Kakaako

Kakaako is a vibrant and rapidly developing neighborhood located in the heart of Honolulu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Historically known as an industrial district, Kakaako has recently undergone a transformation into a modern and trendy urban community, attracting residents who are seeking a dynamic and convenient lifestyle.

One of the defining features of Kakaako is its proximity to the ocean. The neighborhood is located along the waterfront, providing residents with easy access to beaches, parks, and water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The neighborhood also features a scenic promenade known as the Kakaako Waterfront Park, which is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the ocean views.

Kakaako is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and public art installations throughout the neighborhood. The area is host to numerous events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing the talents of local artists and musicians.

Additionally, Kakaako is known for its dynamic dining and shopping options. The neighborhood features a diverse array of restaurants and cafes, serving up everything from gourmet cuisine to local favorites. The area is also home to several shopping centers and specialty boutiques, offering residents a wide range of shopping options.

Overall, Kakaako is a neighborhood that embodies the best of urban living in Hawaii. With its prime waterfront location, vibrant arts scene, and dynamic dining and shopping options, it’s no wonder why it’s becoming one of the most desirable neighborhoods on the island.

Smack dab in the heart of Honolulu is the former industrial district of Kaka’ako. Now a mixed residential-commercial area, this vibrant melting pot by the southern Oahu shoreline is filled to the brim with culture, art, and cuisine, offering a coastal urban lifestyle that has a little bit of everything.

Kaka’ako’s skyline is dominated by modern high-rise condos and apartments towering over a canvas of mural-lined streets featuring works that pay homage to Hawaiian culture, created by international artists and local muralists.

The best of these high-rise residences boast gorgeous cityscape and ocean views while offering top-notch amenities and proximity to business districts, commercial areas, and beachside parks. Kaka’ako residents and visitors alike love the neighborhood’s mix of urban energy and island charm, with lots of exciting new developments on the horizon.

Want to see if living here is right for you? Read on to learn more about one of Honolulu’s urban hotspots, including its history, real estate market, and the kind of life to expect when living there.

WELCOME TO KAKA’AKO, HI!

Kaka’ako is located between Downtown Honolulu and the commercial-residential district of Ala Moana. It’s a mere 6-minute drive away from the Hawaii State Capitol, with South Street serving as the demarcation between the downtown area and Kaka’ako.

Driving around the district, you will see a mix of high-rise residential buildings, restaurants, warehouses – signs of its past as an industrial center – and murals adorning the grates and walls of commercial establishments and local businesses. Many of this locale’s warehouses have been repurposed as commercial buildings and venues for showcasing its rich arts and culture scene. The names and murals around Kaka’ako draw a lot of inspiration from more than two centuries’ worth of history.

Kaka’ako from past to present

The community’s location has always been desirable and densely populated, even before the age of industrialization. Here’s a brief timeline of how this community came to be:

• Pre-1700: Pre-colonial Kaka’ako was a fishing village between Waikiki and Kou (present-day Honolulu) whose livelihood revolved around its fish ponds, salt flats, and wetland agriculture.
• 1770s: James Cook arrived, marking the first contact between Europeans and the natives of the Hawaiian Islands.
• 1800s: Hawaii saw an influx of immigrants from America, Japan, China, and the Philippines. Kaka’ako transitioned gradually into an industrial and residential center.
• 1852: Honolulu Iron Works was completed, speeding up the neighborhood’s transition into a blue-collar community. Over the next few decades, schools, churches, stores, and parks were constructed as the population grew.
• Mid-1900s: The district saw many of its houses and apartments replaced by warehouses as it turned into an industrial complex and storage depot to service the nearby harbor.
• 1976 to early 2000s: Following the establishment of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) in 1976, Kaka’ako began development as a planned commercial-residential community due to its favorable location.

Today, Kaka’ako is part of Metro-Honolulu’s vibrant urban center, a mixed residential and commercial area that is home to more than 38,000 residents per square mile. The entire area encompasses 88 blocks bounded by the streets of Piikoi, King, and Punchbowl. Fronting the area is the white-sand coastline of Ala Moana Regional Park.

Within the bounds of this high-density district is a host of flourishing development projects spearheaded by various real estate developers. These projects are in different stages of completion. When you view Kaka’ako from a distance, you’ll see several prominent residential towers either completed or under construction. This current skyline is by no means a finished product as a few more developments are still in the planning stage, including improved streetscapes and green spaces.

This bevy of new infrastructure is set to add hundreds of homes and rental units while further developing the community’s attractiveness with improved walkability, commercial spaces, recreational areas, and event venues.

KAKA’AKO REAL ESTATE

Having many high-rise apartments and condominiums dominating the skyline is characteristic of urban commercial centers and the real estate market very much resembles how Kaka’ako looks from a distance. This neighborhood stands out from the rest of the US in terms of the percentage of high-rise condos and apartment complexes. A whopping 94% of properties in this locale are classified as apartments, among the highest percentages in the entire country. The result is a large market for buyers and renters and a diverse selection of condos that range from affordable to high-luxury units.

