Landscape & Accent Lighting Services on O’ahu
Bring your outdoor space to life after dark. We design and install resort-quality lighting that adds beauty, safety, and value to your home.
Knoles Electric
Create Your Own Island Oasis
In Hawaii, we live outdoors. But too often, our beautiful lanais, gardens, and palm trees disappear as soon as the sun sets.
At Knoles Electric, we specialize in transforming dark yards into inviting nighttime retreats. Whether you want to highlight the texture of a moss rock wall, illuminate a walkway for safety, or hang festive bistro lights for your next BBQ, we provide custom, code-compliant solutions.
We understand the harsh reality of Hawaii’s environment. The plastic or aluminum fixtures you buy at big-box stores usually rot or fail within a year due to salt air and UV exposure. That is why we install high-quality, solid brass or composite fixtures designed to withstand the elements and last a lifetime.
Our Outdoor Lighting Services
We provide comprehensive lighting designs for residential and commercial properties:
Landscape & Tree Uplighting:
dramatic “uplights” to showcase palm trees, plumerias, or architectural columns, creating depth and shadows.
Pathway & Step Lighting:
Low-profile fixtures that illuminate walkways and stairs to prevent trips and falls without blinding you with glare.
Lanai & Bistro Lighting:
Professional installation of overhead string lights (festoon lighting) to give your patio that warm, “restaurant” vibe.
Security Floodlights:
Motion-activated LED floodlights to deter intruders and keep your property secure.
Hardscape Lighting:
Subtle lights embedded into retaining walls, benches, or deck railings.
The “Big Box” Solar vs. Pro Hardwired
Thinking about buying those cheap solar spikes from the hardware store? Here is why professional lighting is a better investment.
| Feature | Store-Bought Solar Lights | Knoles Pro Hardwired (LED) |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Dim Glow. Often blueish and weak. | Bright & Consistent. Warm white (2700K) light. |
| Reliability | Weather Dependent. Dies on cloudy days/rain. | 100% Reliable. Works every night, rain or shine. |
| Durability | Plastic/Aluminum. Rots/cracks in <1 year. | Solid Brass/Copper. Guaranteed against corrosion. |
| Battery | Fails Quickly. Needs constant replacement. | No Batteries. Powered by safe low-voltage transformers. |
| Value | Disposable. You buy them 5 times over. | Permanent Asset. Increases home resale value. |
⚠️ Tired of replacing rusty garden lights? Click here for a permanent solution.
Visualize Your Home in a New Light
We don’t just install wires; we design ambience. Let us show you what “resort-style” lighting looks like.
Call Us 24/7 (808) 600-8816
Email Us info@knoleselectric.com
Our Design & Installation Process
We treat your landscaping with care. Our goal is “invisible installation”—you should see the light, not the wire.
On-Site Design Consultation:
We walk your property with you to identify focal points (like a beautiful Banyan tree or a water feature). We discuss “zoning” so you can control the backyard separately from the front yard.
Professional Trenching & Wiring:
We carefully trench the lines for the low-voltage wiring. We don’t tear up your lawn; we make surgical cuts in the turf and replace it so you can barely tell we were there. All connections are made with waterproof, heat-shrink connectors to prevent moisture failure.
Fixture Installation & Aiming:
We install the transformer and fixtures. But we don’t stop there. We return at night for a “focusing session” to aim the lights perfectly, ensuring they highlight the trees without shining into your bedroom window.
Automation Setup:
We install “astronomical timers” that know exactly when the sun sets in Hawaii. Your lights will turn on automatically at dusk and turn off at your desired time—you never have to touch a switch.
Why Choose Knoles Electric?
We are a local, family-owned company built on trust, quality craftsmanship, and the “Spark Aloha” spirit.
Salt-Air Proof Materials:
We refuse to install cheap aluminum fixtures that bubble and corrode. We primarily use Solid Brass or Copper fixtures. These materials naturally patina (turn darker) over time but will never rust through, even on the North Shore or Windward side.
Lighting Design Expertise:
Lighting is an art. We understand “Color Temperature” (Kelvin). We use Warm White (2700K or 3000K) LEDs to mimic the soft glow of halogen, avoiding that harsh, “hospital blue” look of cheap LEDs.
Careful Excavation:
We respect your garden. We work around root systems and irrigation lines to ensure your plants stay healthy during the installation.
Why Hire a : Pro vs. DIY for Panels?
Landscape lighting involves underground wiring and voltage drop calculations.
| Feature | DIY / Handyman | Knoles Electric (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Uses "pierce-point" connectors (fail in wet soil). | Waterproof Heat-Shrink connections (Permanent). |
| Voltage | Lights at the end of the run look dim. | Voltage Drop Calculations ensure even brightness. |
| Timer | "Dusk-to-Dawn" sensors get blocked by leaves. | Digital Astronomical Timers (GPS accurate). |
| Warranty | 30–90 Days. | Manufacturer Lifetime Warranties on many fixtures. |
Elijah completed the installation with great care and quality. He also maintained clear communication throughout the two day project.
Overall, a smooth experience and we’re happy with the results. Mahalo Knoles Electric Team!
