What is the Urban Core of Honolulu?

What is considered Urban Honolulu?

What is it Like Living in the Urban Core of Honolulu

Oahu has several distinct sections that each have their own feel, with Honolulu holding a large portion of the island's population. Within the city lies the Urban Core, an area with shops, restaurants, and high-rise condos between Downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head.

The bounds of the urban core of Honolulu aren't cut and dry. Generally, it includes the mixed residential and commercial areas within Kakaako, Ala Moana, Waikiki, and a few surrounding neighborhoods such as Maikiki Heights and Manoa.

Related: New Developments On Oahu

Urban core living near downtown Honolulu means you’ll be close to shopping, dining, and potential employment as well. People love this area because they can walk to work, ride the bike, or shop and dine all within a few block radius.

What is it Like Living in the Urban Core of Honolulu

Enter Kakaako

Honolulu government and development is setting its sights on developing Kakaako as Oahu’s third city. This warehouse district is home to a vibrant up-and-coming arts community and future plans are to create a live/work/play neighborhood full of cafés and parks, businesses, and both upscale and affordable urban housing.

This new development is attracting interest from across the state. The vision began decades ago in 1976 when the state legislature created the Hawaii Community Development Authority and designed Kakaako as the authority's first Community Development District.

Redevelopment started out slow. With the development of condominiums in the 1980s and 90s, the total population of the neighborhood hovered around 2500 residents by 1990. 30 years later in 2010, there were 10,673 residents living in the Kakaako area.

Today, Kakaako’s development is accelerating, with population expected to double within the next several years. Residents with increased income levels want bigger spaces and better neighborhoods that provide all the community amenities one could want including dining, shopping, playing, and working.

In 2010, 58% of Honolulu residents were living within 10 miles from the city center and 84% were living within 15 miles.

What is it Like Living in the Urban Core of Honolulu

Changing housing demand

Housing in the urban core of Honolulu is largely being developed in the areas of Ala Moana and Kakaako.

The results are dynamic, urban island communities with colorful street art, unique dining, and fantastic shopping. Both Kakaako and Ala Moana (as well as nearby Waikiki) host many lively events and have unique gathering places. The urban core is Hawaii’s most unique and progressive area, with Cultural values and modern spaces coming together in perfect harmony.

Related: Luxury House Vs. Luxury Condo - Advantages & Disadvantages

These communities are bringing a brighter future to Hawaii by creating new places for people to live, play, and work. If an urban core is underutilized and there's not enough demand, it can cause redevelopment efforts to fail. For the area to grow in population it requires an adequate supply of housing and enough demand to live in that area. In Honolulu County, over 3300 new homes would be needed each year to accommodate the anticipated population growth.

Kakaako is a mixed-use, revitalized, and walkable neighborhood offering a variety of housing options, rentals, high-rise, lowrise, and shopping options. Nearby, Ala Moana and Waikiki are other mixed-use areas with similar options.

The key is convenience and proximity. Everything you would want is close to where you live. This allows for more access and exposure to entertainment, revenue, and reduces the need for expensive commutes. For more information on living in Honolulu’s urban core or Kakaako, contact me below.

