Like the Kaka’ako Lifestyle

“Kaka‘ako is the ‘it’ place to live in Honolulu,” says Locations partner and realtor Sherrie Kuroda, who has lived in the vibrant, bustling neighborhood since 2014.

With an array of condo towers that span the price spectrum, convenient location and enviable lifestyle, demand for Kaka‘ako homes is sky high. At the same time, with just about two months of remaining inventory, the supply of resale condos in Kaka‘ako is at an all-time low. As a result, prices in the area are increasing — and even accelerating.

Living the good life

There’s a lot to love about living in Kaka‘ako. A master-planned community with sprawling greenspaces, careful preservation of view planes and stunning, modern condo towers chock full of amazing amenities, Kaka‘ako is ideally situated across from Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Center. So, whether you’re looking for some R&R or retail therapy, you’ll find it just minutes from home.

“I love living in Kaka‘ako,” says Kuroda. “I can be anywhere in about 10 minutes, and so it’s nice to have a pool, a movie theater, a gym and tennis courts right downstairs. It’s a really great, worry-free lifestyle.”

She also finds that when you live in Kaka‘ako, traveling is a breeze, too.

“I can just lock and go. I hop on H-1, and I’m at the airport in minutes.”

Who’s buying in Kakaako?

A majority of Kaka‘ako condo homebuyers — about 75% — were from Hawai‘i in 2021. Buyers from the U.S. continent and abroad accounted for only one-quarter of resale condo purchases in Kaka‘ako last year, and most of those purchases were in the $2 million range or higher.

“There’s a perception that Kaka‘ako is for the super-rich or out-of-towners, but there are affordable units for locals,” Kuroda says, noting that she has helped everyone from luxury buyers and local real estate investors to empty-nesters and even small families to become Kaka‘ako homeowners. “There truly is something for almost everyone in Kaka‘ako — if you know where to look.”

Thinking of making Kaka‘ako home?

Kuroda acknowledges that maintenance fees can give some would-be Kaka‘ako buyers pause. However, she notes that these fees cover basics like sewer, water, cable TV and internet, as well as amenities like a gym, pool, barbecue area, security and more.

“If you own a single-family home, you’re responsible for maintaining it,” she says. “A monthly maintenance fee ensures that a building will be properly cared for, just like you would a home.”

For those who qualify, reserved affordable housing projects like Ililani and Ulana Ward Village are an incredible opportunity to purchase a condo in Kaka‘ako for less than market value. A handful of units remain in Ililani, a 42-story tower with a mix of 328 affordable and market-rate homes. Applications for Ulana, the newest reserved housing project from developer Howard Hughes, are also available. Ulana features 700 studios and one-, twoand three-bedroom units, along with a park, keiki play structure, work space, fitness center and more.

Kuroda’s final piece of advice for buyers: Don’t wait for the market to “go down,” especially if you plan to live in your home.

“We live in a beautiful place with limited land — demand will always be strong, particularly for a well-planned, conveniently located and desirable neighborhood like Kaka‘ako.

Partner with an agent who’s familiar with the area, and don’t get discouraged if your first offer isn’t accepted. Stay focused — owning your own piece of paradise could be the best investment you ever make.”

For more information about Kaka‘ako, listen to this month’s episode of the O‘ahu Real Estate Report podcast from Locations and Hawai‘i News Now, available wherever you get your podcasts.

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