Launiu

Interior Finishes & Specifications

All Launiu residences include:

• 9-foot ceilings in primary living areas
• Oak wood engineered flooring
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with electric shades
• Central air conditioning
• Kitchens: Wolf cooktop/oven/microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Studio Becker custom cabinetry, quartzite stone countertops
• Bathrooms: Studio Becker cabinetry, quartz countertops, designer accent lighting, premium fixtures

Amenities: 78,310 Square Feet of Recreation

Launiu’s Level 7 amenity deck sits one floor above neighboring towers, providing elevated, unobstructed views of Diamond Head, Kewalo Harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. The recreation space—three times HCDA’s minimum requirement—includes:

Pools & Water Features

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Fitness lap pool
• Children’s tide pool
• Multiple spa tubs and hydrotherapy features

Social & Gathering Spaces

• Five named clubrooms (ʻEkahi, ʻElua, ʻEkolu, ʻEhā, ʻElima) for private events
• Commercial-grade catering kitchen
• Private dining room
• BBQ cabanas with ocean views
• Great lawn for gatherings
• Sunset deck and palm deck

Fitness & Wellness

• Fully-equipped fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment
• Movement studio for yoga, pilates, and stretching
• Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers

Building Services

• Five guest suites on Level 2—furnished studio apartments for visiting friends and family
• Covered porte-cochère entry with staffed front desk
• Dog run for pets
• Secured bicycle storage and surfboard storage
• Parcel and package storage
• On-site resident manager and security office

Reserved Housing Requirement

Under HCDA regulations, Ward Village developments must allocate 20% of residential floor area to reserved housing (workforce and affordable income categories). Launiu satisfies this requirement through reserved housing credits generated by Ulana, Ward Village’s dedicated affordable housing tower completed in November 2025.

Ulana contains 697 units—100% reserved housing—providing sufficient credits for multiple Ward Village projects including Launiu. This system allows Howard Hughes Corporation to concentrate affordable units in purpose-built towers rather than mixing them within luxury developments. All 486 Launiu units are market-rate residences.

HCDA approved this approach as consistent with the 2009 Ward Neighborhood Master Plan, which contemplated flexible reserved housing compliance mechanisms across the master-planned community.

Location: Ward Village’s Northwestern Gateway

Launiu occupies Land Block 5, Project 3 in Ward Village’s Pauahi Neighborhood, positioned at the northwest corner of Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard. This strategic location serves as the ʻEwa (western) gateway entrance to Ward Village’s 60-acre master plan.

Sister Tower to Kalae

Launiu sits immediately west of Kalae, another front-row tower currently under construction with similar 2028 completion timeline. While marketed as “sister towers,” the two buildings offer distinct experiences:

• Launiu: 486 units including studios; broader price range ($693K-$4.4M); Arquitectonica’s undulating mid-century coastal design; higher maintenance fees
• Kalae: 330 units with no studios; narrower pricing ($1.2M-$5.3M+); Solomon Cordwell Buenz’s contemporary restrained aesthetic; lower maintenance fees; four ground-level Mālie courtyards

Launiu’s elevated amenity deck sits one floor higher than Kalae’s, providing slightly better views from shared amenity spaces.

Neighborhood Context

Immediate neighbors:

• East: Kalae (38 stories, 330 units, under construction)
• Southeast: Ke Kilohana (completed 2019)
• South: Victoria Place (completed November 2024, 350 units)
• North: Ala Moana Boulevard; Kewalo Basin Harbor beyond

Walking distances:

• Ala Moana Beach Park: 0.6 miles (12-minute walk)
• Kewalo Basin Harbor: 0.2 miles (4-minute walk)
• Whole Foods Market (Ala Moana Center): 0.7 miles
• Ward Village retail/dining: Ground floor and throughout community
• Future rail station (Ala Moana Center): 0.8 miles

Launiu’s Ala Moana Boulevard frontage provides direct access to Honolulu’s primary coastal corridor, with unobstructed ocean views across the roadway.

Ward Village Master Plan: One of the Final Towers

Launiu represents a significant milestone in Ward Village’s 60-acre transformation from industrial land to Hawaiʻi’s largest master-planned community. When complete, Ward Village will comprise 14 residential towers containing approximately 5,800-6,000 homes.

