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Ward Village: Recreation, Restaurants and Retail

What is there to do in Ward Village? Explore a myriad of locales catering to both residents and visitors alike. And, realize that new hot spots are always opening up as the construction of Ward Village nears completion.

By Stephanie Lopes. Updated Dec 19, 2023. | Living in Hawaii | 11 min. read
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  2. RestaurantsJump
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Set on 60 acres between Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Ward Village is a purposefully planned community that is transforming into one of Honolulu’s most desirable destinations. With pristine parks, unique gathering spaces, notorious nightlife, upscale eateries and stupendous shopping, Ward Village brings out the best of both urban and island living.

Recreation

Ward Village has expansive parks, entertainment for all ages and activity levels, world-renowned fitness studios and blissful beauty services.

Parks

Green spaces, pedestrian-friendly paths, bike routes, children’s play areas, white sand beaches and surf spots: Parks at Ward Village are not only beautiful, allowing a connection to nature, but they also offer an array of recreational activities.

In Ward Village

Victoria Ward Park
Located in the center of Ward Village, Victoria Ward Park is a great gathering place, whether lounging, exercising, playing or simply enjoying the fresh air and views of the ocean. Dogs are often seen galivanting in the the green space as well as children. And, frequent events, including movie nights and yoga sessions, keep the community coming back to this popular Ward Village park.

Rendering of Victoria Ward Park
Rendering of Victoria Ward Park

Ka La‘i o Kukuluāe‘o Park (coming soon)
Ka Laʻi o Kukuluāeʻo Park, formerly known as Ewa Plaza, encompasses 30,000 square feet of lush green park space, situated on the Diamond Head side of Ulana Ward Village. Its name draws inspiration from Kakaʻako's history, signifying the tranquility of Kukuluāeʻo, the original name for the area. It is part of a larger vision to connect Ward Village through three major open spaces.

Ka La‘i o Kukuluāe‘o Park connected to Ulana's lawn.
Ka La‘i o Kukuluāe‘o Park connected to Ulana's lawn.

Diamond Head Plaza Park (Ka Lei Park) - Coming soon
This future park will be situated at the intersection of Kamakee Street and Ala Moana Boulevard next to Melia Ward Village's podium. It'll span 36,745 square feet and include entry portals, a keiki play area, pavilion or water feature, natural play elements, amphitheater-style lawn seating, cultural signage, landscaped walkways, canopy and palm trees, grassy open areas, and park-side dining.

Melia Ward Village facing Diamond Head Plaza Park.
Melia Ward Village facing Diamond Head Plaza Park.

The construction and maintenance of Victoria Ward Park, Ka La‘i o Kukuluāe‘o Park, and Diamond Head Plaza Park come at no cost to the public, entirely funded by Victoria Ward Limited, the developer.

Near to Ward Village

Ala Moana Beach Park
With around 100 acres of green area, including tennis courts, boat houses, restroom facilities, picnic areas and more, Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the most popular and famous parks in Honolulu. And, it is right across the street from Ward Village. This park has more than half a mile of white sand beaches and spectacular surf spots as well.

Aerial of Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.
Aerial of Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Kewalo Harbor
Do you desire to go charter fishing or out for a sail? The 30-acre Kewalo Harbor fronts Ward Village. A mix of recreational, charter and commercial boats call Kewalo Harbor their home base, and boat slips ranging from 30 to 100 feet are available for rent. So, Ward Village residents have easy access to mooring a private vessel or simply chartering a boat for the day.

Entertainment

Ward Village has fun for all ages at almost every hour of the day. The community has a number of establishments offering consistent entertainment options. And, frequent pop-up events and seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities (surfing, biking, fishing, boating, jogging) keep community members and visitors exploring more.

Consolidated Ward Theatre with TITAN LUXE
Consolidated Theatres at Ward is one of Hawaii’s best movie venues – complete with a full food and drink menu (including alcoholic beverages). This theatre has Honolulu’s biggest movie screen as well as luxury recliner seating, 4K digital projection and Dolby Atmos sound systems. Private screening and event spaces are also available.

Dave & Buster’s
A rooftop bar, ‘ono food, huge screens to watch the games – and a ton of fun games to play – Dave & Buster’s is always a delight for the entire family

Sports bar on the bottom floor of Dave & Busters.
Sports bar on the bottom floor of Dave & Busters.

