The Launiu | New Honolulu Condo in Kakaako

Introducing The Launiu, a residential high-rise condominium that represents the next milesteone in Howard Hughes' commitment to redevelopment and revitalization of Kakaako through the illustrious Ward Village Master Plan. This New Honolulu Condo release will be the 4th of 6 "First Row" ultra luxury condos in Ward Village, preceded by Waiea, Victoria Place, and Kalae.  

The Neigborhood

The Launiu is located at the ‘Ewa-Mauka corner of Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard; completing the Ward Avenue gateway to the Ward Neighborhood Master Plan area and energizing the ‘Ewa end of the neighborhood with approximately 21,726 square feet of ground level commercial space and 78,310 square feet of recreational area. Check out our video below to see how Ward Village is taking shape in 2023 and how The Launiu fits into the master plan 

The Launiu’s ground-level landscaping will create an attractive and inviting public interface with the pedestrian-oriented streetscapes of Auahi Street and Ward Avenue; an area that's alive with street level activity created by new shops and restaurants and improved sidewalks and public spaces. The completion of the Waiea, Anaha, Ae‘o, Ke Kilohana, ‘A‘ali‘i, and Kō‘ula residential communities created vibrancy that is transforming Kaka‘ako into an active urban community and landmark destination of Honolulu. Energized by the new residents, the street level energy throughout Ward Village—from South Shore Market, to Whole Foods Market, to Victoria Ward Park, to Longs Drugs—has changed. 

The Vision

The Launiu will prominently welcome area residents, passersby, and visitors alike at the makai entry of Ward Village. Being uniquely situated at the turn of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue, the name appropriately evokes the serenity and history of place. Lush and sprawling coconut groves have long been the iconic image of serene Hawai‘i living. The coconut grove and swaying fronds that graced the estate of the Ward ‘ohana, provided shade as a respite from the sun, as well as practical needs of living and comforting rustling sounds caused by the cooling trade winds. 

The Launiu is designed to integrate within the fabric of Ward Village, maximize mauka-makai view corridors, create a pleasant, livable space, and enhance the pedestrian experience and circulation around the site and neighborhood.  The Launiu will frame and define the ‘Ewa gateway to Ward Village. Overlooking Kewalo Basin with panoramic views of Diamond Head, The Launiu’s elegant design contributes meaningfully to its shared skyline. The building draws inspiration from and maximizes mountain and ocean view corridors.

The building's design will feature high-quality materials including lava stone, opus incertum, cerused white oak and adze finished millwork throughout its upper-level homes. Dynamic and undulating lanai on the tower’s façade allow for deep furnishable outdoor spaces along the south, and orient views toward Diamond Head. The dynamic lanai dissolve into the sky like waves in the endless Pacific horizon.

Amenities

We'll see a total of approximately 78,310 square feet of recreation space, nearly three times the requirement of 26,730 square feet. Provided recreation space consists of approximately 64,090 square feet of outdoor recreation space and approximately 14,220 square feet of indoor recreation space. The recreation space will be provided on the ground level and the recreation deck above the parking area. We expect The Launiu amenities to resemble that of Anaha and Ko'ula with multiple pools, BBQ cabanas, fitness center, and spas. From what we can tell so far we'll see the outdoor amenities split into 2-parts on the 7th floor. 

• Ewa Side:  Kids pool, playground, sunset lanai, and multiple cabanas
• Diamond Head Side: A "raised pool," lap pool, jacuzzis, beach lawn, and Sunset Lanai on the Diamond Head side along Ward Avenue.
• Located at the center of the amenity deck is covered Pass Through Lounge for residents to traverse between both sides of the amenities, along with corridors to a number of the indoor amenities like the fitness center, group fitness studoio, hydrotherapy spas, massage room, (4) multi-purpose rooms, and a catering kitchen.
• Like previous Ward Village condos, The Launiu will feature a handful Guest Suites that may be reserved for visitors and operated much like a hotel room. 

The Tower

Complementing the mid-century coastal style architecture of its undulating tower, The Launiu features inviting ground-floor commercial space, landscaping and sculptural hardscape elements, generous sidewalks, public art, and visually interesting building materials, all of which are signature design elements highlighting its unique location as the ‘Ewa gateway to Ward Village.

Like the previous First Row condos in Ward Village; The Launiu will offer Market Priced units only, and no Affordable Housing. This makes sense considering Launiu's the build site represents one of the few "First Row" pieces of land left in the Ward Village Master Plan and according to the developer, Ward Village has exceeded their Affordable Housing requirement by 199 units.  We'll see (90) of The Launiu residences situated in podium; the low-rise portion of the building that wraps the tower on the Ward Avenue and Ala Moana sides.

Amidst the unit mix of one-, two-, and three- bedroom residences, The Launiu will also offer a studio floor plan which is novel for luxury condos in Honolulu, especially for those on the first row of Kakaako. Up until now, buyers looking for studios in Kakaako were limited to Second and Third Row towers like Aalii, The Park on Ward, and Ae'o. 

The fact that the Diamond Head side of the building will feature only 2-3 bedroom layouts is another interesting departure from Ward Village norms. These look to be the only units in the building with lanais(balconies), another rare feature for Ward Village condos which typically opt for Juliet balconies instead of pure, step-out balconies like we see at Waiea, Aalii, Ko'ula, and podium units at Anaha.

Aside from the 2-bedroom Ewa/Ocean corner unit, the Ewa side of The Launiu condo tower will feature only Studio and 1-bedroom floor plans. 

There will be about 20,000 square feet of commercial space on the bottom floor offered via (4) retail spaces along Ward Avenue which may be used for restaurants, retail, or other  shops on brand with Ward Village. With meandering sidewalks, a large amount of fresh planting, and 16,000sq of open lawn, residents will have ample outdoor space to contrast the neighborhood's urban appeal.

The Launiu is situated in the front row but lacks an oceanfront parcel despite being there. Because of this, I believe we can expect something more in line with Kalae and The Park Ward Village rather than a level of finish akin to Victoria Place and Kalae. To enhance views of the harbor and the ocean, Howard Hughes might tilt the tower slightly to match Kalae's orientation.

Launiu Ward Village Interest List

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