THE 96815'S DREAMY DIAMOND HEAD ABODE

Tucked away on one of the few residential streets mauka of Kapiolani Park at the base of Diamond Head sits the picture-perfect cottage of Nova Rizzo, the gal behind the popular Waikiki blog The 96815.

Together with her husband Luigi, a handsome Italian import and a professional tile setter, they made the owners an offer they couldn’t refuse and gave the place a facelift before moving in. Days of cleaning, retiling, and countless gallons of white paint later, the perfect beach abode was (re)born.

Lush landscaping gave life to the wraparound yard and Nova’s island-casual-yet-refined decorating sense makes you feel like you’re visiting the coolest girl on the island (which you are). Antiques from weekend estate sales are mixed with modern neutrals—like the stunner of dining table they made from marble sourced from their imported Italian stone company—dotted with island treasures like sea shells, dried lei and sophisticated surf art. We dropped in on this beach babe and her pooch, Bruno, for a look at her enviable bungalow.