Our Kakaako

When walking through Our Kakaako, one of the first features you’ll notice is the inclusion of street art throughout the community. In fact, Our Kakaako hosts the Pow Wow Art Movement, an initiative that gathers artists from around the world (including locals as well) to help create beautiful pieces of street art. This community encourages the forward movement of its residents and provides the perfect backdrop of new, creative murals.

The main selling factor of Our Kakaako is that it's been intentionally designed for the convenience of its residents. The community is highly walkable, providing opportunities for pedestrians to explore shops and restaurants without having to get into a car. The community also promotes environmental sustainability and encourages the connection between humans and the environment by providing open-air spaces perfect for mingling with friends and family.

Residential Details: Something for Everyone

The master plan for Our Kakaako (known as Kaiaulu ‘o Kakaako) was originally submitted in 2008 and approved in 2009 by the Hawaii Community Development Authority. This plan has since been amended and extended through the year 2034. The community will be developed across two increments, the first of which has already been completed.

Once finished, Our Kakaako will cover 9 city blocks. The community will offer a variety of housing types, including low-rise towers, high-rise towers, and townhomes. Furthermore, the neighborhood will be accessible to different levels of income, with opportunities to participate in the affordable housing program. High-end, luxury units will also be available as well.

Plans for Our Kakaako are meant to attract a diverse group of residents, from singles looking for their first condo to families looking for a neighborhood to raise children. In total, Our Kakaako will cover 29 acres of land, so it is a relatively large in size but is also condensed in a manner that makes it easier to navigate.

Phase I: Open for Business

As noted previously, Our Kakaako is being developed across two phases. Phase I, which includes the first 4 of 9 blocks, has already been completed and offers 1,336 residential units. About 34% of these units (456 in all) are listed as rental units.

The residential units in Phase I include Keauhou Place, The Flats at Pu'unui, 400 Keawe, Six Eighty, and The Collection. Two of these buildings (Six Eighty and The Flats) are comprised of rental units, including loft-style apartments ranging from studios to 3 bedrooms. Both buildings are pet-friendly and also include on-site laundry facilities. One of the main bonuses of living at Six Eighty is the 8,600 square feet of retail that is located on the ground floor of the building. This commercial space includes a Starbucks for your daily coffee run, an Inn for visitors, a cell phone company store, and Lanikai Juice.

The other two residential buildings in this phase (Keauhou Lane and The Collection) are both considered luxury high-rise properties. These buildings were completed in 2016 and 2017 and are both a whopping 43 stories. Both buildings offer 1-3 bedroom townhomes and condos.

Phase 2: Under Construction

The second phase of the Our Kakaako development will include an additional 5 blocks of space. Like Phase I, the second phase will also include plenty of retail spaces, residential units, and community artwork. Condos in this phase will be a mixture of high-rises and low-rises.

The first two blocks to be developed as a part of Phase 2 are Kahuina and Alia. Both buildings are anticipated to begin construction in 2023. Over half of the total Kahuina units planned (859, in all) will be listed as workforce and affordable housing properties. Alia is planned to host 477 units, with 437 of these units being listed at market price. 40 of the units will be allocated as reserved housing units.

Also, recently announced was Kaliu, which will include 330 market-priced units.

Other Kakaako Perks

There are plenty of things to do in Our Kakaako, many of which may make you not want to leave the development. The Kaiaulu 'O Kakaako Owners Association prides itself in maintaining Kakaako values, including a reverence for Hawaiian culture. The Association hosts block parties, pop-up retailers, stargazing, the Honolulu Food and Wine Festival, and a Bark in the Park initiative.

Salt at Our Kakaako is the attraction everyone is talking about within this community. The building covers a city block and incorporates 85,000 square feet of retail space. Residents can find anything from coffee shops to a bear café to Japanese-inspired foods at Salt. Additionally, Salt serves as a community leader in hosting events such as the Night Market and Yoga at Night.

As you can see, Our Kakaako has plans to offer a variety of residential opportunities, complete with retail right at your doorstep. From farmers’ markets to cultural dances, Our Kakaako also supports a vibrant community that is full of character and culture. If you are considering buying or renting a condo or townhome, Our Kakaako is developing quickly, with some buildings completed and others in progress. If you’re interested in this community, I suggest investigating your options early, as places like these generally sell pretty quickly.