Current Buildout Status

• Completed (9 towers): Waiea, Anaha, Aeʻo, Ke Kilohana, ʻAʻaliʻi, Kōʻula, Victoria Place, Ulana, and The Park Ward Village (opened June 2026)
• Under construction (2 towers): Kalae and Launiu, both targeting 2028
• Selling pre-construction (2 towers): ʻIlima and Melia
• Now Selling: Mahana (14th and final tower); current pricing on request

ʻIlima and Melia will replace the existing Ward Centre shopping complex (demolition expected July 2026). ʻIlima, developed in partnership with Discovery Land Company and designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, reportedly achieved a record $40+ million penthouse sale—the highest-priced condominium transaction in Hawaiʻi history.

Mahana, the 14th and final tower, will occupy the mauka (mountain-side) gateway near the future Ala Moana Center rail station.

Why “Last Front-Row” Matters

A handful of Ward Village towers occupy true “front-row” positions along Ala Moana Boulevard — led by Waiea (2016) and Victoria Place (2024) among completed buildings, with Kalae and Launiu (both under construction) next. Behind them, only the now-selling ʻIlima and Melia parcels remain — once those sell through, no additional front-row oceanfront opportunities will exist within Ward Village.

This scarcity drives demand. Waiea penthouses have traded at $20+ million, and resale values across front-row towers consistently outperform mauka towers.

Construction Timeline & Sales Performance

Launiu’s development timeline demonstrates strong buyer confidence and streamlined regulatory approval:

• March 9, 2023: HCDA permit application submitted
• June 7, 2023: HCDA approval granted (Permit KAK 23-001) with no intervention requests—a smooth public hearing process
• February 2024: Pre-sales launch; VIP client selections begin February 7
• June 30, 2025: 324 of 486 units (67%) under contract before groundbreaking
• October 22, 2025: Official groundbreaking with Swinerton Construction
• Q3 2025: Approximately 68% of units contracted (Howard Hughes Q3 earnings report)
• 2028: Expected completion and resident move-in

The 67-68% pre-sales rate before groundbreaking significantly exceeds industry standards and mirrors the strong performance of Kalae (93% pre-sold by Q3 2025). Sales are handled exclusively through ONE Pacific Realty.

What to Expect During Construction

Details on construction milestones have not yet been publicly released by the developer. Based on similar Ward Village projects, buyers can typically expect:

• 2025-2026: Foundation and podium construction
• 2026-2027: Tower vertical construction (approximately one floor per week)
• 2027-2028: Exterior completion, interior finishes, amenity deck buildout
• Mid-2028: Certificate of Occupancy and first resident move-ins

Howard Hughes Corporation has not announced construction webcams for Launiu, but progress is visible from Ala Moana Boulevard and neighboring towers.

Regulatory Approvals & Modifications

Launiu required two modifications to standard HCDA rules, both approved at the June 7, 2023 Decision-Making Hearing:

1. Platform Height Increase: From 45 feet to 65 feet, accommodating parking levels and ground-floor commercial activation
2. View Corridor Setback Relief: Modified 1:1 setback requirement for 69% of Ala Moana Boulevard frontage to maximize development efficiency

Both modifications were originally contemplated in the 2009 Ward Neighborhood Master Plan. The State Historic Preservation Division confirmed compliance with HRS Section 6E-42 in a November 10, 2022 letter. No intervention requests were filed during the public comment period.

The streamlined approval reflects Ward Village’s established precedent and the project’s consistency with Kakaʻako’s urban transformation vision.

Launiu vs. Kalae: Which Sister Tower Is Right for You?

Prospective buyers evaluating these adjacent front-row towers should consider:

Choose Launiu If:

• You want entry-level pricing at Ward Village (studios from $693K)
• You prefer Arquitectonica’s mid-century coastal aesthetic with undulating façade
• You value the elevated amenity deck (one floor higher than Kalae)
• You want more resident density and social activity (486 units vs. 330)
• Studio or compact one-bedroom layouts fit your lifestyle

Choose Kalae If:

• You want lower monthly maintenance costs (~$7,000/year less for comparable unit)
• You prefer a more intimate building with fewer residents
• You value ground-level courtyards (four Mālie garden spaces)
• You want no studios in the building (minimum one-bedroom)
• Solomon Cordwell Buenz’s restrained contemporary style appeals more
• You prefer Kalae’s more limited availability over Launiu’s broader availability

Both towers share exceptional front-row locations, 2028 completion timelines, and resort-caliber amenities. The choice ultimately depends on budget, aesthetic preference, and lifestyle priorities.

