Interior LED Lighting Solutions on O’ahu
Brighten your space and lower your HECO bill. Expert design and installation of modern, energy-efficient LED lighting.
Knoles Electric
Transform Your Home with the Perfect Light
Lighting is the single most impactful way to change the look and feel of a room. Yet, many Hawaii homes are still stuck with outdated fluorescent tubes, hot incandescent bulbs, or poorly placed fixtures that leave dark shadows.
At Knoles Electric, we believe lighting is an art form grounded in electrical science. We don’t just screw in bulbs; we design lighting plans that enhance your architecture, improve visibility in kitchens and bathrooms, and create the perfect mood for your living spaces.
Whether you want to upgrade to sleek Recessed “Can” Lights, add task lighting under your kitchen cabinets, or simply retro-fit your entire home to save money on electricity, our team delivers a clean, professional installation.
Our LED Services
We provide comprehensive lighting solutions for residential and commercial properties:
Recessed (Can) Lighting:
We install modern, low-profile wafer lights that give your ceiling a clean, smooth look without requiring bulky housing. Perfect for low ceilings common in condos.
LED Retrofits:
We convert your existing high-hats or fluorescent fixtures to LED, reducing heat and energy usage instantly.
Dimmer & Smart Control:
We install Lutron dimmers and smart switches (Caséta) so you can control the brightness and mood from your phone or voice assistant.
Under-Cabinet Lighting:
Illuminate your countertops for safer food prep and a sophisticated kitchen aesthetic.
Art & Accent Lighting:
Highlight your favorite artwork or architectural features with directional gimbal lights.
Old Tech vs LED: Why Switch?
Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the nation. Switching to LED isn’t just about style; it’s about your wallet.
| Feature | Incandescent / Halogen | Modern LED |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Cost | High — typically 60W+ per bulb. | Ultra Efficient Only 7–9W per bulb (up to 85% energy savings). |
| Heat Output | Runs very hot; increases AC load. | Cool Operation Stays cool to the touch; reduces cooling costs. |
| Lifespan | ~1,000 hours (needs yearly replacement). | Long-Lasting ~50,000 hours (10–20 years of use). |
| Light Quality | Color shifts and yellows over time. | Consistent Color Warm, soft white, daylight — stable output. |
| Dimmability | Smooth dimming but uses full power while reducing light. | Advanced Dimming Smooth down to 1% brightness with minimal energy use. |
⚠️ Still using hot halogen bulbs? Click here to start saving money.
Dark Kitchen or Living Room?
We can install recessed lighting in a single day—often without damaging your drywall.
Call Us 24/7 (808) 600-8816
Email Us info@knoleselectric.com
Our Installation Process
Installing recessed lighting involves cutting holes in your ceiling. This scares many homeowners. Here is how we do it cleanly and professionally:
Design & Layout:
We don’t just start cutting. We use laser levels to layout the lights symmetrically, ensuring they align with your furniture, fan, and room dimensions. We discuss “Color Temperature” (Warm vs. Daylight) with you to ensure the light feels right.
Dust-Free Cutting:
We use specialized hole saws with dust-catching bowls and drop cloths to capture debris. Our goal is to keep your floors and furniture spotless.
Wiring & Fishing:
We “fish” the wires through the ceiling joists with minimal access holes. In many cases, we can wire an entire room without cutting any extra patches in your drywall.
The Finish:
We install the trim, set the color temperature, and install compatible dimmer switches to ensure the lights don’t flicker or buzz.
Why Choose Knoles Electric?
The "Design Eye":
Lighting placement matters. Place a can light too close to a fan, and you get a strobing effect. Place it too close to a wall, and you get weird shadows. We know where to place lights for optimal effect.
No "Flicker" Guarantee:
LEDs are sensitive. If you pair a new LED with an old dimmer, it will strobe. We ensure your switches and bulbs are perfectly matched for smooth, silent operation.
Respect for Your Home:
We wear shoe covers, cover your furniture, and vacuum thoroughly. You get beautiful new lights without the cleanup headache.
Why Hire a Pro vs DIY?
Lighting involves complex wiring loops and load calculations.
| Feature | Incandescent / Halogen | Modern LED |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Cost | High. Uses 60W+ per bulb. | Low Energy Usage Uses only 7–9W per bulb (up to 85% savings). |
| Heat Output | Runs hot and makes your AC work harder. | Cool to the Touch Reduces cooling costs and heat buildup. |
| Lifespan | ~1,000 hours (often replaced yearly). | Long-Lasting ~50,000 hours (lasts 10–20 years). |
| Light Quality | Yellows and dims over time. | Consistent Color Available in warm, soft, or daylight tones. |
| Dimmability | Dims well but still uses full power. | Smooth Dimming Down to 1% brightness with minimal energy use. |
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 LED Lighting
1. What is "Color Temperature" and which should I choose?
This is the “warmth” or “coolness” of the light, measured in Kelvins (K).
3000K (Soft White): Best for living rooms and bedrooms. Cozy and inviting.
4000K (Cool White): Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. Clean and bright.
5000K (Daylight): Very blue/bright. Usually too harsh for homes, but good for workshops.
Pro Tip: We install “Selectable” fixtures that let you toggle between these settings to find your perfect match!
2. Will installing recessed lights damage my ceiling?
In 90% of cases, no. We use “wafer” lights that clip onto the drywall and don’t require massive housing. We fish the wires through small holes. If we do need to make a small access cut to get around a beam, we save the piece for patching.
3. Why do my new LED bulbs flicker?
This usually happens because your old dimmer switch was designed for incandescent bulbs, not LEDs. We fix this by installing modern, LED-compatible dimmers (like Lutron Diva or Maestro) to ensure smooth dimming.
4. Can you add lights to a room with no overhead wiring?
Yes. We can bring power from a nearby outlet or switch and run it into the ceiling. It’s a standard part of our service.
5. Do LEDs really save that much money?
Yes. An LED uses about 10% of the energy of a traditional bulb. If you replace 20 bulbs in your house that run for 5 hours a day, you can save hundreds of dollars a year on your HECO bill. They also produce less heat, lowering your AC costs.
6. Can you install "Smart" lighting?
Absolutely. We can install smart switches (that work with Alexa/Google Home) or smart fixtures that allow you to change colors (RGB) for parties or holidays.
7. What are "IC-Rated" lights?
“IC” stands for Insulation Contact. If you have insulation in your attic, you must use IC-rated fixtures. Non-IC fixtures can overheat and cause a fire if insulation touches them. We only install the correct safety-rated fixtures.
8. How long does it take to install recessed lights in a kitchen?
A typical kitchen layout (4–6 lights) can usually be completely installed in one day, including wiring and cleanup.
9. Do you do commercial lighting retrofits?
Yes. We help offices and retail stores swap out buzzing fluorescent tubes for silent, instant-on LED flat panels. This improves employee comfort and reduces maintenance costs.
10. Can you put lights under my kitchen cabinets?
Yes. Under-cabinet lighting is one of our most popular upgrades. It eliminates shadows on your counters while chopping veggies and adds a beautiful “glow” to the kitchen at night.
Explore Our Other 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 Brighten Your Home?
Contact Knoles Electric today for a custom lighting design and installation.