Photo: Augie Salbosa

Hawaii’s climate beckons us outdoors most of the year. So it’s no surprise what’s moving outside next: the kitchen. If you can create an outdoor cooking space, go for it!

Get the right stuff. Even if you have a covered lanai, stick with furnishings and finishes specifically designed for the outdoors. Concrete countertops are great because they can stand up to outdoor wear and tear.

Explore new options. Several manufacturers are coming out with cooking and refrigeration units built for outdoor use. There are even a few outdoor cabinetry lines available now. Viking, for example, has a great outdoor line, which includes stainless-steel cabinetry, to coordinate with its cooking and refrigeration units.

Choose a location. An outdoor kitchen or barbecue area can easily be installed under the eaves of your home with an extension to add more protection from the elements. You could also build a separate, covered area, such as a bungalow, away from the house.