Kakaako Condos for Sale

264 Properties
Page 1 of 22
$3,350,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,939
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
2
Days on Site
202307186
MLS
No description available...
1
Beds
1
Baths
701
Sq.Ft.
2007
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202306963
MLS
This charming pet friendly one bedroom, newly painted, brand new laminate flooring is ready for you to move in. Amenities galore, fitness center, movie theatre, tennis courts, golf putting green,...
Open 4/2
876 Curtis Street #3608 Honolulu,  HI 96813
$525,000
Condo: Royal Capitol Plaza
1
Beds
1
Baths
699
Sq.Ft.
1987
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202303751
MLS
This deluxe unit, located on a high floor, offers more space than the one-bedroom units located below the 33rd floor. It boasts impressive high ceilings, a pass-through kitchen, and a roomy walk-in...
Open 4/2
1133 Waimanu Street #509 Honolulu,  HI 96814
2
Beds
1
Baths
712
Sq.Ft.
1995
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202307029
MLS
Affordable Kaka'ako secure building! Live, work, play, and walk everywhere. Whole Foods, South Shore Market, Ala Moana shopping center, Ala Moana beach park and restaurants - all in such close...
Open 4/2
1350 Ala Moana Boulevard #1908 Honolulu,  HI 96814
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,062
Sq.Ft.
1968
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202307172
MLS
1350 Ala Moana is one of Hawaii's most landmark building since 60's. Premier Kakaako location just across from the world famous Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Shopping Center right around the...
1
Baths
363
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202302238
MLS
Fully Furnished, higher floor studio with mesmerizing view of the pool, spa, cabana, mountain, city, ocean and sunset views from your lanai! Super convenient location near Whole Foods, a variety of...
Open 4/2
828 Auahi Street #2109 Honolulu,  HI 96813
$332,500
Condo: Ulana Ward Village
1
Baths
289
Sq.Ft.
2025
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202307092
MLS
Here's your opportunity to purchase a brand new unit in the vibrant Kaka'ako neighborhood. Interested persons must be a "qualified resident" who demonstrates a need for affordable housing and is...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202220253
MLS
Lavish Kaka'ko living at it's finest. Be the first to experience Diamond Head and Kewalo Harbor views in Ward Village's brand new luxury high rise, Ko'ula. The largest floor plan in the building...
Active Under Contract
1118 Ala Moana Boulevard #2405 Honolulu,  HI 96814
$2,500,000
Condo: Waiea - 1118 Ala Moana
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,536
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202306824
MLS
Kakaako masterpiece luxury condo Waiea. 2 bed, 2 bat, 2 parking west facing corner unit with ocean, mountain and city vistas along with amazing shopping and entertainment right outside your door~!
2
Beds
2
Baths
968
Sq.Ft.
1968
Year Built
11
Days on Site
202306492
MLS
2 bedroom, 2 bath with 1 covered parking features a spacious & bright floor plan with washer/dryer area in the second bathroom and large bedrooms. Ocean to Mountain panoramic views! 1350 Ala Moana...
$1,001,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
1
Beds
1
Baths
808
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202306580
MLS
Experience luxurious island living at its finest in Anaha. Step inside this spacious living area with high-end Miele appliances, wine cooler, full-sized stacked washer/dryer, and elegant quartz...
$659,000
Condo: 801 South St
1
Beds
1
Baths
517
Sq.Ft.
2015
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202306671
MLS
801 South St - A building: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 unassigned Parking. High floor with stunning Ocean, Mountain and City Views!
New range/oven, Refrigerator, Split A/C's in bedroom and living area....

Kakaako New Condo Developments

84 Properties
Page 1 of 7
1
Baths
363
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202302238
MLS
Fully Furnished, higher floor studio with mesmerizing view of the pool, spa, cabana, mountain, city, ocean and sunset views from your lanai! Super convenient location near Whole Foods, a variety of...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
10
Days on Site
202220253
MLS
Lavish Kaka'ko living at it's finest. Be the first to experience Diamond Head and Kewalo Harbor views in Ward Village's brand new luxury high rise, Ko'ula. The largest floor plan in the building...
1
Beds
1
Baths
559
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
18
Days on Site
202306297
MLS
Ocean facing one-bedroom unit with the turnkey package. Breathtaking ocean views with a 44 sf lanai that allows indoor and outdoor living. A smart home that fully maximizes space for urban living...
2
Beds
2
Baths
968
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
33
Days on Site
202303461
MLS
Experience luxurious urban living at Ko'ula. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condominium is a feast for the eyes with its distinct architectural design. Wake up each morning to the breathtaking views of...
2
Beds
2
Baths
802
Sq.Ft.
2023
Year Built
38
Days on Site
202303210
MLS
Great change to own a 2-bedroom 2-bath 2-parking unit in an upcoming building in West Kakaako. Located near Salt and H-Mart these units will provide you with many great options for food and...
Pending
987 Queen Street #3204 Honolulu,  HI 96814
1
Beds
1
Baths
575
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
40
Days on Site
202303087
MLS
The 32nd floor 1bed unit at this price! Second from the ocean. Relax in the spacious living room and enjoy the ocean view! Never used, everything is brand new. Some kitchen items are still in the...
1
Beds
1
Baths
665
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
45
Days on Site
202302796
MLS
Experience a luxurious lifestyle at Koula, Ward Villages new building located in the Heart of Kakaako. This 1 bedroom/1 bath unit (never lived in) features wood flooring, custom drapes, Toto Washlet...
Open 4/2
987 Queen Street #714 Honolulu,  HI 96814
2
Beds
2
Baths
845
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
46
Days on Site
202302144
MLS
$40K in Seller incentives! Price reduced by $30k reflected in current price & $10K credit to buy down rate or whatever buyer wants = only $1.028m! This is a steal! You get to buy low! A'ALII 714 is a...
2
Beds
2
Baths
941
Sq.Ft.
2022
Year Built
48
Days on Site
202220889
MLS
Experience Honolulu's luxury urban lifestyle at Koula, Ward Village's newest addition in the heart Kakaako. Conveniently located to Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki. This...
1
Beds
1
Baths
509
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
49
Days on Site
202302535
MLS
Ewa facing 1 bedroom unit overlooking the Ward Village community park. Koula features exquisite architectural design by Jeanne Gang, together with tasteful interior design by Yabu Pushelberg,...
1
Beds
1
Baths
582
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
49
Days on Site
202302530
MLS
Diamond Head facing 1 bedroom unit with stunning ocean views! Koula features exquisite architectural design by Jeanne Gang, together with tasteful interior design by Yabu Pushelberg, elevating the...
1
Baths
282
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
52
Days on Site
202302399
MLS
This studio unit on the Penthouse-level of the podium of 'A'ali'i is the ONLY floor in the podium that features ultra-high ceilings of approximately 9'10" high! Also included in the sale is a...

