Useful Applications for Hawaii Shipping Containers

We have been at the forefront of creating efficient and versatile office spaces for various Government entities across Hawaii. Through our collaboration with BayWa r.e. Power Solutions, we provided a temporary office for a significant solar energy project in Waikoloa on the Big Island and central Maui. We delivered four 20' offices and a larger 16' x 40' office for both job sites. Security was paramount, so we installed window bars and exterior floor lights.

For the City and County of Honolulu's Kapahulu coning yard, we provided an 8 x 40' shipping container office, an 8 x 20' locker room bathroom unit, and two 8 x 20’ storage containers. The storage facility featured a smart design, with the two 8' x 20' containers positioned to create a covered area between them, complemented by a gable roof. The 8’ x 40' shipping container office featured drywall, high-traffic vinyl laminate flooring, a kitchenette, and a climate-controlled mini-split air conditioning system. Similarly, the 8’ x 20’ locker room bathroom facility had a toilet, vanity sink, and a 4'x3' shower with hot water. All units had external security lighting, roofing systems, and a polished appearance with T1-11 siding.

We are not just about functional spaces but also about enhancing creativity. One remarkable project was collaborating with a passionate artist to bring a unique vision to life. This 20' art gallery seamlessly blends contemporary design with natural light to create an inspiring atmosphere. The challenge was to convert a 20' shipping container into an art studio that would serve as a workspace and celebrate the interplay between art and the environment. We installed four large 8'x4' windows and French patio doors at one end of the container. This strategic placement allowed natural light to flood the interior, providing the perfect canvas for the artist's creative endeavors.

For functionality, we added electric outlets for overhead lighting, creating an ambiance that complements the artistic process. For temperature control, an essential consideration in Hawaii's climate, we installed air conditioning, ensuring that the gallery remains comfortably cool even on the warmest days. We sealed and painted the floor with epoxy paint and painted the interior container walls white. 

Here is another growing trend: using shipping containers for retail purposes. By placing them side by side horizontally, they provide a distinctive shopping experience in urban areas and places where permanent structures may not fit. They're also ideal for selling seasonal items without committing to a long-term lease. These containers offer ample room for creating and can also be used as galleries open to the public, showcasing the works of art.

We repurposed a shipping container into a thriving retail hub in downtown Honolulu. These containers not only provide an eye-catching storefront for a diverse range of businesses, from boutique fashion outlets to artisanal coffee shops but also create a dynamic, ever-changing landscape that reflects the city's vitality. 

Restrooms are essential in all settings, whether at public places, construction sites, or anywhere else. While porta-potties offer portability, storage containers provide extra comfort and longevity. Elton's Auto Masters, located in Kahului Maui, approached us to construct a shipping container office unit featuring two bathrooms. This helped them provide sanitized and comfortable restroom facilities on Maui that complied with COVID guidelines.

In alternative housing, shipping containers have emerged as a transformative solution over the past decade, offering a blend of affordability, mobility, and adaptability in the face of rising housing costs. Since shipping container homes are considered "accessory structures," they usually do not require a building permit and can be constructed anywhere on your property. 

We recently constructed a tree farmhouse on the lush Kona side of the Big Island. The tree farm recognized the challenges faced by two married employees who had a long commute to the property. The couple struggled to find rental housing nearby, so the caretaker's home allowed them to spend more time at work. In addition, the farm owner felt relieved because there had already been two thefts on the property, and having people living there provided added security.

In the vibrant surfing haven of Hawaii, shipping containers have become a staple in the wave-riding culture. Whether it's a local with an extensive collection or a visiting surfer seeking temporary storage, these containers provide a reliable sanctuary for surfboards, shielding them from the sun and the salt-laden ocean breeze. Customized racks and dividers inside the containers ensure the boards are stored safely and organized with the precision of a seasoned wave rider's lineup.

But it's not just individuals who benefit. Surf shops and rental businesses have harnessed the versatility of shipping containers to revolutionize how they manage their aquatic fleet. These containers metamorphosed into functional surfboard sanctuaries provide the perfect inventory control and transportation solution. These containers can be effortlessly transported to various surf events, allowing surf shops to take their merchandise to the waves, creating a unique shopping experience right by the swells. They've also become mobile surfboard stores at popular surf spots, pop-up shops for surf competitions, and even makeshift surfboard repair workshops, solidifying their status as an integral part of the Hawaiian surf culture. 

We have demonstrated expertise in creating efficient and adaptable field office spaces, addressing the specific requirements of various projects across Hawaii. Our collaboration with BayWa r.e. Power Solutions exemplifies our commitment to providing essential temporary office solutions for a significant solar energy project in Waikoloa on the Big Island and central Maui. We delivered four 20' field offices and a larger 16' x 40' field office for both job sites. 

Our track record in delivering high-quality and versatile field office spaces showcases the adaptability of shipping containers in meeting the unique demands of various projects. We remain committed to excellence, ensuring that each field office space aligns with the specific needs of modern project management, all while demonstrating our dedication to creating comfortable, secure, and functional work environments.