What is the Urban Core of 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.

What is considered Urban Honolulu?

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

Related: New Development Condos 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

Ala Moana is a bustling residential and retail district on the southern shore of Oahu. The golden sand beaches of Ala Moana Beach Park are a popular destination for nearby districts that include Waikiki and Kakaako. It's home to some of the most luxurious oceanfront residential towers and also has the Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping center.

Waikiki is one of Hawaii's most popular resort districts. This dense high-rise neighborhood has plenty of luxury residential condos, hotels, and even a few single-family homes. You'll also find some of the best restaurants in Hawaii here in addition to globally recognized art galleries, the aquarium, and the zoo.

The Central Business District, the Capitol District, Chinatown, and the Waterfront are the four districts that make up downtown Honolulu. Each has its own historical and cultural significance. It's home to over a million people and a thriving economic center.

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. 

Interested in moving to the Urban Core of Honolulu? We have decades of experience in helping people find their dream home in Honolulu. Use the form below to get started or give us a call at 1-(808) 427-0867 and we’ll have you sorted in no time.

Kakaako Condos for Sale

237 Properties
Page 1 of 20
Open 9/24
1350 Ala Moana Boulevard #3006 Honolulu,  HI 96814
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,143
Sq.Ft.
1968
Year Built
3
Days on Site
202321487
MLS
Welcome to 1350 Ala Moana! A beautifully remodeled fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the heart of Honolulu. This stunning property offers breathtaking ocean views, and diamond...
$3,990,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
3
Beds
3F11/2
Baths
2,492
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
3
Days on Site
202320074
MLS
Experience the pinnacle of modern luxury living in this high-floor 3-bed/3.5 bath unit at Anaha, located in the heart of Ward Village! Enjoy stunning panoramic ocean, Diamond Head, and firework...
2
Beds
2
Baths
867
Sq.Ft.
2018
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202321438
MLS
Welcome to the Ae'o that is located in Kakaako at the Ward Village community. Neighborhood provides unique local retailers, world class retail and restaurants, movie theaters, Whole Foods, and so...
$1,750,000
Condo: Symphony Honolulu
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,454
Sq.Ft.
2016
Year Built
4
Days on Site
202320575
MLS
Discover Symphony Honolulu: Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kaka'ako, this contemporary jewel offers unparalleled panoramic views of mountains, ocean, and the dazzling Honolulu cityscape. Every...
$2,150,000
Condo: Anaha - 1108 Auahi
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,349
Sq.Ft.
2017
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202321329
MLS
Luxurious, immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bath wrap-around corner end unit with sweeping ocean-to-mountain views! This is a special unit on the Penthouse floor with 10-foot high ceilings and a Penthouse...
Open 9/24
725 Kapiolani Boulevard #1205 Honolulu,  HI 96813
2
Beds
2
Baths
979
Sq.Ft.
1991
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202321375
MLS
Spacious, bright & delightful! Your vibrant urban lifestyle awaits at The Imperial Plaza, a beautifully designed, mixed use building for you & your furry friends, too! You'll love the open floor plan...
$838,000
Condo: Pacifica Honolulu
2
Beds
2
Baths
728
Sq.Ft.
2011
Year Built
5
Days on Site
202321433
MLS
Immaculate high floor unit w/2-covered parking stalls (tandem), with brand new carpeting and freshly painted interiors too! Shows like in brand new condition!
Located on the cooler (mauka) side...
Open 9/24
88 Piikoi Street #3601/3602 Honolulu,  HI 96814
$1,650,000
Condo: Hawaiki Tower
3
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
1,892
Sq.Ft.
1999
Year Built
6
Days on Site
202321420
MLS
Welcome to the highly desirable Hawaiki Tower! This is a rare opportunity to own a combined double unit #3601 & 3602,
offering a spacious floor plan of 1892 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2...
Open 9/24
725 Kapiolani Boulevard #3503 Honolulu,  HI 96813
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,133
Sq.Ft.
1991
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321245
MLS
Experience the pinnacle of urban luxury living in this 3/3/3 penthouse unit nestled within the vibrant heart of Kakaako! Prepare to be mesmerized by breathtaking panoramic views that sweep across the...
Open 9/24
987 Queen Street #911 Honolulu,  HI 96814
1
Beds
1
Baths
466
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321149
MLS
Welcome to A'alii, recently completed in 2021, this is a beautiful 1-bed unit in Kakaako. A'alii is in the heart of Ward Village. From entertainment options such as Ward Theater and Dave and Busters,...
1
Beds
1
Baths
624
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321313
MLS
Welcome home and enjoy your fully furnished unit with developer turnkey package. Unit located on the sunset side of the building. 624 sq. ft. of living area with a 44 sq. ft. lanai makes this one...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321338
MLS
Welcome to Koula, Brand New condominium in the heart of Ward Village in Kakaako! Brand new, never lived in Koula, 3-bathroom, 2-parking home is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan. 2400 is...

