Your Guide to Living in Kakaako
Honolulu’s newest urban centerpiece, Kakaako caters to all of its residents with its wide selection of bars, beaches and bistros.
Hip, vibrant and modern — these are just a few words that spring to mind when imagining the Kakaako lifestyle. Complete with trendy breweries and restaurants, juice bars, stylish retailers and other exciting gathering spaces, Kakaako is a popular destination for urban living in the heart of Honolulu — and is the perfect location for people looking to enjoy the pleasures and convenience of life in metro Oahu.
“The area is in an extremely convenient location for shopping and dining,” says List Sotheby’s International Realty agent Esther Park, who has an outstanding track record selling real estate in Hawaii. “With a trendy, modern vibe, the planned community offers just about everything you may need to suit your lifestyle.”
While the planned community is small, Kakaako has no shortage of restaurants, attractions, services and other local businesses. This sophisticated neighborhood sits on the water’s edge, and is conveniently situated between Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. “The area features a safe environment that is great for all types of residents, and the scenic pathways are ideal for all to enjoy,” Park says.
Anchored by the popular Salt at Our Kakaako complex, Kakaako breweries and eateries are diverse and world-class, including favorites like Arvo, Bevy, Butcher & Bird, Hank’s Haute Dogs, Highway Inn, Moku Kitchen, Pioneer Saloon and Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room. Coffee drinkers and juicers alike can find solace at 9Bar HNL, Juic’d Life Health Bar, Lanikai Juice, Morning Brew and Starbucks. If you’re looking to work off your dining selections, hit up Infinity Movement Studio or Orangetheory Fitness.
As a modern, developed little city within a city, Kakaako’s buildings are new, luxurious and sophisticated. New condominiums, including Waiea, Anaha, Hokua and Aeo, provide the vast majority of the housing in Kakaako. As most of the condos were constructed in the past decade, they bear a striking resemblance to one another and feature top-notch architecture paired with elegant, modern design.
For shopping and services, Kakaako offers a wide selection for residents to choose from, including local boutiques, beauty lounges, music stores and more. Popular spots also located in the Salt complex include 1 Point Tattoo, Epik Chiro, Happiness U, Kahala, Lash Love Beauty Lounge, Milo and Salon Tiffany.
Near all of that is Kakaako Waterfront Park. Situated near Ala Moana Beach Park, Kakaako Waterfront Park has picnic tables, a paved jogging path, rolling hills and a large amphitheater for outdoor events. “For the adventurous types, Kakaako has everything on offer except for mountains and hikes, however even those are just a short distance away,” says Park. “The convenience of being so close to the beach, mountains and city life saves so much time for residents and makes living in Kakaako easy and enjoyable.”
If you’re looking to purchase a piece of paradise, visit the List Sotheby’s International Realty website for a list of real estate agents and properties.
Esther Park, Realtor, HI License RB-21002, 489-6733, esther.park@sothebysrealty.com. Find her agent profile page here.