Pros & Cons of Launiu at Ward Village

Advantages

• Front-row oceanfront positioning — one of Ward Village’s final four true oceanfront towers
• International design pedigree — Arquitectonica’s first Hawaiʻi residential project brings global expertise
• Broadest price range in Ward Village — studios to three-bedrooms ($693K-$4.4M)
• Elevated amenity deck — positioned higher than neighboring towers for superior views
• Extensive recreation space — 78,310 sq ft (3x minimum requirement)
• Strong pre-sales — 67% contracted before groundbreaking demonstrates market confidence
• Prime gateway location — northwestern entrance to Ward Village with Ala Moana Boulevard frontage
• Completion timing — 2028 delivery allows buyers to lock current pricing while other Kakaʻako projects escalate
• Ground-floor retail — 21,726 sq ft of commercial space enhances walkability

Considerations

• Highest maintenance fees in Ward Village — $1.88/sq ft vs. $1.31/sq ft at Kalae (~$7,000+/year difference for 2BR)
• Construction risk — 2028 completion not guaranteed; delays possible (though Howard Hughes has strong delivery track record)
• High resident density — 486 units may feel less intimate than smaller towers like Kalae (330) or Waiea (171)
• Limited parking ratio — 759 stalls for 486 units (~1.56 stalls/unit) may be tight for multi-car households
• Ala Moana Boulevard traffic noise — front-row location means proximity to busy arterial road
• Earlier-stage project than Kalae — fewer details released on finishes, construction progress
• No resale history — impossible to predict value appreciation vs. established towers
• Studio/one-bedroom dominance — 278 of 486 units (57%) are studios or one-bedrooms; may affect building demographics

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Launiu at Ward Village be completed?

Expected completion is 2028, approximately three years after the October 22, 2025 groundbreaking. Specific move-in dates have not been announced by the developer.

How many units are still available at Launiu?

As of June 30, 2026, 75% of units were under contract, implying approximately 25% were not under contract at that reporting date. Current availability may differ; contact ONE Pacific Realty for current inventory and pricing.

What are Launiu’s monthly maintenance fees?

Projected at approximately $1.88 per square foot—the highest in Ward Village. A 1,000 sq ft one-bedroom would incur roughly $1,880/month in maintenance fees. This covers building operations, extensive amenities (78,310 sq ft of recreation space), insurance, and reserves.

Can I rent out my Launiu unit?

Specific rental policies have not been publicly released. Most Ward Village towers allow rentals with minimum rental period restrictions (typically 30-90 days) to prevent short-term vacation rentals. Buyers should review the Condominium Declaration and House Rules before purchasing.

Does Launiu include affordable housing units?

No. All 486 Launiu units are market-rate residences. The project satisfies HCDA’s 20% reserved housing requirement through credits generated by Ulana, Ward Village’s dedicated affordable housing tower (697 units, completed November 2025).

Who designed Launiu?

Architecture by Arquitectonica (Miami, Florida), interior design by ODADA (San Francisco), and landscape architecture by VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture (San Rafael, California). This marks Arquitectonica’s first residential project in Hawaiʻi.

What is the difference between Launiu and Kalae?

Launiu has 486 units including studios with pricing from $693K-$4.4M and $1.88/sq ft maintenance fees. Kalae has 330 units with no studios, pricing from $1.2M-$5.3M+, and $1.31/sq ft maintenance fees. Different architects (Arquitectonica vs. Solomon Cordwell Buenz) create distinct aesthetics. Both are front-row oceanfront towers with 2028 completion.

Is Launiu pet-friendly?

Yes. The building includes a dedicated dog run on the amenity deck. Specific pet policies (size/breed restrictions, number of pets allowed) have not been publicly released—buyers should confirm details with the developer.

How much parking comes with each unit?