Kakaako New Condo Developments

58 Properties
Page 1 of 5
Open 9/24
987 Queen Street #911 Honolulu,  HI 96814
1
Beds
1
Baths
466
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321149
MLS
Welcome to A'alii, recently completed in 2021, this is a beautiful 1-bed unit in Kakaako. A'alii is in the heart of Ward Village. From entertainment options such as Ward Theater and Dave and Busters,...
1
Beds
1
Baths
624
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321313
MLS
Welcome home and enjoy your fully furnished unit with developer turnkey package. Unit located on the sunset side of the building. 624 sq. ft. of living area with a 44 sq. ft. lanai makes this one...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
7
Days on Site
202321338
MLS
Welcome to Koula, Brand New condominium in the heart of Ward Village in Kakaako! Brand new, never lived in Koula, 3-bathroom, 2-parking home is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan. 2400 is...
1
Beds
1
Baths
509
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
11
Days on Site
202321100
MLS
This one bedroom, one bathroom tower residence features an 8'10" ceiling height, with an open concept floorplan and a sliding door between the living room and bedroom adds flexibility when showcasing...
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,457
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
12
Days on Site
202321034
MLS
Views, Location plus Luxury - Welcome to Ward Village's renowned Studio Gang designed Ko'ula, your dream come true! Located in the preferred "00" stack, offering the largest floor plan on the ocean...
2
Beds
2
Baths
968
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
14
Days on Site
202320347
MLS
This Koula unit features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2 roomy assigned parking stalls conveniently located between two pillars that include an EV station. The unit includes an upgraded TOTO toilet in...
1
Beds
1
Baths
554
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
14
Days on Site
202320793
MLS
This gorgeous high floor residence comes with more than $100,000 of upgrades including the developer's original Turn-Key Package crafted by renowned interior designer Lauren Rottet at Rottet Studio....
1
Beds
1
Baths
473
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
21
Days on Site
202320358
MLS
This High-rise condominium-Ali'i located at Ward Village Honolulu, unit sits on the #3203, with the ocean view and mountain view. This unit is move-in ready, with built in Bosch kitchen appliances,...
1
Beds
1
Baths
473
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
26
Days on Site
202320189
MLS
Your new home awaits in the newly built A'ali'i condo in the core of Ward Village. This 1 bedroom floorplan faces towards Ewa and features nice open views and preferred parking on the 3rd level....
Open 9/24
987 Queen Street #614 Honolulu,  HI 96814
2
Beds
2
Baths
845
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
42
Days on Site
202318773
MLS
Absorb the captivating urban vistas that stretch before you from this inviting lower-level haven. This upgraded 2 bedroom, 2 bath gem boasts an enticing lanai that beckons relaxation, while the...
1
Beds
1
Baths
739
Sq.Ft.
2022
Year Built
42
Days on Site
202319299
MLS
If you are looking for the BEST one-bedroom unit in all of Koula, look no further than this oceanfront corner unit,
which features direct views of Kewalo Basin Yacht Harbor. Even with future...
Active Under Contract
987 Queen Street #3206 Honolulu,  HI 96814
1
Baths
367
Sq.Ft.
2019
Year Built
48
Days on Site
202318919
MLS
Welcome to A'ALI'I, one of Oahu's most exclusive buildings, where urban luxury meets coastal living. This beautiful, light-filled studio, in the highly sought-after "06 stack", offers breathtaking...

Kakaako New Construction

9 Properties
$1,569,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,154
Sq.Ft.
1978
Year Built
14
Days on Site
202320860
MLS
Newly remodeled Kapahulu Home with slight ocean views, a gourmet kitchen featuring Thermador appliances, built in refrigerator, high end stove/oven, 2 master bedroom/bathroom suites, large driveway,...
Active Under Contract
3316 Campbell Avenue Honolulu,  HI 96815
$2,460,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
6
Beds
3
Baths
3,013
Sq.Ft.
1949
Year Built
17
Days on Site
202320512
MLS
Rarely available opportunity in Kapahulu! Priced attractively at tax-assessed value. B-2 Zoned with 3 structures & 4 units: a 957 sf Retail Shop, a 780 sf 2/1 Single Family Home, and a 1,276 sf...
$1,500,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,560
Sq.Ft.
1939
Year Built
45
Days on Site
202319192
MLS
Newly renovated 3 bedroom 2 bath home in the heart of Kapahulu. The kitchen and both baths have new cabinets and quartz like counter tops. All kitchen appliances are new. New vinyl plank flooring...
Pending
2916 Date Street #11F Honolulu,  HI 96816
$525,000
Condo: Fairway House
2
Beds
2
Baths
817
Sq.Ft.
1981
Year Built
64
Days on Site
202316935
MLS
Fairway House two-bedroom condo with pleasant views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and the Ala Wai Golf Course. Convenient location in town. Partially remodeled in 2023. New paint throughout.

This...
Open 9/24
3248 Castle Street Honolulu,  HI 96815
$1,825,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
5
Beds
2F11/2
Baths
2,418
Sq.Ft.
1987
Year Built
104
Days on Site
202313688
MLS
Rarely available, this 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is situation on a desirable street in Kapahulu with wide streets and sidewalks. The ground level features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, including an ADA...
$1,638,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
8
Beds
4
Baths
2,136
Sq.Ft.
1950
Year Built
115
Days on Site
202309442
MLS
Excellent location in super desirable neighborhood + cash flow = top notch investment! 2 legal units with apartment zoning and new paint: front two-story building (5 rooms) rented by the room with...
Pending
724 Ekela Avenue Honolulu,  HI 96816
$1,650,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
4
Beds
1F11/2
Baths
948
Sq.Ft.
1951
Year Built
138
Days on Site
202310597
MLS
Incredible opportunity in Kapahulu for redevelopment. A-2 Zoned, flat 5,007 SF lot- great for potential Bill 7 building or other multi-unit project. Excellent location, minutes to shopping,...
$899,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
2
Beds
1
Baths
572
Sq.Ft.
1930
Year Built
140
Days on Site
202310268
MLS
RARE Opportunity. Prime location in Kapahulu! This cozy, well-maintained home is on a quiet street, walking distance to Waikiki Beach, Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head, the Ala Wai Golf Course, Waikiki...
$2,350,000
Neighborhood: Kapahulu
6
Beds
6
Baths
2,395
Sq.Ft.
1970
Year Built
146
Days on Site
202310044
MLS
Just totally remodeled and built brand new first floor two story single family house in Kapahulu neighborhood. Perfect for three families to live together. Second floor has its own entrance, new...
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