A New Neighbor Joins the Kakaʻako Skyline
If you’ve driven past the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue lately, you’ve probably noticed things are starting to move. On Wednesday, October 22, Ward Village officially broke ground on its 11th residential tower: The Launiu Ward Village.
Developed by Howard Hughes Holdings, this 40-story luxury condo is set to bring a fresh look to the makai entry of the neighborhood. While the heavy machinery is just getting started, the interest is already sky-high—as of last June, about 67% of the units are already under contract.
Coastal Vibes and Mid-Century Style
The design for The Launiu isn’t just your standard glass box. Inspired by the historic coconut groves of the Ward family estate, the architects at Arquitectonica went for a "mid-century coastal" profile.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s coming:
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Residential Mix: A total of 486 homes ranging from cozy 440-square-foot studios to spacious 1,677-square-foot three-bedroom units.
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The Layout: Unlike some towers where the top floors are reserved for massive penthouses, The Launiu keeps the same layout all the way up.
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Podium Living: There are "podium residences" closer to the street level, perfect for those who want to be right above the action.
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The Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies are designed to soak in those Diamond Head and sunset views.
More Than Just Condos
What really makes Kakaʻako feel like a community—rather than just a cluster of towers—is the street-level experience. The Launiu is adding 20,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. We're talking local owner-operators, chef-driven spots, and plenty of covered outdoor seating to enjoy the breeze.
Plus, the project is bringing about 21,000 square feet of public green space and new pedestrian/bicycle paths. These paths will connect to Ka La‘i o Kukuluae‘o Park and the nearby Ulana Ward Village. Speaking of Ulana, that building is finishing up construction right now, with first-time homebuyers expected to move into those 700 workforce housing units by the end of this year.
The Big Picture for Hawai‘i
Beyond the architecture, a project this size has a real impact on our local economy. It’s expected to generate about 565 annual construction jobs and contribute roughly $42 million in state tax revenue. In a nice "giving back" moment during the groundbreaking, Ward Village and Swinerton also donated $40,000 to the Laukahi Network and the Downtown Arts Center.
With move-ins for The Launiu projected for 2028, we’ve got a few years of watching this beauty rise. It’s exciting to see the neighborhood continue to evolve while still keeping a focus on walkability and local business.
