Located on the southern shoreline of O’ahu between the areas of Ala Moana and Waikiki, Kaka’ako is a lively urban center boasting a number of condo developments and retail establishments. Condo options range from mid-range affordable units to luxurious units with multi-million dollar price tags. As such, there is an option for nearly everyone who is interested in calling Kaka’ako home.
The History of Kaka’ako
Once a thriving Native Hawaiian community where Hawaiian royalty lived, the Kaka’ako region was predominantly used for salt making, fishpond farming and wetland agriculture. Today, Kaka’ako is an important commercial and retail district on the island with dozens of new residential buildings having been constructed in the area. The neighborhood is also home to the civic centers of Victoria Ward Centers and Neal S. Blaisdell Center, with the main roads through the community being Ala Moana Boulevard and Kapi’olani Boulevard.
The Kaka’ako Lifestyle
Residents of Kaka’ako enjoy access to a wide variety of restaurants and retail establishments without having to sacrifice the natural beauty of the area. To the west, Kaka’ako touches the ocean at the Kaka’ako Waterfront Park, Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Harbor. Offering 35 acres of green space, Kaka’ako Waterfront Park offers the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or take in a sunset. The hilly park also serves as a natural amphitheater where lively outdoor concerts are held each year.
While Kaka’ako Waterfront Park is not home to sandy beaches, it does offer ample opportunity for surfing at Kewalos or body surfing at Point Panics. Wide sidewalks also run adjacent to the ocean, offering excellent opportunities for walking, jogging and bicycle riding. Meanwhile, the 100-acre Ala Moana Beach Park offers a long stretch of white sand and calm waters for those who want a more relaxing beach experience.
Living in Kaka’ako
Kaka’ako is home to a seemingly endless number of condo developments from which to choose. A few examples of condo communities within the region include:
- Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana: With a name meaning “crest of the wave,” this 41-story high rise boasts condos ranging from two-bedroom units to a penthouse with more than 7,000 square feet of living space. All homes feature spacious floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows and gourmet kitchens, while amenities include a doorman, concierge service, a whirlpool, a swimming pool, a fitness center, saunas and a dog park.
- One Waterfront Tower: Built in 1990 just across from Restaurant Row, this condo community offers amenities such as a swimming pool, whirlpool, BBQ area, two tennis courts and a fitness center.
- Ward Village: Master planned community boasting a shopping complex with more than 120 specialty shops, a farmers market and 19 restaurants. Ward Village is also home to a 150,000-square-foot entertainment center and 4 new condo high rises. Among these is Waiea, which is the only LEED Platinum master planned community in Honolulu.
- Moana Pacific: Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and boasting panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean. Amenities include two tennis courts, a putting green, a swimming pool and kiddie pool, a game/party room and a fitness center.
These are just a few examples of the many great condo developments available in the vibrant community of Kaka’ako.
