Howard Hughes Corporation Reveals Final Phase of Ward Village Master Plan
The Howard Hughes Corporation unveiled the final phase of its ambitious Ward Village master plan Tuesday, completing a vision that will transform 60 acres of Kakaako into Honolulu’s most densely developed residential neighborhood over the next decade.
The culmination includes four additional residential towers, expanded retail space, and a signature mixed-use development that will bring the total number of planned residential units in Ward Village to approximately 4,500 when fully built out by 2035.
The announcement comes as Ward Village already houses nearly 2,000 residents across its completed towers, including Waiea, Anaha, and Ke Kilohana, making it one of Oahu’s fastest-growing urban communities.
Final Tower Designs Focus on Sustainability
The four remaining towers will range from 35 to 45 stories, with the tallest planned for the mauka portion of the development near the intersection of Auahi Street and Ward Avenue. Each building will incorporate advanced sustainability features, including solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient cooling systems designed for Hawaii’s tropical climate.
“We’re not just building towers, we’re completing a neighborhood that respects Hawaii’s natural environment while meeting the housing needs of our growing population,” said Marshall Hickox, Hawaii market president for Howard Hughes Corporation. “Every decision in this final phase reflects what we’ve learned from our residents and the broader Honolulu community over the past decade.”
The final phase will add approximately 1,800 residential units to Ward Village, with unit mix ranging from studios to three-bedroom condominiums. Pricing has not been announced, though recent sales in completed Ward Village towers have ranged from $800,000 for studios to over $4 million for penthouse units.
Enhanced Community Amenities
Beyond residential units, the final phase includes a 2-acre community park positioned between the new towers and existing Keeaumoku Street developments. The green space will feature native Hawaiian plants, walking paths, and outdoor fitness equipment available to all Ward Village residents.
Additional ground-floor retail space will expand dining and shopping options along Auahi Street, connecting seamlessly with existing businesses like Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack, and local favorites including Piggy Smalls and Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop.
The development will also include a new childcare facility and expanded co-working spaces, addressing needs identified through resident surveys conducted over the past two years.
Traffic and Infrastructure Considerations
The final build-out will add an estimated 2,500 new residents to Kakaako, raising questions about traffic flow and city infrastructure capacity. Howard Hughes Corporation has committed to funding improvements to Auahi Street and coordinating with the city on traffic signal timing adjustments along Ala Moana Boulevard.
The developer is also exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services and bike-sharing programs to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips from the development. A dedicated shuttle service connecting Ward Village to the upcoming Kalihi-Palama rail station remains under discussion with city transportation officials.
“The infrastructure planning has been ongoing for years, not something we’re addressing at the last minute,” Hickox said. “We recognize our responsibility to the broader Honolulu community as we complete this vision.”
Market Context and Affordability Concerns
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about housing affordability in Honolulu, where median home prices have increased 15% over the past year according to the Honolulu Board of Realtors.
While Ward Village targets the luxury market, Howard Hughes Corporation points to its workforce housing contributions through city programs and fees that help fund affordable housing projects elsewhere on Oahu.
Construction on the first of the four final towers is expected to begin in late 2024, with completion scheduled for 2027. The entire final phase is planned for completion by 2035, weather and market conditions permitting.
For current Honolulu residents watching Kakaako’s rapid transformation, the completion of Ward Village represents both the promise of urban density and the challenges of managing growth in Hawaii’s constrained land environment. The success of this final phase will likely influence development patterns across urban Honolulu for decades to come.
