Our Team

With over 100 years of combined practice the four principals of Blue Phoenix Construction bring extensive experience in design, development, and construction in Hawaii. Our diversity of knowledge and skillsets have created a seamless collaboration.

We are fine home builders who care about the big picture while focusing on the details. Our team shares a mutual vision about designing in harmony with the land, the culture and the families we serve. We are dedicated to professional excellence in everything we do and to building community, never forgetting that we all share the same island and the mutual experience of Aloha.

Michael Bonahan

General Contractor and Managing Partner

3rd Generation builder, Michael Bonahan, has over 35 years of construction experience. He started building in Hawaii in 1979 and knows all trades from foundations to roofing. As a General Contractor, Mr. Bonahan has overseen the construction of dozens of residential and commercial projects in Hawaii. Notably, he was the Lead Developer, Project Manager and General Contractor for the largest private residence project in Waikoloa Beach Resort which sold for 8 figures. With one eye on the details and the other on the bottom line Mr. Bonahan is skilled at value-engineering projects without sacrificing quality.

Michael has been with his high-school sweetheart, Ricci Racela, since 1983. They were married in Hawaii in 1992.

Community involvement:

Michael is the Founder of Boys to Men Mentoring Network of Hawaii and serves as the national Board Chair for Boys to Men USA. He is President of Warrior Films, a socially conscious film production company. He is also a certified co-leader in the global organization, the ManKind Project. Michael is a supporter of Hualalai Ohana Foundation, Hospice, and Kahilu Theatre.

Paige Wilburn, AIA

Architect, Project Manager, and Partner

Paige has a unique artist’s eye that translates through her architecture to integrate site and structure resulting in the harmonious melding of buildings and landscape into a beautiful work of art. She is able to explore the myriad of special experiences, indoors and out, to create one collaborative site, which makes each project unique.

Paige received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from Texas Tech University in Architecture and Business Administration. Her work has been featured in industry journals and noted design publications. She is currently a registered Architect in both Texas and Hawaii.

Paige specializes in architectural design and supplementary comprehensive services, site development, interiors, and construction management; with this broad spectrum of services she takes care to ensure that projects are integrated and cohesive from concept to completion. We believe strong communication is important between our client and the entire design team to achieve a mutual understanding of ideas. We strongly believe in the value of listening to your wishes and concerns to translate the results into the dream.

Community Involvement:

Paige is a patron of the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea, volunteers in supporting the disabled to enjoy the wonder of the ocean through Deep and Beyond, and frequently travels internationally on medical missions with the World Outreach Foundation.

Ricci Racela

Designer, Project Manager, and Partner

Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from San Jose State University, Ricci moved to Hawaii in 1990 to live here full time. Ricci is the main creative resource for Blue Phoenix, often bridging the gap between architect and contractor. In an 8 year period she designed and built seven multi-million dollar resort homes along the Kohala Coast, valued at over 32 million dollars. Complimenting her innate ability to create luxury homes, Ricci’s attention to detail and tenacious personality helps drive the sub-contractors and our crews to work efficiently and timely.

Ricci is married to her high school sweetheart, Michael Bonahan, and they’ve been building projects in Hawaii together for more than 25 years. Ricci is a 3-time Ironman World Championship finisher. Her love and dedication for the sport of triathlon is a reflection of her work ethic and problem solving abilities. There is nothing Ricci can’t do which makes her a huge asset to Blue Phoenix’s team.

Community Involvement:

Ricci is a supporter of the Kahilu Theatre, Deep and Beyond, The World Outreach Foundation, and Hualalai Ohana Foundation.

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