Hawaii’s Luxury Condos

Seventeenth in a series

Among the many unique features of Liliuokalani Gardens are the 16 multi-level penthouses topping the two towers, one of which has recently been placed on the market by Kahala Associates. Additionally, the elegant structural design of the twin 25-story towers combined with a park-like setting make Liliuokalani Gardens a stand-out among Waikiki condominium residences.

Completed in 1984 on a 2.75-acre site fronting Ala Wai Boulevard, the award-winning project was developed by Hasegawa Komuten for the landowner, Liliuokalani Trust.

Architects Hawaii incorporated both historical elements and motifs from the surrounding natural environment into the overall design and structural detailing.

The Waikiki home of Queen Liliuokalani and her husband John Dominis was situated on the site from the mid to late 1800s, then surrounded by duck ponds and taro patches. The property today is lushly landscaped and includes numerous varieties of flowering plants and trees, one a 120 year old banyan, and a meandering stream and koi pond. Seventy percent of the property, which includes the King and Queen Towers and a parking structure, has been left in open space. Located in the interior park and courtyard are picnic and lounge areas, a pavilion with kitchen facilities that residents can reserve for private functions, a 30 by 60 foot swimming pool, and spa. Two tennis courts with wind barriers are located on top of the parking structure which has 390 parking spaces, 12 available for guests, and secured bicycle and surf-board storage.

Kahala Associates Realtor Dawn Soderquist Okana is offering a penthouse in the King Tower at $888,000 fee simple. Her client, the current owner, is an interior designer who acquired the unit last August and has recently completed a year-long remodeling project. “She completely renovated all three levels, including removing a dividing wall to enlarge the kitchen and main living/dining area. The entire interior was dry-walled and repainted. Finishes include new tigerwood floors throughout except for the bathrooms, which were tiled.

Marble countertops, new cabinets, new stainless steel kitchen appliances, and lighting fixtures were added.

“You enter the apartment on the first level where the living room, dining area, and kitchen are located, as well as a half bath, pantry / storage area, and washer/dryer. On the second level are a large master bedroom/bath suite and a second bedroom and bath. A new staircase, completely redesigned and rebuilt by my client, takes you through both levels to the roof deck.

“The apartment has an open spacious feel with high ceilings and large windows, which are operable sliders. When you open the door to the roof deck the breeze cools the entire apartment. And, of course, there are views from all levels…a panorama of Waikiki, the ocean, and a dramatic, full profile view of Diamond Head.”

Soderquist Okano is showing Liliuokalani Penthouse 15 by appointment.