As housing affordability remains a nationwide concern—driven by inflation, limited inventory, and high mortgage rates—some states are pursuing unconventional ideas to build more homes. One of the most intriguing experiments is unfolding in Hawaii, where a local architectural firm is looking to surfboards for solutions.

In an effort to combat the state’s housing shortage and build more affordably, Hawaii Off Grid, a Maui-based firm, has launched Surf Block, a new building material made from surfboard foam waste.

David Sellers, the firm’s principal architect and founder of Surf Block, told Realtor.com® the innovative material could help solve multiple issues contributing to Hawaii’s housing crisis.

“Recent climate events have further exacerbated housing issues,” he says, adding that the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, destroyed over 2,200 structures, with 96% being residential.

“This disaster not only displaced thousands but also intensified the existing housing shortage, leading to increased competition and higher prices for available homes,” says Sellers.

He also notes that rising sea levels and land erosion—especially in areas like Honolulu and Waikiki—pose growing threats to housing stability.

Hawaii’s Housing Woes

Though often associated with paradise, Hawaii’s real estate market is one of the priciest in the U.S. The median home price stands at $679,000, significantly higher than the $400,500 national average. In luxury pockets like Kilauea (ZIP code 96754), prices soared to a median of $4.1 million as of December 2024.

According to Today’s Homeowner, Hawaii also ranks as the most expensive state to build in, with the average 2,100-square-foot home costing over $431,000—nearly $100,000 more than the national average.

These high costs contribute to the state’s staggering homelessness numbers. From 2023 to 2024, homelessness surged by 187%, per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The devastating Maui wildfires only made matters worse, forcing over 5,000 residents into emergency shelters.

A Push From the Government

In response, Hawaii’s leadership has accelerated efforts to build more homes. Governor Josh Green signed an executive order aiming to streamline the construction of 50,000 homes within three to five years.

“This order suspends several state and county laws related to land use, historic preservation, and environmental review, streamlining the development process,” explains Sellers. “It also establishes a 22-person panel, the Build Beyond Barriers Working Group, to oversee housing projects.”

FEMA has also stepped in to support wildfire survivors, extending rental assistance through February 2026. Meanwhile, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement launched a host housing program that pays households to accommodate displaced families.

“During the initial phase of this pilot program, qualifying host households can receive financial support of $500 per person each month, depending on the size of the displaced family they are accommodating. Hosts may receive a monthly stipend of up to $2,000,” according to the website.

Architects like Sellers have also contributed by offering free, pre-approved building plans to those who lost homes.

On the climate front, the federal government is backing resilience projects, with NOAA and the Department of Commerce recommending $68.5 million in funding for coastal protection.

“These combined efforts reflect a multifaceted approach by the Hawaiian government and associated organizations to mitigate the housing crisis and support communities affected by climate events,” says Sellers.

How Surfboards Fit In

In this context, the concept of Surf Blocks has emerged as a unique, eco-conscious building innovation. These construction blocks are created from recycled polystyrene foam waste—primarily sourced from surfboard manufacturing—and used to build steel-reinforced concrete walls.

“These blocks are utilized to create lightweight, cast-in-place, steel-reinforced concrete walls,” according to the website.

Their appeal goes beyond sustainability. According to Sellers, the material is also practical:

Fire Resistance

“Walls constructed with ‘EPScrete,’ the material used in Surf Blocks, have a four-hour fire rating, compared to 15 minutes for comparable wood-framed walls,” he says. “This enhanced fire resistance is particularly valuable in areas prone to wildfires.”

Termite Resistance

Sellers adds that the blocks are unaffected by termites—an important consideration in Hawaii’s humid, tropical environment.

Sustainability and Cost

By reducing landfill waste and replacing traditional materials, Surf Blocks contribute to greener construction. Plus, their light weight makes them cheaper to transport and easier to work with.

“Additionally, their durability and resistance to common hazards may result in lower maintenance and repair expenses over the lifespan of the building,” he explains.

More Sustainable Housing on the Horizon

Other islanders are also testing next-gen housing models. David Gilliland, a local contractor and founder of the nonprofit Paulele Hale Association (TPHA), is spearheading sustainable design innovations.

“TPHA has developed and deployed systems where homeowners can spray a proprietary exterior coating on a new or existing home, making it wildfire resistant to over 1,200 degrees and with colors that last for over 25 years," says Gilliland. "Wind-design features are affordably integrated into standardized designs, allowing the structure to be stable in 150 mph wind or a severe earthquake.”

As Hawaii continues to navigate housing shortages and environmental challenges, inventive materials like Surf Blocks and efforts from organizations like TPHA offer promising paths forward—where sustainability and affordability ride the same wave.

originally reported by Yael Bizouati-Kennedy in LMT Online.