Kahuina Project to Bring 861 Units — Including 60% Affordable — to Kakaako This Year

A major affordable housing project is set to transform a key block in Kakaako, with Stanford Carr Development’s Kahuina project expected to break ground in 2026 and deliver 861 mixed-income residential units to the rapidly evolving waterfront neighborhood.

The Kahuina development, planned for Block C of the Our Kakaako master plan, represents a rare opportunity for local residents to secure housing in one of Honolulu’s most sought-after neighborhoods. With 60% of the units designated as workforce and affordable housing, the project stands in stark contrast to the luxury high-rises that have dominated recent Kakaako development.

Located in the heart of Kakaako’s urban core, the project will rise near established landmarks like Ward Village and the emerging Honolulu Harbor district. The development represents one of the largest affordable housing commitments in the neighborhood’s recent transformation from industrial wasteland to urban residential hub.

Breaking the Luxury Mold

Kakaako has undergone dramatic changes over the past decade, with luxury towers like Anaha, Ae’o, and the Ward Village developments setting new standards for high-end island living. The Kahuina project’s emphasis on affordability marks a significant departure from this trend.

The mixed-income approach means families earning between 80% and 120% of area median income will have access to units in a neighborhood where market-rate condos routinely sell for over $1 million. For a family of four, that translates to household incomes roughly between $95,000 and $142,000 qualifying for workforce housing units.

“This project represents exactly what our community needs — housing options for working families who want to live close to where they work,” said Maria Santos, executive director of the Hawaii Housing Coalition. “Too often, we see developments in prime locations that price out local residents entirely.”

Stanford Carr Development has built a reputation for incorporating affordable components into luxury projects, though the Kahuina development represents their largest affordable housing commitment to date in Kakaako. The developer has previously delivered mixed-income projects in other Honolulu neighborhoods, including areas of Kalihi and Salt Lake.

Strategic Location Advantages

The Block C location offers residents convenient access to downtown employment centers, with many units likely to house workers from nearby Honolulu’s business district and the growing tech sector presence in Kakaako itself. The neighborhood has attracted companies like Hawaiian Airlines’ headquarters and numerous startups to its modern office spaces.

Transit connectivity will be a key selling point, with the planned rail system’s Keeaumoku Station providing future access to West Oahu communities. The development also sits within walking distance of Ala Moana Beach Park and the new Kakaako Waterfront Park, offering residents recreational amenities that typically command premium prices.

The timing of the 2026 groundbreaking aligns with broader infrastructure improvements planned for the area, including street upgrades and expanded pedestrian pathways that will better connect Kakaako’s various districts.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

The Kahuina project arrives as Honolulu grapples with a severe housing affordability crisis that has pushed many local families to the mainland or into overcrowded living situations. Recent data shows that Honolulu ranks among the least affordable housing markets in the nation, with median home prices approaching $1 million.

The 861-unit development will provide a substantial addition to the city’s affordable housing inventory, particularly in a neighborhood that has largely catered to luxury buyers. The mixed-income model also avoids the concentration of poverty that can occur in purely affordable developments.

Project details, including specific unit layouts and pricing structures for the affordable component, are expected to be released as the development moves through the city’s approval process. Stanford Carr Development has indicated that sales information will become available closer to the construction timeline.

For Honolulu residents struggling to find affordable housing options in desirable neighborhoods, the Kahuina project represents a significant opportunity. The development’s success could also serve as a model for future projects that balance market-rate and affordable units in prime locations.

As Kakaako continues its evolution into a major residential and commercial hub, the Kahuina project will test whether large-scale affordable housing can coexist with the neighborhood’s luxury market trends. For many local families, it may represent their best chance to establish roots in one of Oahu’s most dynamic communities.