as a retreat from their busy lives in Honolulu.
1946: The Tsunami and Reconstruction
On April 1, 1946, a tsunami struck the Hawaiian Islands, severely damaging homes along Lanikai’s shoreline. The Pinkerton Beach House lost its ocean-facing wall, which was subsequently rebuilt. The rebuilt section, featuring nominally narrower battens and large picture windows, became a visible reminder of the home’s survival and adaptation after the disaster.
The House in Context
The Pinkerton Beach House is one of the few remaining examples of Lanikai’s original beach cottages. Its architectural details, including the pavilion-style layout, chevron-patterned balustrades, and functional adaptations for Hawaii’s climate, showcase a design tailored to its environment and era. While renovations have modernized some elements over the years, the house retains its historical character and connection to the 1920s.
Today: A Historical Treasure
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Pinkerton Beach House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a reminder of Lanikai’s early development and the lifestyle of Hawaii’s coastal retreats during the mid-20th century.
Sources
Hibbard, D. (2021). Dr. Forrest Joy and Marion Pinkerton Beach House National Register of Historic Places Form. National Park Service.
