Alia Condo Tower Tops Level 29 of 39 in Kakaako as Block I’s Amenity Floors Take Shape

The Alia condominium tower in Kakaako has reached the 29th floor of its planned 39-story height, marking nearly three-quarters completion of the vertical structure that will eventually house 206 luxury units. The Howard Hughes Corporation project on Block I is progressing steadily alongside the development of key amenity spaces that promise to set a new standard for high-rise living in Honolulu’s master-planned urban district.

Construction crews are simultaneously working on the tower’s signature amenity floors, with the ground-level retail and residential lobby spaces taking shape alongside the sixth-floor recreation deck. These spaces will feature resort-style pools, fitness facilities, and outdoor dining areas designed to capitalize on the building’s positioning between downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

“The pace at Alia reflects the strong demand we’re seeing for luxury housing in Kakaako, particularly units that offer both urban convenience and resort-style amenities,” said Maria Santos, a real estate analyst with Pacific Property Advisors. “The timing puts them ahead of several competing projects in the neighborhood.”

Kakaako’s Construction Timeline

Alia’s progress places it at the forefront of Kakaako’s current development wave. The neighboring Kali’u tower, also part of the Ward Village master plan, reached its full 43-story height last year and is now in interior finishing phases. Meanwhile, the 36-story Waiea tower completed construction in 2016 and has been fully occupied, serving as a benchmark for luxury living in the district.

The Waiakoa project, another planned tower in the area, remains in early development phases with construction not yet begun. This staggered timeline means Kakaako residents are experiencing a sustained period of active construction that will likely continue through 2025.

Alia’s design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling windows and private lanais in most units. The building’s positioning on Auahi Street provides residents with views of both the Ko’olau Mountains and Honolulu Harbor, depending on unit orientation.

Amenity Spaces Define New Standard

The sixth-floor amenity deck represents a significant investment in resident lifestyle, featuring multiple pool areas, cabanas, and barbecue facilities designed for entertaining. The ground floor will include retail space and a lobby designed by local architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, which has incorporated native Hawaiian design elements throughout the building.

These amenities reflect broader trends in Kakaako development, where developers compete not just on views and location but on lifestyle offerings. The district’s evolution from industrial area to residential community has accelerated demand for buildings that function as self-contained neighborhoods.

Alia’s construction timeline suggests move-in dates beginning in late 2024, with the building expected to reach full occupancy by mid-2025. Pre-sales have reportedly been strong, with units ranging from studio apartments starting in the high $600,000s to three-bedroom penthouses exceeding $2 million.

Impact on Neighborhood Dynamics

The addition of 206 new units will bring Alia’s resident population to approximately 300-400 people, adding to Kakaako’s rapidly growing density. This growth supports local businesses along Auahi Street and Queen Street while increasing demand for parking and infrastructure improvements.

The building’s retail component is expected to include dining and service businesses that cater to both residents and the broader Kakaako community. However, specific tenant announcements have not yet been made by the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Traffic patterns around the construction site have required ongoing coordination with city planners, particularly during the tower’s vertical construction phase. The developer has worked with the Hawaii Community Development Authority to minimize disruption to neighboring residential buildings and the popular Kakaako Waterfront Park.

As Alia approaches its final construction phases over the next 12 months, the project will test Kakaako’s infrastructure capacity and set precedents for future high-rise development in the area. The building’s completion will mark another milestone in the transformation of what was once Honolulu’s industrial core into one of its most sought-after residential neighborhoods.

For current Kakaako residents, Alia represents both the promise of a more complete neighborhood with diverse housing options and the reality of sustained construction activity that defines urban growth. The tower’s progress offers a preview of how Hawaii’s limited land resources are being maximized through vertical development that prioritizes both density and livability.