What is “Ward Village,” the development leading the transformation of Honolulu’s hottest neighborhood, Kaka‘ako?

In recent years, one of the most talked-about areas in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been Kaka‘ako. Through large-scale redevelopment, the district has been completely transformed into a vibrant neighborhood—an appealing place to live and play. At the heart of this transformation is Ward Village, a mixed-use community spanning approximately 60 acres (about 24 hectares). Featuring 14 condominium towers, retail facilities, and landscaped parks, it is drawing attention as a new urban hub where residential, commercial, and cultural elements seamlessly converge.

Kaka‘ako is a coastal district on the south shore of O‘ahu, located west of Honolulu’s Ala Moana area. It is bounded by King Street to the north, Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park to the west, Ala Moana Boulevard to the south, and Ward Avenue to the east. Situated between downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana, the area long served as a hub for logistics and commerce, once lined with warehouses that supported the city’s port activities.

For many years, however, it saw little residential or tourist development and was largely overlooked by visitors. The turning point came in 1976, when the State of Hawai‘i established the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) and designated the district for redevelopment. At that time, the state aimed to improve aging infrastructure and poor living conditions, envisioning a balanced community integrating both commercial and residential spaces.

In the years that followed, new cultural and artistic movements took root. By the 2000s, the POW! WOW! Hawaii mural festival was launched, transforming building facades into bold canvases. The works gained international acclaim, and the festival has since become an annual event attracting artists and visitors from around the world. Street art has established itself as the new face of Kaka‘ako, shared widely through Instagram and other social media, greatly enhancing the district’s global recognition.
 

In recent years, Kaka‘ako has been reshaped into a new lifestyle district where commercial and residential spaces blend seamlessly. Whole Foods Market, which serves everyday needs, and the weekend Kaka‘ako Farmers Market have become popular gathering spots, drawing both locals and visitors. Along the Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park and beach promenade, jogging, cycling, and surfing create an active outdoor environment, making the area attractive to a wide range of people, from young professionals to families.

The growing demand for real estate has further accelerated redevelopment. Neighboring Ala Moana and Waikīkī, the district has embraced eco-friendly architecture and pedestrian-oriented planning. Once a warehouse district, Kaka‘ako has transformed into a sophisticated urban neighborhood where commerce, culture, and residential life coexist.

At the center of this transformation stands Ward Village, Honolulu’s largest mixed-use development. Anchoring the heart of Kaka‘ako, it integrates residences, retail, and cultural spaces, continuing to drive the renewal of the entire community.