Parking allocation varies by unit type and has not been detailed publicly. The building contains 759 total stalls for 486 units (approximately 1.56 stalls per unit average). Larger units typically include 2 assigned stalls; studios and one-bedrooms typically include 1 stall.

Launiu at Ward Village is a 40-story, 486-unit luxury condominium tower currently under construction at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue in Kakaʻako. Groundbreaking occurred October 22, 2025, with expected completion in 2028. Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica—their first Hawaiʻi residential project—Launiu represents one of Ward Village’s final front-row oceanfront developments. Pricing spans from $693,000 for studios to $4.4 million for three-bedroom residences, with 75% of units under contract as of June 30, 2026.

What Makes Launiu Ward Village Special?

Launiu stands apart as the 11th residential tower in Howard Hughes Corporation’s Ward Village master plan and one of the last remaining front-row oceanfront sites. The name “Launiu” translates to “coconut leaf” in Hawaiian, honoring the historic coconut groves of the Ward family estate that once occupied this land.

The tower’s distinguishing features include:

• Arquitectonica’s architectural debut in Hawaiʻi — bringing international design expertise to Kakaʻako’s skyline
• 486 total residences — the broadest unit mix in Ward Village, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes
• Elevated amenity deck — positioned one floor above neighboring towers Kalae and Alia for unobstructed Diamond Head and ocean views
• Strong pre-sales performance — 67% contracted before groundbreaking, demonstrating buyer confidence
• Prime gateway location — the northwestern entrance to Ward Village along Ala Moana Boulevard

Building Specifications & Architecture

Launiu rises 40 stories on a 2.1-acre parcel at 928 Ala Moana Boulevard, containing 396 tower units (floors 8-40) and 90 podium-level residences (floors 2-7). The total building comprises 667,825 square feet, including 21,726 square feet of ground-floor commercial space for retail and restaurant tenants.

Unit Mix Breakdown

• 141 studios (458-498 sq ft) — entry-level ownership at Ward Village
• 137 one-bedroom units (758-850 sq ft)
• 143 two-bedroom units (1,132-1,557 sq ft)
• 65 three-bedroom units (1,677-1,800 sq ft)

The building includes 759 parking stalls across six levels and provides 78,310 square feet of recreation space—triple the minimum required by the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority (HCDA).

Design Vision by Arquitectonica

Founding Principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia describes the design approach: “The natural beauty of Oʻahu served as our primary design inspiration for The Launiu. With the neutral-toned façade and soft rippling exterior created by balconies, we sought to pay homage to the surrounding environment through an interpretative, elemental design that conveys movement, emulating the effects of water, wind or markings in the sand.”

The architecture features an undulating façade created by wave-like balcony articulation, with white-painted aluminum fins on the tower and sand-colored aluminum accents on the podium. The slender linear tower orients toward Diamond Head, maximizing view corridors. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout capture natural light, while Diamond Head-facing two- and three-bedroom units feature full lanais. Sunset-facing residences include Juliet balconies.

San Francisco-based ODADA designed the interiors, and VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture (which also designed Kalae and Victoria Place landscapes) crafted the outdoor spaces.

Launiu Pricing & Monthly Costs

As of late 2025, Launiu’s pricing reflects its position as a luxury front-row development. Based on current MLS listings:

Unit Type	Price Range	Approx. Sq Ft	Est. Monthly HOA
Studio	$693,190 – $741,000	458 – 498	$550 – $625
1 Bedroom	$986,740 – $1,185,000	758 – 850	$950 – $1,070
2 Bedroom	$1,714,950 – $3,154,000	1,132 – 1,557	$1,425 – $1,955
3 Bedroom	$3,331,020 – $4,400,000	1,677 – $1,800	$2,100 – $2,617

Maintenance fees are projected at approximately $1.88 per square foot—among the highest in Ward Village. For comparison, sister tower Kalae’s fees are $1.31 per square foot. This approximately 43% difference translates to roughly $7,000+ more annually for a comparable two-bedroom unit. The higher fees reflect Launiu’s extensive amenity package (78,310 sq ft of recreation space) and newer building systems.