Condos for sale in Kaka’ako

A large proportion of condos in this urban neighborhood are small (studio, two bedrooms) to medium-sized (three to four bedrooms), many of which were built in the year 2000 or later. The remainder of these residential buildings were constructed between 1976 and 1999, beginning with the HDCA initiative to repurpose the district into a commercial and residential zone.

Amenities to expect

Condo units in Kaka’ako are known for having top-tier amenities and modern features, to say nothing of the proximity to business centers, beaches, and restaurants. In many of these upscale properties, you need not even leave the building to unwind because among the perks of condo living is access to communal facilities such as

You may also expect quality in-unit features in a competitive market that targets an upper-middle to high-income clientele. Expect luxury condos for sale in Kaka’ako to have a mix of the following features:

Admittedly, condo living also translates to having smaller spaces, which could become a deal breaker for some. But regardless of your living preferences, owning real estate in one of the most lucrative new neighborhoods in Honolulu is bound to pay off in the long term.

Rental market

Typical prices of condos for sale in Kaka’ako are higher than more than 90% of all US neighborhoods, and more than two-thirds of the state of Hawaii. Around one-fifth of the housing in this community is only seasonally occupied, suggesting a solid percentage of vacation homes.

While the local real estate market targets entrepreneurs, retirees, and affluent families, Kaka’ako also has a substantial stu as dent population. There are more than 10 colleges or universities less than a mile from Kaka’ako, with many students seeking nearby apartments for an easy commute. These are among the potential tenants of condo units that are converted into rentals.

Neighborhoods of Kaka’ako

The entire district is divided into four distinct zones based on who is developing the area (Our Kaka’ako, Ward Village), associated geographical features (Kaka’ako Makai, Kaka’ako Mauka), or a reputation for being among the district’s pioneer high-rise apartments:

• Our Kaka’ako is a mixed-use community encompassing 29 acres (nine blocks) on the west end of the district, bound by South Street, Ala Moana Boulevard, and Halekuwila Street. The district is the brainchild of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, King Kamehameha I’s last direct descendant, who wanted to intertwine quality living and top-notch educational opportunities. This is why the master-planned community is a commercial asset of Kamehameha Schools, a private school system also founded by Princess Pauahi. This neighborhood aims to become a walkable network of residences and commercial establishments with vibrant murals around every corner.
• Ward Village is adjacent to Our Kaka’ako. This 60-acre, 27-block development on the eastern side of Kaka’ako (bordering Ala Moana) is owned by the Howard Hughes Corporation. Originally planned to have 22 residential towers, the developers decided to reduce the number to 14 to allow for more green space in the form of Victoria Ward Park and future projects. This community’s master plan aims to build seamless transitions – lively streetscapes and beautiful and convenient footpaths – between housing, recreational zones, parks, and commercial establishments.
• Kaka’ako Corridor, found behind Ward Village, is a strip of some of the area’s legacy condominiums, i.e., the first residential developments of present-day Kaka’ako. Despite being among the first fixtures of the Kaka’ako skyline, these residences were built as recently as 2009 and offer more square footage compared to most of the newer constructions.
• Kaka’ako Makai/Mauka comprise the rest of the Kaka’ako district. Between the two areas, Makai is closer to the shore and refers to the area between the northern borders of the Ward Village-Our Kaka’ako area and Kapiolani Boulevard. Mauka is found inland and refers to the area between Kapiolani Boulevard, South King Street, and Piikoi Street. Like most of the buildings on Kaka’ako Corridor, residential towers in this area are standalone developments.

LIVING IN KAKA’AKO, HI

Residents of Kaka’ako have the privilege of navigating their day-to-day lives in a well-planned urban community. From convenient commutes to an endless list of places to explore and events to attend, there is always something to see and somewhere to go in the beating heart of Honolulu.

Getting around

Thanks to a robust public transportation system and a relatively small area compared to other cities in the continental United States, there are many ways of getting around Kaka’ako and Metro-Honolulu. Here are the area’s main options for mobility:

• Public buses: Oahu’s island-wide public bus service, TheBus, transports more than 45 million people annually (130,000 on a normal weekday) across its 117 routes with at least 20 passing by Downtown Honolulu, Kaka’ako, and Waikiki. They also offer special tourist passes, good for several days. You may also pay in cash but we advise buying a HOLO Card available at most retail stores, Transit Pass offices, Skyline stations, or satellite city halls.
• Walking and biking: Kaka’ako’s outstanding walkability is one of its main draws. Together with Ala Moana, the area tops ApartmentGuide.com’s list of most walkable neighborhoods in Honolulu, garnering a walk score of 94. Its high-density plan, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and attractive streetscape invite you to put on your walking shoes and traverse its sidewalks and alleyways, especially if your destination is just within the neighborhood. NeighborhoodScout estimates that around 15% of residents walk to and from work here, a higher rate than 97% of all American neighborhoods. The bike-sharing service, Biki also has five stations within Kaka’ako for a breezy, leisurely ride through the district’s streets.
• Taxis and ride-sharing: These are more cost-efficient when traveling in groups. Taxis are usually called for pickup via phone or by the hotel concierge. Any large shopping center or business district also has designated taxi stands that serve as pickup points for passengers (note that hailing is not the norm in Hawaii). A number of local ride-sharing services also have their respective online apps for booking. Moreover, Uber and Lyft service urban Honolulu.

