Contemporary Living for our Kupuna

Hale Makana o Moiliili is a modern affordable housing complex for local kupuna. The project was inspired by the rich agricultural history of Moiliili, a neighborhood in Honolulu that was once abundant with kalo and rice fields. Architectural firm AHL designed Hale Makana O Moiliili with accessibility and comfort in mind.

Honored for excellence in the 2023 BIA-Hawaii Building Industry Design and Construction Awards, Hale Makana O Moiliili exemplifies smart and sustainable living in its 80 studio, one-bath units and 25 one-bedroom, one-bath units. The interior of each apartment is curated with beautiful state-of-the-art finishes, stone countertops, custom locally made cabinets and energy-efficient appliances.

The six-story condo complex is one of the tallest wood-frame buildings in Hawaii. AHL and its project partners cleverly opted for all-wood construction with a concrete podium base topped by five stories of stick frame. That decision resulted in a significantly accelerated project timeline, allowing residents to move in faster.

Developers opted for all-wood construction for the condo complex, with a concrete podium base topped by five stories of stick frame.

Authentic and traditional Hawaiian artwork by local fashion brand Manuhealii imbue spaces with warmth and style.

AHL’s commitment to sustainability benefits the environment and ensures a healthier and more comfortable living space for kupuna. Hale Makana O Moiliili is LEED Gold certified and thoughtfully built with recycled materials and renewable wood composite. Fiber cement siding increases fire resistance and solar panels illuminate pathways and parking and provide power for shared building utilities. The complex also features water-efficient fixtures, drip irrigation and native drought-resistant landscaping.

The design team collaborated with noted local fashion brand Manuhealii to incorporate authentic and traditional Hawaiian artwork in the complex. Artwork in the main entrance was inspired by old Honolulu Stadium, a neighborhood fixture for decades.

“In the past, upon entering the stadium, fans were greeted by a line of lei shops operated by kupuna showcasing their lei-making skills,” says Lester Ng, design principal at AHL. The artwork at the building’s main entrance, and the lei pattern displayed throughout the project, are tributes to those days.

Each apartment features fine finishes, stone countertops, locally made cabinets and energy-efficient appliances.

Hale Makana O Moiliili was designed with amenities for comfort and aging-in-place.

Other key features of Hale Makana O Moiliili include ADA-accessibility and multifunctional spaces. The administration office is also a computer learning center equipped with modern technology, and the elevator lobby doubles as an outdoor gathering place and lounge. The community center is a social hub where gatherings and cultural practices are shared. Additionally, the communal laundry facility has high-tech washers and dryers that can be operated by mobile app for convenience and efficiency.

A testament to the impact of community collaboration, Hale Makana O Moiliili came together through a joint effort by AHL, Manuhealii, Ikenakea Development, general contractor Moss & Associates, Belden Consulting Engineers, and others.

“Hale Makana O Moiliili is exactly the type of housing project McCully needs,” says Ng. “Our kupuna can age in place, be close to their families and friends, surrounded by shopping and other daily needs, and still have access to open spaces and public beaches.”

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.