Kakaako’s Ālia Tower Hits Level 29 as $400M Condo Project Approaches Its Final Stretch

Construction crews at Kakaako’s Ālia Tower have reached the 29th floor of what will become one of Honolulu’s newest luxury residential landmarks, marking significant progress on the $400 million project that’s reshaping the urban core’s skyline.

The 400-foot tower, being developed by Kobayashi Group, is now three-quarters of the way to its planned 39-story height. The concrete structure has been steadily climbing since groundbreaking, with workers currently focused on both vertical construction and interior build-out of amenity spaces on the ground and sixth floors.

Located at 888 Ala Moana Boulevard, the tower will deliver 457 luxury condominium units when completed, adding substantial inventory to Kakaako’s rapidly evolving residential market. The project sits strategically between the existing Kakaako Waterfront Park and the bustling Ala Moana area, positioning future residents within walking distance of both recreational green space and retail destinations.

Amenities Taking Shape

While the concrete shell continues its upward march, interior work on key amenity floors is gaining momentum. The ground floor will house retail space and residential services, while the sixth floor is being configured as a comprehensive amenity deck for residents.

Plans call for resort-style features including a swimming pool, fitness center, and community spaces designed to capitalize on the tower’s elevated position and ocean views. The amenity package reflects the luxury positioning that has become standard for new Kakaako developments, where developers compete to attract buyers willing to pay premium prices for urban convenience.

“We’re seeing strong interest from both local buyers and mainland transplants who want to be in the heart of Honolulu’s most dynamic neighborhood,” said Maria Santos, a luxury real estate agent with Island Properties who has been tracking the project’s progress. “Ālia represents the maturation of Kakaako as a true live-work-play district.”

Infrastructure Challenges

The tower’s rise coincides with significant utility infrastructure improvements in the immediate area. Hawaiian Electric is conducting major electrical system upgrades along nearby streets, work that’s creating weekday traffic impacts for commuters and residents.

The utility improvements are scheduled to continue through 2026, meaning the area will experience ongoing construction activity even after Ālia’s completion. The timing reflects the broader infrastructure catch-up happening across Kakaako as the former industrial area transforms into a high-density residential and commercial district.

Ala Moana Boulevard, already a key traffic artery connecting downtown to the airport and west side, faces additional pressure as multiple construction projects proceed simultaneously in the corridor. The state Department of Transportation has been coordinating with developers to minimize cumulative impacts, though some disruption appears unavoidable.

Market Context

Ālia’s progress comes during a period of continued strength in Honolulu’s luxury condominium market, despite broader economic headwinds. The tower’s pre-sales performance has reportedly met developer expectations, with units priced from the mid-$600,000s for studios to well over $2 million for larger floor plans.

The project adds to Kakaako’s growing collection of high-rise towers, including nearby developments like Ward Village and The Collection. This concentration of new inventory has raised questions about long-term absorption rates, though demand for urban living in Honolulu has remained resilient.

The tower’s completion will also contribute to the area’s evolving streetscape, as ground-floor retail spaces activate the pedestrian environment along Ala Moana Boulevard. Urban planners have emphasized the importance of creating walkable connections between Kakaako’s towers and existing neighborhood amenities.

With roughly 10 floors remaining and interior work accelerating, Ālia Tower appears on track for completion in late 2024 or early 2025. The project’s final stretch will coincide with delivery of several other major Kakaako developments, creating a significant influx of new residents to the area.

For existing Kakaako residents and the broader Honolulu community, Ālia’s completion will represent another step in the neighborhood’s transformation from industrial past to urban future. The tower’s success—or struggles—will provide important market signals for other developers considering similar projects in Hawaii’s challenging but potentially lucrative luxury residential market.