Interior Finishes & Specifications

All Launiu residences include:

• 9-foot ceilings in primary living areas
• Oak wood engineered flooring
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with electric shades
• Central air conditioning
• Kitchens: Wolf cooktop/oven/microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Studio Becker custom cabinetry, quartzite stone countertops
• Bathrooms: Studio Becker cabinetry, quartz countertops, designer accent lighting, premium fixtures

Amenities: 78,310 Square Feet of Recreation

Launiu’s Level 7 amenity deck sits one floor above neighboring towers, providing elevated, unobstructed views of Diamond Head, Kewalo Harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. The recreation space—three times HCDA’s minimum requirement—includes:

Pools & Water Features

• Resort-style swimming pool
• Fitness lap pool
• Children’s tide pool
• Multiple spa tubs and hydrotherapy features

Social & Gathering Spaces

• Five named clubrooms (ʻEkahi, ʻElua, ʻEkolu, ʻEhā, ʻElima) for private events
• Commercial-grade catering kitchen
• Private dining room
• BBQ cabanas with ocean views
• Great lawn for gatherings
• Sunset deck and palm deck

Fitness & Wellness

• Fully-equipped fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment
• Movement studio for yoga, pilates, and stretching
• Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers

Building Services

• Five guest suites on Level 2—furnished studio apartments for visiting friends and family
• Covered porte-cochère entry with staffed front desk
• Dog run for pets
• Secured bicycle storage and surfboard storage
• Parcel and package storage
• On-site resident manager and security office

Reserved Housing Requirement

Under HCDA regulations, Ward Village developments must allocate 20% of residential floor area to reserved housing (workforce and affordable income categories). Launiu satisfies this requirement through reserved housing credits generated by Ulana, Ward Village’s dedicated affordable housing tower completed in November 2025.

Ulana contains 697 units—100% reserved housing—providing sufficient credits for multiple Ward Village projects including Launiu. This system allows Howard Hughes Corporation to concentrate affordable units in purpose-built towers rather than mixing them within luxury developments. All 486 Launiu units are market-rate residences.

HCDA approved this approach as consistent with the 2009 Ward Neighborhood Master Plan, which contemplated flexible reserved housing compliance mechanisms across the master-planned community.

Location: Ward Village’s Northwestern Gateway

Launiu occupies Land Block 5, Project 3 in Ward Village’s Pauahi Neighborhood, positioned at the northwest corner of Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard. This strategic location serves as the ʻEwa (western) gateway entrance to Ward Village’s 60-acre master plan.

Sister Tower to Kalae

Launiu sits immediately west of Kalae, another front-row tower currently under construction with similar 2028 completion timeline. While marketed as “sister towers,” the two buildings offer distinct experiences:

• Launiu: 486 units including studios; broader price range ($693K-$4.4M); Arquitectonica’s undulating mid-century coastal design; higher maintenance fees
• Kalae: 330 units with no studios; narrower pricing ($1.2M-$5.3M+); Solomon Cordwell Buenz’s contemporary restrained aesthetic; lower maintenance fees; four ground-level Mālie courtyards

Launiu’s elevated amenity deck sits one floor higher than Kalae’s, providing slightly better views from shared amenity spaces.

Neighborhood Context

Immediate neighbors:

• East: Kalae (38 stories, 330 units, under construction)
• Southeast: Ke Kilohana (completed 2019)
• South: Victoria Place (completed November 2024, 350 units)
• North: Ala Moana Boulevard; Kewalo Basin Harbor beyond

Walking distances:

• Ala Moana Beach Park: 0.6 miles (12-minute walk)
• Kewalo Basin Harbor: 0.2 miles (4-minute walk)
• Whole Foods Market (Ala Moana Center): 0.7 miles
• Ward Village retail/dining: Ground floor and throughout community
• Future rail station (Ala Moana Center): 0.8 miles

Launiu’s Ala Moana Boulevard frontage provides direct access to Honolulu’s primary coastal corridor, with unobstructed ocean views across the roadway.

Ward Village Master Plan: One of the Final Towers

Launiu represents a significant milestone in Ward Village’s 60-acre transformation from industrial land to Hawaiʻi’s largest master-planned community. When complete, Ward Village will comprise 14 residential towers containing approximately 5,800-6,000 homes.

