Our Team

Trista Ames

Co-Founder & Home Care Lead

Trista has been alongside Kent throughout the entire building process — raising their two children between the Big Island and O‘ahu while managing homes, land, and family life.

A passionate gardener and interior designer, Trista understands how a home functions beyond blueprints. She brings vision, diligence, and warmth to Mālama Hale — ensuring each property feels cared for, intentional, and lived-in.

With experience maintaining their own properties — including a 13-acre estate in Pālolo — Trista understands the ongoing work required to keep a home beautiful and functional over time.

Contractor & Founder

Kent Ames

Kent’s construction career began in the mid-1990s on the Big Island, building high-end resort and residential homes for some of the most discerning homeowners in the world. His experience spans foundation, framing, and fine finish work — giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of how homes are built from the ground up.

Licensed as a general contractor in 2005, Kent has built and overseen countless luxury residences across the Big Island and O‘ahu, including record-setting properties. He has also built three of his own homes and understands firsthand the responsibility that comes with homeownership.

Kent leads Mālama Hale with a contractor’s eye, ensuring every home receives knowledgeable, preventative, and honest care.

Mālama Hale means to care for the home, and that philosophy guides everything we do.

  • Kent and Trista Ames have built their lives around homes — building them, living in them, and caring for them through every season. Together, they bring contractor-level expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to make a house feel cared for and lived in. Mālama Hale reflects their commitment to protecting homes with intention, consistency, and heart.

  • Mālama Hale means to care for the home — and that philosophy guides everything we do.

    We believe:

    • Homes deserve proactive, thoughtful attention

    • Small details prevent big problems

    • Care creates longevity

    • Trust is built through consistency

  • We work with homeowners who see their homes as more than just structures, they’re places of life, family, and intention. Our clients trust us to notice the small things before they become big problems. Together, we care for homes with consistency and heart.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!