Kids City Adventure
A two-story indoor playground keeps keiki ages seven months to 13 years old occupied for days. Huge ball pits, an indoor zipline, an interactive projection screen and much more make Kids City Adventure a child’s dream place to play.

Kakaako Farmers Market
Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, the Kakaako Farmers Market is known as one of Oahu’s best. Start the weekend right by indulging in fresh fruits and vegetables, grab-and-go goodies and enticing eats from food vendors. Unique items are sure to be found at this Ward Village farmers market held weekly near Kewalo Basin Harbor.

KĪPUKA by Nā Mea Hawaiʻi
Within the unique Native Hawaiian store, Nā Mea Hawaiʻi, a special makerspace – KĪPUKA – is housed. Hosting renowned instructors and artists, Ward Village residents and visitors are given the opportunity to learn a variety of Hawaiian cultural traditions, like weaving and lei making, as well as the Hawaiian language.

Kipuka concept with open tables ready for activity.
Kipuka concept with open tables ready for activity.
Next door is Na Mea Hawaii offering a library of native Hawaiian books.
Next door is Na Mea Hawaii offering a library of native Hawaiian books.

The Golf Sim Powered by Roger Dunn Golf Hawaii
Ward Village has Hawaii’s first indoor experiential golf simulator at the huge Roger Dunn Golf shop in the center of the community. Custom fitting, golf instruction and recreational play and practice are all available at this top-of-the-line golf simulator staffed by experienced PGA Professionals and Certified Sim Fitters.

1 of 2 Golf Simulators at Roger Dunn Golf Shop.
1 of 2 Golf Simulators at Roger Dunn Golf Shop.

Fitness

Working out in Ward Village is made easy. Most of the residential towers offer amazing fitness amenities, and pedestrian- and bike-friendly paths – leading to recreational ocean activities – are thoughtfully planned throughout the community. Also, some of the world’s hottest fitness gyms are popping up in Ward Village:

Beauty

Ready to relax the day away by pampering yourself? Ward Village has some of Honolulu’s best salons and spas to enhance beauty and bliss:

Restaurants and Bars

Whether craving a quick bite or desiring an upscale eating experience, Ward Village has amazing eateries to please almost any palette. While a couple Ward Village restaurants have been around for decades (Buca di Beppo), many are newly established hotspots drawing diners from around the island (Istanbul Hawaii).

Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Hawaiian, Latin, Mediterranean, American: Ward Village has almost every type of cuisine imaginable – with even more eateries on the way.

Ăn Đi Dzô
Sit down to experiential dining while enjoying delicious, contemporary Vietnamese food and divine drinks from the small bar.

Credit: @andidzohawaii
Credit: @andidzohawaii

Buca di Beppo
A Ward Entertainment Center staple, Buca di Beppo is a party-friendly restaurant serving family-style Italian food.

CINO
The owners of Duck Butt, DB Grill and Mad Bene, bring to you a new Italian Chophouse and Crudo bar concept located in the Halekauwila Corridor overlooking Victoria Ward Park.

Cino Hawaii entrance from corridor.
Cino Hawaii entrance from corridor.

Chong Qing Hot Pot
On the top floor of Ward Centre, Chong Qing serves fresh, Chinese-style, all-you-can-eat hot pot for lunch and dinner.

Genki Sushi
A local and Japanese sushi chain favorite, Genki presents fresh, reasonably priced sushi – served speedily on its conveyor belt.

Ginza Sushi
This casual Japanese dine-in eatery serves sushi rolls, sashimi, donburi and appetizers along with beer, wine, sake and soft drinks.

Han No Daidokoro
Specializing in award-winning Japanese-style Korean barbeque – with only the finest Japanese Wagyu beef – Han No Daidokoro is known worldwide for its fine yakiniku dining. A large selection of cocktails, beer, wine and spirits add to the eatery’s upscale ambiance.

Istanbul Hawaii
Offering Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, this aesthetically pleasing restaurant – with indoor and outdoor dining areas – serves unique and delicious cuisine for Hawaii connoisseurs.

Credit: @istanbulhawaii
Credit: @istanbulhawaii

JINYA Ramen Bar
Thick broth, handmade noodles, authentic toppings: JINYA serves up elevated ramen experiences, which include small plates and craft beers.