Current Buildout Status

• Completed (9 towers): Waiea, Anaha, Aeʻo, Ke Kilohana, ʻAʻaliʻi, Kōʻula, Victoria Place, Ulana, and The Park Ward Village (opened June 2026)
• Under construction (2 towers): Kalae and Launiu, both targeting 2028
• Selling pre-construction (2 towers): ʻIlima and Melia
• Now Selling: Mahana (14th and final tower); current pricing on request

ʻIlima and Melia will replace the existing Ward Centre shopping complex (demolition expected July 2026). ʻIlima, developed in partnership with Discovery Land Company and designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, reportedly achieved a record $40+ million penthouse sale—the highest-priced condominium transaction in Hawaiʻi history.

Mahana, the 14th and final tower, will occupy the mauka (mountain-side) gateway near the future Ala Moana Center rail station.

Why “Last Front-Row” Matters

A handful of Ward Village towers occupy true “front-row” positions along Ala Moana Boulevard — led by Waiea (2016) and Victoria Place (2024) among completed buildings, with Kalae and Launiu (both under construction) next. Behind them, only the now-selling ʻIlima and Melia parcels remain — once those sell through, no additional front-row oceanfront opportunities will exist within Ward Village.

This scarcity drives demand. Waiea penthouses have traded at $20+ million, and resale values across front-row towers consistently outperform mauka towers.

Construction Timeline & Sales Performance

Launiu’s development timeline demonstrates strong buyer confidence and streamlined regulatory approval:

• March 9, 2023: HCDA permit application submitted
• June 7, 2023: HCDA approval granted (Permit KAK 23-001) with no intervention requests—a smooth public hearing process
• February 2024: Pre-sales launch; VIP client selections begin February 7
• June 30, 2025: 324 of 486 units (67%) under contract before groundbreaking
• October 22, 2025: Official groundbreaking with Swinerton Construction
• Q3 2025: Approximately 68% of units contracted (Howard Hughes Q3 earnings report)
• 2028: Expected completion and resident move-in

The 67-68% pre-sales rate before groundbreaking significantly exceeds industry standards and mirrors the strong performance of Kalae (93% pre-sold by Q3 2025). Sales are handled exclusively through ONE Pacific Realty.

What to Expect During Construction

Details on construction milestones have not yet been publicly released by the developer. Based on similar Ward Village projects, buyers can typically expect:

• 2025-2026: Foundation and podium construction
• 2026-2027: Tower vertical construction (approximately one floor per week)
• 2027-2028: Exterior completion, interior finishes, amenity deck buildout
• Mid-2028: Certificate of Occupancy and first resident move-ins

Howard Hughes Corporation has not announced construction webcams for Launiu, but progress is visible from Ala Moana Boulevard and neighboring towers.

Regulatory Approvals & Modifications

Launiu required two modifications to standard HCDA rules, both approved at the June 7, 2023 Decision-Making Hearing:

1. Platform Height Increase: From 45 feet to 65 feet, accommodating parking levels and ground-floor commercial activation
2. View Corridor Setback Relief: Modified 1:1 setback requirement for 69% of Ala Moana Boulevard frontage to maximize development efficiency

Both modifications were originally contemplated in the 2009 Ward Neighborhood Master Plan. The State Historic Preservation Division confirmed compliance with HRS Section 6E-42 in a November 10, 2022 letter. No intervention requests were filed during the public comment period.

The streamlined approval reflects Ward Village’s established precedent and the project’s consistency with Kakaʻako’s urban transformation vision.

Launiu vs. Kalae: Which Sister Tower Is Right for You?

Prospective buyers evaluating these adjacent front-row towers should consider:

Choose Launiu If:

• You want entry-level pricing at Ward Village (studios from $693K)
• You prefer Arquitectonica’s mid-century coastal aesthetic with undulating façade
• You value the elevated amenity deck (one floor higher than Kalae)
• You want more resident density and social activity (486 units vs. 330)
• Studio or compact one-bedroom layouts fit your lifestyle

Choose Kalae If:

• You want lower monthly maintenance costs (~$7,000/year less for comparable unit)
• You prefer a more intimate building with fewer residents
• You value ground-level courtyards (four Mālie garden spaces)
• You want no studios in the building (minimum one-bedroom)
• Solomon Cordwell Buenz’s restrained contemporary style appeals more
• You prefer Kalae’s more limited availability over Launiu’s broader availability

Both towers share exceptional front-row locations, 2028 completion timelines, and resort-caliber amenities. The choice ultimately depends on budget, aesthetic preference, and lifestyle priorities.