Things to do in Kaka’ako

EXPLORE SALT AT OUR KAKA’AKO

This vibrant, open-air shopping center across The Collection condominium complex is home to a host of local businesses and events. Named after the salt ponds that used to lie near the coast, this 85,000-square-foot shopping block incorporates the aluminum siding and salvaged iron of its more recent industrial past into a reimagined, mixed-use modern marketplace. A host of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, surf shops, and other novelties have taken up the commercial space, their walls and grates adorned with street art. The high foot traffic also makes it an ideal venue for events that may be booked through their website. SALT won the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Shopping Center of the Year (SCOTY) award in 2018.

WORK UP AN APPETITE

It could become quite difficult to choose where to eat in Kaka’ako with so many popular dining spots in the area. SALT alone has enough places to fill a day’s worth of foodie adventures but we recommend you start with these two:

• Arvo Café is a hip breakfast place right in the middle of SALT. Avocado toast, smoked salmon, and specialty drinks (strawberry guava tea and charcoal latte) stand out on their menu.
• Moku Kitchen blends the bounty of Hawaii’s upcountry farming with the diverse urban palate of Honolulu. It’s a popular lunch and day drinking spot (their Mai Tais are a must-try) that offers familiar American food with an added Hawaiian twist.

It’s worth noting that SALT doesn’t have a monopoly over delicious eats in Kaka’ako. Here are some delicious dining options that are equally worth their salt:

• EARL is Honolulu’s go-to sandwich joint that specializes in East Coast-style subs and burgers. Their Kaka’ako branch is located on Keawe Street just north of SALT.
• Japanese cuisine is popular throughout the district but especially on Kamakee Street in the Ward Village area. Have your pick of ramen, sushi, and yakiniku in Jinya, LBD, Rinka, and Han no Daidokoro.
• Merriman’s Honolulu is a popular restaurant in Ward Village serving Hawaiian regional cuisine. Come here, not just for the food but also for the homey vibe and top-notch service.
• For some Turkish and Mediterranean culinary delights, there’s Istanbul Hawaii. Owned and operated by executive chefs/mother-and-daughter team Ahu and Nili Hettema, they bring farm-to-table goodness from lunch to dinner, with plant-based menu options for those with special diets.

ATTEND LOCAL EVENTS

Outside of permanent establishments are regular events that pop up among the many public spaces in Kaka’ako. Whether gastronomic or artistic in nature, these gatherings regularly inject new energy and life into the heart of the city.

• Pow-Wow is an annual gathering of street artists from all over the world to paint new murals around the streets of Coral, Pohukaina, and Auahi. Visitors are welcome to search the neighborhood to cop some new artwork.
• Eat the Street is the city’s longest-running food truck festival. Locals look forward to this monthly gathering of more than 70 food trucks at 747 Ala Moana Boulevard to take in the sights, smells, and tastes of offerings influenced by street food culture from all over the world.
• Honolulu Night Market happens on the corner of Keawe and Auahi Streets every third Sunday of the month. The Night Market is basically a smaller-scale Eat the Street with additional non-food products for sale, plus art showcases and live entertainment.
• Kaka’ako Farmers Market brings the countryside’s produce into Downtown Honolulu. This fresh market pops up every Saturday morning on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. The market is not only a place where locally-grown produce and delicious food are sold but it is also a venue for locals and vendors to mingle and establish relationships within the community.

STRETCH YOUR WAY TO WELLNESS

Yoga is not just a form of physical exercise but is also a comprehensive system for personal development and well-being. Kak’ako residents are latching onto this wonderful way of keeping fit with Courtyard Yoga every Wednesday at the IBM Courtyard.

Not only do you get to stretch your way to wellness but you also get to do so while in the presence of a historic structure. The cube-shaped IBM Hawaii building has been around since 1962 and, while no longer serving as IBM’s Hawaii HQ, remains an iconic and well-loved landmark in Ward Village.

FIND KAKA’AKO CONDOS FOR SALE WITH TANIGUCHI & ASSOCIATES

Taniguchi & Associates ranks among the Top 10 Realtors on Oahu island. We specialize in helping luxury sellers, buyers, and investors meet their real estate needs with our global network, tech-forward marketing schemes, and seamless transaction management. Led by seasoned Realtor Erik Taniguchi, our team consists of licensed real estate agents who are ready to give you the best real estate experience in Kaka’ako and the rest of Oahu the moment you choose us as your guide.

Let’s discuss your search for the best condos for sale in Kaka’ako, Hawaii! Call us at 808.596.2888 or email us here to get started.