Kuakini Highway | Sculpted Shotcrete, Kona

Kuakini HighwayAlong Kuakini Highway in Kona, Boulderscape recreated Hawaii’s lava-rock masonry — safely — sculpting 15,000 square feet of high-PSI shotcrete into a Kona Volcanic Masonry finish, delivered in 8 days at 41% below traditional construction.Record Installation TimeSavings Over AlternativesWall Square FootageBoulderscape ServicesAlong Kuakini Highway in Kona, Hawaii, an existing retaining wall required an architectural finish that preserved the traditional appearance of local volcanic rock masonry while providing a more durable long term solution. Natural lava rock walls are susceptible to weathering and deterioration over time, creating maintenance concerns and the potential for loose stones to fall into adjacent pedestrian areas. Boulderscape developed its Kona Volcanic Masonry finish to replicate the appearance of traditional lava rock construction while utilizing the strength and durability of structural shotcrete.Boulderscape hand sculpted the Kona Volcanic Masonry finish across the entire wall surface, carefully replicating the texture, joint patterns, and character of native Hawaiian lava rock. The wall was then stained to match the surrounding volcanic stone, creating an authentic appearance while eliminating the long term maintenance concerns associated with natural rock masonry.The project encompassed 15,000 square feet of wall surface consisting of a 5" thick structural shotcrete section with an average 2" thick architectural relief over an existing cast wall using a 4,500 PSI mix design. The entire scope was completed in just 8 days, delivering a durable retaining wall solution that preserved the traditional character of the surrounding architecture. 41% under traditional cast in place construction. See our sculpted shotcrete process or explore more shotcrete finishes.sculpted shotcrete processshotcrete finishesGET A QUOTEService OverviewInstalled a 5” thick structural shotcrete and a 2” thick architectural shotcrete.Kona Volcanic MasonryWeathered Earth Blend FinishCast Wall4,500 PSIWarmer climate. No additional additives were added to the concrete mix. A rheology modifier was used to bind the coral aggregate in the mix.