Kahuina Kakaʻako

Kahuina offers 861 residential units across two towers in the heart of Kakaʻako, with 517 HHFDC affordable units starting at $598,888 and 344 market-rate residences. Developed by Stanford Carr Development on Kamehameha Schools land, Kahuina is the largest workforce housing opportunity in Kakaʻako—60% of units are reserved for Hawaiʻi residents earning up to 140% of the area median income. Sales are underway with groundbreaking anticipated in 2026 and completion expected by 2028.

Kahuina Kakaʻako Quick Facts

• Location: Block C, Our Kakaʻako (bounded by Cooke, Auahi, Coral & Pohukaina Streets)
• Developer: Stanford Carr Development / Kamehameha Schools
• Home Types: 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos + live/work lofts
• Total Units: 861 (517 HHFDC + 344 market-rate)
• HHFDC Price Range: $598,888–$839,900+
• Bedrooms: 1–3 bedrooms
• Bathrooms: 1–3 bathrooms
• Square Feet: 507–1,337 sq ft
• Towers: Lamakū (43 stories) & Māmalu (32 stories)
• Commercial Space: 35,000 sq ft retail
• Status: Now Selling (HHFDC sales launched January 2026)
• Estimated Completion: 2028

What Is Kahuina at Our Kakaʻako?

Kahuina—Hawaiian for “crossroads” or “intersection”—is the newest residential development within the Our Kakaʻako master plan. Located on just over three acres in Block C of the Kaiāulu ʻo Kakaʻako Master Plan (KKMP), the project sits directly adjacent to the popular SALT at Our Kakaʻako shopping and dining center, making it one of the most walkable new construction locations on Oʻahu.

What sets Kahuina apart from other Kakaʻako developments is its commitment to workforce housing. A full 60% of its residential inventory—517 units—are reserved through the HHFDC (Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation) affordable housing program. To put that in perspective, Ward Village developments typically allocate around 20% of units as affordable. Kahuina triples that ratio, creating the single largest affordable homeownership opportunity in Kakaʻako’s modern history.

The development is a joint venture between Kamehameha Schools, which owns the land, and Stanford Carr Development, one of Hawaiʻi’s most experienced builders of workforce housing. Stanford Carr previously delivered Keauhou Place—another Our Kakaʻako project—and has built a strong reputation for quality construction at accessible price points. That track record matters when you’re committing to a pre-construction purchase.

Kahuina comprises two residential towers and a 9-story parking structure, all rising above 35,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space that will bring new restaurants, shops, and services to the neighborhood. The design philosophy honors Hawaiian heritage while creating a modern, connected community—the towers are named Lamakū (“guiding light”) and Māmalu (“honor”), reflecting the cultural values embedded in the project.

Lamakū and Māmalu Towers at Kahuina

Lamakū Tower (43 Stories)

Lamakū is the taller of the two towers, rising 43 stories above Kakaʻako. It features an all-glass exterior designed to maximize natural light and views—you’ll get sweeping mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean) perspectives from the upper floors. Lamakū houses both HHFDC and market-rate units with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom configurations, including penthouse three-bedroom residences with sky lānai. Access is through a private residential lobby on Auahi Street, with direct connections to the parking structure and the shared 10th-floor amenity terrace.

Māmalu Tower (32 Stories)

Māmalu stands 32 stories tall and is where most of the HHFDC affordable units are concentrated. Named after Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, the tower emphasizes sustainable materials and energy-efficient design. Residents enter through a private lobby on Cooke Street and enjoy views over the neighborhood, including Mother Waldron Park. Like Lamakū, Māmalu connects directly to parking and the 10th-floor amenity deck.

Kahuina Kakaʻako Floor Plans & Pricing

HHFDC Affordable Units (517 Units)

HHFDC pricing at Kahuina is set by the state based on area median income rather than market conditions. Current published pricing:

• 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath: 507–620 sq ft — starting at $598,888
• 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath: 707–711 sq ft — starting at $692,800
• 3 Bedroom / 2–3 Bath: 1,075–1,337 sq ft — starting at $839,900

Prices vary by floor plan, square footage, and floor level. There are 16+ distinct floor plan configurations across both towers for HHFDC units, ranging from compact 507 sq ft one-bedrooms to spacious 1,337 sq ft three-bedrooms. These prices represent significant value compared to market-rate Kakaʻako condos, where comparable new construction typically starts above $800,000 for a one-bedroom.

Market-Rate Units (344 Units)

Market-rate pricing for Kahuina has not been officially published as of February 2026. Based on comparable Kakaʻako new construction and the development’s premium location adjacent to SALT, expect market units to be priced significantly above HHFDC levels. We’ll update this section as pricing is released.