Kamitoku Ramen
Serving ramen for more than 60 year and founded in the Tottori Prefecture of Japan, Kamitoku evokes feelings of nostalgia.

LBD Japanese Bar & Lounge
Gather together with new and old friends at this hip bar and lounge located in the heart of Ward Village at Waiea. When dining at LBD, guests can also savor the dishes from Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar as well.

Maile’s Thai
Serving Thai food with a twist, Maile’s Thai presents appetizers, soups, salads, curries, noodles and other exciting entrées – all served on their white tablecloths.

Merriman’s
Founded by Chef Peter Merriman who pioneered Hawaii regional cuisine as well as the local farm-to-table movement, Merriman’s showcases exceptional Hawaiian fusion cuisine in one of Ward Village’s most upscale environments at Anaha.

Shot of Merrimans across from Kamakee.
Shot of Merrimans across from Kamakee.

Off the Wall Craft Beer & Wine
Pour yourself a glass from this eatery’s wide array of taps, including craft beers, wines, kombucha and ciders. And then sit down to South American fusion cuisine with a tantalizing tapas menu.

Peso
Upscale Filipino cuisine is presented at this unique Honolulu restaurant. Indulge in the lumpia bar or sample specialty pastries, local fruits, silog bowls and more.

Pizza Dadi
Join the pizza party at this casual dine-in or take-out New York style pizzeria.

Rinka
Located in Aeo, Rinka presents an assortment of authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, soba and tempura, in a classy, modern atmosphere. A private dining room is also available.

Robata JINYA
Founded in Los Angeles in 2010, Robata JINYA expanded to Waiea. A full bar, sushi, sashimi and more lure diners for decadent Japanese dinner and lunch experiences.

Credit: @robatajinya
Credit: @robatajinya

Scratch Kitchen
One of Honolulu’s best brunch restaurants is found in Ward Village – Scratch Kitchen. Also serving dinner, this local and Southern-style restaurant adds creative spins to favorite dishes.

Taqueria “El Gallo Rosa”
Looking for Mexican cuisine in Ward Village? Taqueria “El Gallo Rosa” in Ward Centre makes all their dishes from scratch with the freshest available, all-natural ingredients. Canned products are banned here!

The Social Honolulu
Get social while grinding on local comfort food and watching the game. Known for their happy hour and large menu, The Social is a great place to gather.

In addition to Ward Village’s wide array of dine-in and take-out restaurants, the community also is home to a number of coffee, tea, drink and dessert shops:

Specialty food items – perfect for gifting – are also available in Ward Village. Check out Diamond Head Chocolate Company and Island Olive Oil Company, both located in Ward Centre.

Retail

Retail therapy is easy to be had in Ward Village. Not only is Ward Village within walking distance to the U.S.’s largest outdoor shopping mall – Ala Moana Center – but it also is home to many local shops and even national department stores located throughout the neighborhood.

Ward Centre
Books, custom jewelry, children’s clothes, flower arrangements, Hawaiian fashion and more: Ward Centre has a diverse selection of shops and boutiques to browse.

East Village Shops + South Shore Market
Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx are two big national stores offering discounted clothing and home items for almost any type of shopper. Be sure to stroll through South Shore Market to meet some of Hawaii’s most talented entrepreneurs and browse through their irresistible, made-in-Hawaii clothing, jewelry, home items and more.

Kamakee Corridor
Take a walk or bike down Kamakee Street to see the shops located in Aalii, Aeo and Anaha. Whole Foods Market, WE ARE ICONIC and at Dawn are hip shopping establishments that are not-to-be-missed.

West Village
At the Ewa end of Ward Village and under construction, Ward Village’s West Village promises to house a wide variety of shops ranging from gourmet food to home furnishings and beyond. Some notable shopping establishments already available around the West Village’s Ward Avenue include Aloha Card Shop, Anne Namba Designs, Fishcake, Hawaiian Rainbow Bees, Patagonia and The Hawaiian Lei Company.

What is there to do in Ward Village?

Shop at a made-in-Hawaii boutique. Say cheers with a glass of worldclass wine. Savor a bite of sushi. Get fit with friends. Build confidence with a beauty treatment. Or, relax in front of the big screen. Ward Village has a variety of recreation, restaurants and retail attracting both residents of and visitors to the purposefully planned community. And, with more locales planned for the future, the buzz around Ward Village will only continue to bustle.

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