Elijah was the electrician who came out for the rescheduled appointment and he was truly amazing! Arrived exactly on time & was prepared with all of the necessary tools & parts! He was thorough, efficient and fun to chat with throughout the job! He also made sure to vacuum up afterwards despite renovation mess, but this just proves the attention to detail he provided! Can't recommend him, or this company enough!! Mahalo, Elijah!!
Parties. Cameron was very concerned for me and my family and our situation. He asked me to explain what happened. He told me not to panic and thought that he knew the problem and that he might be able to help me over the phone. He told me what to do step by step while he stood by on the phone. Miraculously I was able to get the power back on and complete our New Year’s family dinner. We owe a ton of gratitude to Cameron for being there for us in a time of crisis… a “God Send”! He definitely deserves more than Five Stars! Will recommend Cameron and Knowles Electric.
I sent him a pic of my damaged
electric box and he solved the problem without coming out.
I have found an electrician for the future. I highly recommend him.
Knoles Electric, Cameron, came in and rewired our entire house. He had to climb in the attic as well as crawl under our house to get the job done. Since our recent renovation was over 35years ago, he suggested updating our lighting. He installed a bunch of Halo 4” canless LED recessed lights in our living room, kitchen and bathroom. These lights provide great lighting while remaining almost hidden. We got rid of our ceiling fans and had him install simple 15” lights.
Overall…Cameron did a great job. I would definitely recommend him.
If you live in an older house, I would recommend someone to inspect your electrical system. It’s better to be safe than sorry…
Let me know. I know a guy..
Great communication and speedy service!!
I highly recommend Knole’s electrical and guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Mahalo’s Cameron
He assesses electrical issues with precision and always provides the best recommendations prioritizing safety. His transparency in explaining what needs to be done instills confidence, and he ensures all necessary equipment is promptly acquired and used for immediate fixes.
Cameron initially helped fix electrical setups in my home that were not up to safety standards, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a secure environment. His expertise and reliability have earned my trust, making him my go-to electrician for any residential needs.
Cameron provides services for commercial spaces, and I am equally impressed with his professionalism and efficiency in this realm. I highly recommend Cameron for anyone seeking a trusted, dependable and skilled electrician.
Highly recommend!! Thanks again!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Panels
1. Will landscape lighting increase my electric bill significantly?
No. Modern LED landscape lighting is incredibly efficient. A typical system with 10-15 path lights and uplights uses less electricity than a single old-fashioned 100-watt lightbulb. It costs pennies a night to run.
2. Can you fix my existing landscape lights that stopped working?
Yes. We can troubleshoot existing systems. Often, the issue is a corroded wire connection underground or a failed transformer. We can repair the fault and upgrade the bulbs to LED.
3. Do I need to dig up my whole yard?
No. We use a method called “slit trenching.” We make a narrow slice in the grass, tuck the wire in, and close it back up. Within a week, the grass heals, and the cut is invisible.
4. What happens if it rains?
Professional landscape lighting runs on “Low Voltage” (12 Volts), which is completely safe even in the rain. The connections we make are waterproof, so the system will function perfectly during Hawaii’s tropical storms.
5. Can I control the lights with my phone?
Yes. We can install smart transformers that connect to your WiFi. You can turn your garden lights on/off, set schedules, or dim them right from your smartphone.
6. Is landscape lighting good for security?
Absolutely. A well-lit home is a major deterrent to burglars. “Dark spots” are where intruders hide. Landscape lighting eliminates these spots aesthetically, while motion floods provide shock value.
7. Why are brass fixtures better than aluminum?
Aluminum is a reactive metal. In salty air, the paint bubbles and the metal turns to white powder (aluminum oxide). Brass is a non-ferrous alloy that does not rust. It is the gold standard for coastal environments.
8. Can you hang "Bistro Lights" over my patio?
Yes. We install permanent posts or mount anchors to your home to hang commercial-grade string lights securely. We use steel cables to support the lights so they don’t sag or snap in the wind.
9. How long do the LED bulbs last?
The LED bulbs we use are rated for 30,000 to 50,000 hours. With average usage (6 hours a night), they can last 15 to 20 years without needing replacement.
10. Do you install motion sensor lights?
Yes. We install high-output motion sensors for driveways, side yards, and garbage areas to ensure you have bright light exactly when you need it for safety.
OUR ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Areas We Serve
Kalihi-Palama | Makiki-Tantalus | Ala Moana-Kakaako | McCully-Moiliili | Liliha/Alewa | Diamond Head-Kapahulu | Waikiki | Manoa | Kaimuki | Nuuanu-Punchbowl | Downtown-Chinatown | Kahala | Hawaii Kai | Honolulu | Pearl City | Waipahu | Kailua | Kāneʻohe | Mililani Town | ʻEwa Gentry | Kapolei | Mililani Mauka | Makakilo | Wahiawā | ʻEwa Beach | Halawa (Near Pearl Harbor/Aiea) | Royal Kunia | Waimalu (Near Aiea/Pearl City) | Waiʻanae | Nānākuli | Waipiʻo (Near Waipahu) | Māʻili | ʻAiea | Mākaha | Waimanalo | Lāʻie | Pūpūkea | Haleiwa | Waialua | Hauʻula | Kahuku | Ko Olina
Ready to Light Up the Night?
Contact Knoles Electric today for a custom landscape lighting design.