Pros & Cons of Launiu at Ward Village

Advantages

• Front-row oceanfront positioning — one of Ward Village’s final four true oceanfront towers
• International design pedigree — Arquitectonica’s first Hawaiʻi residential project brings global expertise
• Broadest price range in Ward Village — studios to three-bedrooms ($693K-$4.4M)
• Elevated amenity deck — positioned higher than neighboring towers for superior views
• Extensive recreation space — 78,310 sq ft (3x minimum requirement)
• Strong pre-sales — 67% contracted before groundbreaking demonstrates market confidence
• Prime gateway location — northwestern entrance to Ward Village with Ala Moana Boulevard frontage
• Completion timing — 2028 delivery allows buyers to lock current pricing while other Kakaʻako projects escalate
• Ground-floor retail — 21,726 sq ft of commercial space enhances walkability

Considerations

• Highest maintenance fees in Ward Village — $1.88/sq ft vs. $1.31/sq ft at Kalae (~$7,000+/year difference for 2BR)
• Construction risk — 2028 completion not guaranteed; delays possible (though Howard Hughes has strong delivery track record)
• High resident density — 486 units may feel less intimate than smaller towers like Kalae (330) or Waiea (171)
• Limited parking ratio — 759 stalls for 486 units (~1.56 stalls/unit) may be tight for multi-car households
• Ala Moana Boulevard traffic noise — front-row location means proximity to busy arterial road
• Earlier-stage project than Kalae — fewer details released on finishes, construction progress
• No resale history — impossible to predict value appreciation vs. established towers
• Studio/one-bedroom dominance — 278 of 486 units (57%) are studios or one-bedrooms; may affect building demographics

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Launiu at Ward Village be completed?

Expected completion is 2028, approximately three years after the October 22, 2025 groundbreaking. Specific move-in dates have not been announced by the developer.

How many units are still available at Launiu?

As of June 30, 2026, 75% of units were under contract, implying approximately 25% were not under contract at that reporting date. Current availability may differ; contact ONE Pacific Realty for current inventory and pricing.

What are Launiu’s monthly maintenance fees?

Projected at approximately $1.88 per square foot—the highest in Ward Village. A 1,000 sq ft one-bedroom would incur roughly $1,880/month in maintenance fees. This covers building operations, extensive amenities (78,310 sq ft of recreation space), insurance, and reserves.

Can I rent out my Launiu unit?

Specific rental policies have not been publicly released. Most Ward Village towers allow rentals with minimum rental period restrictions (typically 30-90 days) to prevent short-term vacation rentals. Buyers should review the Condominium Declaration and House Rules before purchasing.

Does Launiu include affordable housing units?

No. All 486 Launiu units are market-rate residences. The project satisfies HCDA’s 20% reserved housing requirement through credits generated by Ulana, Ward Village’s dedicated affordable housing tower (697 units, completed November 2025).

Who designed Launiu?

Architecture by Arquitectonica (Miami, Florida), interior design by ODADA (San Francisco), and landscape architecture by VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture (San Rafael, California). This marks Arquitectonica’s first residential project in Hawaiʻi.

What is the difference between Launiu and Kalae?

Launiu has 486 units including studios with pricing from $693K-$4.4M and $1.88/sq ft maintenance fees. Kalae has 330 units with no studios, pricing from $1.2M-$5.3M+, and $1.31/sq ft maintenance fees. Different architects (Arquitectonica vs. Solomon Cordwell Buenz) create distinct aesthetics. Both are front-row oceanfront towers with 2028 completion.

Is Launiu pet-friendly?

Yes. The building includes a dedicated dog run on the amenity deck. Specific pet policies (size/breed restrictions, number of pets allowed) have not been publicly released—buyers should confirm details with the developer.

How much parking comes with each unit?

Parking allocation varies by unit type and has not been detailed publicly. The building contains 759 total stalls for 486 units (approximately 1.56 stalls per unit average). Larger units typically include 2 assigned stalls; studios and one-bedrooms typically include 1 stall.