Kakaako New Construction

8 Properties
Active Under Contract
737 Olokele Avenue #1101 Honolulu,  HI 96816
1
Beds
1
Baths
520
Sq.Ft.
1979
Year Built
18
Days on Site
202306381
MLS
1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 assigned parking, corner end unit at Summer Villa. New entry door with Lockly smart lock, spacious open lanai with new flooring, and new Whirlpool oven/range. May need some...
$2,198,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
7
Beds
5
Baths
3,513
Sq.Ft.
2013
Year Built
24
Days on Site
202303673
MLS
Attractive, spacious home, designed for flexible multi generational living. Fully fenced with a remote control entry gate. Located on a street with minimal traffic, yet with EZ access to Waikiki,...
Active Under Contract
708 Palani Avenue #301 Honolulu,  HI 96816
2
Beds
1
Baths
645
Sq.Ft.
1967
Year Built
26
Days on Site
202303317
MLS
Great Location in town (Kapahulu), close to Waikiki and University of Hawaii with reasonable monthly HOA Fees.
2-bedroom 1-bath with an open lanai area of Diamond Head and Ala Wai Golf Course...
Active Under Contract
737 Olokele Avenue #1404 Honolulu,  HI 96816
1
Beds
1
Baths
530
Sq.Ft.
1979
Year Built
27
Days on Site
202303797
MLS
Open House 3/19 2-5pm Beautiful Remodeled! Pet-friendly 1 BD/1BA high floor unit with exceptional trade winds flow and expansive mauka views. Secured/Covered parking stall, In-unit Washer/Dryer with...
Active Under Contract
2916 Date Street #11B Honolulu,  HI 96816
$485,000
Condo: Fairway House
2
Beds
2
Baths
718
Sq.Ft.
1981
Year Built
28
Days on Site
202303757
MLS
2bed2bath1pkg in Fairway House on Date Street. Wide open Golf Course, Waikiki Skyline and Diamond Head view! So close to Kapahulu shopping/dining area. Also convenient to UH, Waikiki, Ala Moana,...
$299,000
Condo: Fairway House
1
Beds
1
Baths
621
Sq.Ft.
1981
Year Built
77
Days on Site
202300867
MLS
High floor, 270-degree views of Diamond Head, Ocean, sunrise, golf course, and Waikiki fireworks from a prime renovated executive unit. Sustainable luxe finishes, custom bamboo kitchen design, full...
$2,899,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
4
Beds
1
Baths
1,649
Sq.Ft.
1938
Year Built
100
Days on Site
202226202
MLS
RARE, double size lot (two TMKs!) big house, XL garage and ADU unity - move-in ready, while you can also bring your architect and build your dream home or 2 homes! Highly coveted location, just...
$500,000
Condo: Fairway House
2
Beds
2
Baths
817
Sq.Ft.
1981
Year Built
101
Days on Site
202226154
MLS
NEW PRICE! Fairway House is a unique boutique building with sweeping unobstructed views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Wai golf course. This larger 2 bed, 2 full bath has an open kitchen, custom...
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