How to Qualify for Kahuina HHFDC Affordable Housing

Kahuina’s initial HHFDC offering was conducted through a formal application period, with a public lottery held in January 2026. Remaining or returned units, when available, are offered to qualified applicants through the developer — check mykahuina.com for current availability. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility.

Basic HHFDC Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• At least 18 years of age
• Hawaiʻi resident (must be domiciled in the state)
• First-time homebuyer or qualified resident
• Cannot own a majority interest in any other residential property
• Must physically reside in the unit for the regulated term
• Must qualify for a mortgage at the unit’s purchase price
• Household income must not exceed 140% of area median income (AMI)

Income limits change annually. For the most current AMI thresholds for Honolulu County, see our income limits guide. As a general reference, 140% AMI for a family of four in Honolulu County is approximately $215,600 per year under the 2026 HHFDC income limits (100% AMI = $154,000), which covers a broad range of working local families.

For a detailed walkthrough of the qualification process, including required documents and common pitfalls, visit our how to qualify for affordable housing guide.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Watch the Kahuina Affordable Housing Webinar on the official site to understand the program details.
2. Download the Information Packet and Application Packet from mykahuina.com, which includes all HHFDC requirements and supplemental forms.
3. Gather your financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements).
4. Get pre-qualified by a project-approved lender. Kahuina maintains a list of approved lenders on their website.
5. Create an account on the Kahuina portal and upload your completed application with all signed and notarized supplemental forms.
6. Email [email protected] confirming your documents have been submitted. This email serves as your timestamp.
7. Wait for HHFDC approval, then select your unit and sign your purchase contract.

DEP Program: Extra Help for Essential Workers

Kahuina also participates in the HHFDC Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund Equity Pilot Program (DEP), which provides additional equity assistance for workers in shortage professions: healthcare workers, educators, law enforcement, agricultural workers, EMTs, water safety officers, construction inspectors, correctional staff, and victim-witness counselors. DEP applicants follow the same HHFDC process but submit an additional affidavit. A limited number of designated DEP units (23 one-bedrooms and 4 two-bedrooms) are available at reduced prices thanks to an HHFDC equity contribution.

Kahuina vs. Ward Village Affordable Housing

The key difference: Kahuina’s 60% affordable designation means nearly three times as many units are accessible to local families compared to a typical Ward Village tower. And the first-come, first-served process means you don’t have to rely on lottery luck—preparation and speed matter more. For a deeper look at how Kakaʻako developments compare, visit our Kakaʻako new construction guide.

Location & Neighborhood

Kahuina sits at the intersection of Cooke, Auahi, Coral, and Pohukaina Streets—right next to SALT at Our Kakaʻako, one of Honolulu’s most popular open-air retail and dining destinations. Mother Waldron Park, a recently renovated green space, is steps away, providing outdoor recreation without leaving the block.

The location puts you within walking distance of downtown Honolulu (about 1 mile), Ala Moana Center (0.7 miles), and Ala Moana Beach Park. The planned Honolulu rail transit system will have a station nearby, further improving connectivity to West Oʻahu and Pearl Harbor. Daily commutes to major employment centers—downtown offices, the state capitol, and Queen’s Medical Center—are 5–15 minutes by car or bus.

The Kaiāulu ʻo Kakaʻako Master Plan envisions this area as a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with wide sidewalks, ground-floor retail, parks, and community gathering spaces. Kahuina’s 35,000 sq ft of commercial space on the ground floor will add to the neighborhood’s growing retail ecosystem.

Amenities at Kahuina

Kahuina offers a comprehensive amenity package shared between both towers, centered on the 10th-floor terrace that connects Lamakū and Māmalu:

• Pool & spa on the amenity terrace
• Fitness center with modern equipment
• BBQ & patio areas for outdoor entertaining
• Co-working spaces for remote workers
• Community kitchen for gatherings and events
• Lounge lānai with neighborhood views
• Resident living room for socializing
• Children’s play area
• Dog park
• Bicycle storage
• Level 3 EV charging stations in both towers

Timeline & What to Expect

• 2025: Owner-occupant presales began; market-rate sales started
• January 2026: HHFDC affordable unit sales launched (first-come, first-served)
• 2026: Groundbreaking anticipated
• 2028: Estimated completion and move-in

As a pre-construction purchase, buyers should plan for a 2+ year timeline between contract signing and closing. During this period, your deposit is held in escrow. Construction timelines can shift, so build flexibility into your housing plans.