Right now I want to stand on the 36th floor private pool (which happens to be at the Waiea Grand Penthouse), and shout “Have you heard of Ward Village in Honolulu?” Honolulu’s new condo boom is in full swing. The city is undergoing a beautiful transformation. Similar to the Waikiki condo boom back in the ’70s, Kakaako and Ala Moana neighborhoods are the IT areas to be in Honolulu. The rise of the new condos has been happening for a few years now, however, the effect of how these high rises are reshaping Honolulu is finally visible. Until recently, the buildings were in pre-sale stages and buyers were looking at conceptual drawings of what a neighborhood may look like. The new high rises, restaurants, pools, parks, and shopping now exist and offer a lifestyle unlike anything else found in Hawaii.
At the 36th floor Waiea Penthouse in Kakaako’s Ward Village. Waiea Penthouse pool behind me.
A New Community Has Arrived: KAKAAKO
Everyone is familiar with Waikiki. In fact, in most instances when people mention Oahu, the word Waikiki immediately follows. It’s not really surprising given the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to Honolulu on a yearly basis. Hotels are undergoing multi-million dollar upgrades, the existing airline industry is adding flights to Oahu, and Hilton Hotels is adding yet another time-share tower to the already busy vacation industry market. Oahu is HOT! People love Hawaii.
What many people are not yet aware of, is that quietly the Kakaako neighborhood is becoming a go-to destination for residents and second home buyers from all over the world.
Sunset over the Anaha pool at Ward Village in Kakaako.
For those who have followed my blogs, my love and passion for Honolulu are evident. I am absolutely in love with the urban beach life. New condo developers are paying attention to the needs of the residents and are designing stunning properties while focusing on lifestyle. This includes ocean views, spacious residences, functional amenity decks, gathering spaces, ground floor shopping and restaurants, area security patrols, walkable and accessible streets, plenty of natural vegetation, parks, and luxury and local shopping. Residences range from luxury penthouses and townhomes with private pools and garages, to furnished 300 sq. ft. studios, and affordable units.
Kakaako shopping and events
60 Acres of Lifestyle
Within the Kakaako neighborhood, a 60-acre master-planned community, called Ward Village is leading the way in the new condo development. A total of about 15 new condos buildings will be built at Ward Village alone, over the next decade. Ward Village has a heavy focus on the residents’ lifestyle. With Howard Hughes as the only developer of this huge area of prime Honolulu real estate, the lifestyle-first approach will be carried throughout the entire master plan. Each of the condo buildings has and will a variety of ground floor coffee shops, stores, world-class restaurants, and local vendors for Ward Village and Honolulu residents to enjoy. The street level design is extremely important in the development of Ward Village. The neighborhood is designed to bring people outdoors and to enjoy living in Ward Village outside of their own condo residences. Sidewalks are regularly cleaned and music is often heard playing from hidden speakers in the landscaping, making the outdoor experience all the more enjoyable.
The library at the Anaha at Ward Village
Honolulu Condos Sales and Stats
The Kakaako and Ala Moana neighborhoods of Honolulu are the core of the construction of new condo high rises. Since 2016, 625 luxury NEW condos over $1,000,000 have sold in the two neighborhoods with the highest at $22,000,000 at Park Lane Ala Moana. That number jumps to over 850 when accounting for smaller new condos priced between $400,000 and $1,000,000.
With several new buildings currently under construction and soon to be under construction, A’ali’i, Ke Kilohana, Kapiolani Place, AE’O, the new condo sales stats will substantially jump once the new units close starting at the end of 2018.
Mandarin Oriental has announced plans for a luxury hotel/condo tower across from the Honolulu Convention Center. Azure in Ala Moana is currently in pre-sale stage offering various size residences. Architecturally stunning Koula at Ward Village is soon to be released for pre-sales. Also going through permitting and the sales process are Sky Ala Moana, The Central, ProsPac Tower, a 41-story tower with 347 market-rate condominium units and 78 “affordable” rentals, and a few other projects. Once completed, these are all going to add residences to the new Honolulu condo market in the next couple of years. With stores like Target, Ala Moana Center, Walmart, and a vast array of businesses throughout the location, residents of these towers will have convenience at their doorsteps.
Park Lane Ala Moana Condos across from Ala Moana Beach Park
There are currently also 78 condos in Kakaako and Ala Moana priced between $1,000,000 and $36,000,000 on the MLS (not including new off-market listings). Luxury is big in the area, and buyers are flocking to the area to enjoy the spectacular residences, ocean views, the beach, and the urban convenience.
With home affordability always being a concern on Oahu, the developers are mixing in smaller units amongst the luxury residences. Studios, 1-bedrooms, affordable condos, and rental units.
Please contact me for information on any of the new condos in Honolulu.
Beautiful condos, the beach, pools, shopping, and amenities are all in Kakaako and Ala Moana
Beach, Sunshine, and Amazing Weather
It’s undeniable that the beautiful Hawaii weather is the draw to the islands. The near-perfect climate is a dream for many. Oahu residents can enjoy the outdoors and the beach year round and new condos are designed for indoor/outdoor living by offering outdoor eating areas, beach services, and walkable/accessible neighborhoods.
Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park.
If you have never considered a condo lifestyle or an urban setting, you may be pleasantly surprised what Honolulu has to offer. A lifestyle first approach is attracting residents who enjoy being close to the beach, who like to be close to amenities, and who prefer to leave the car at home.
If you would like to explore Kakaako and Ala Moana condos in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact me. While some listings are online, the majority of the new pre-sale residences are not on the MLS.
If you would like to appear on our popular “Hawaii Life” TV show on HGTV as you are purchasing your new home or condo, check out the casting opportunity.
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