Waihonua at Kewalo

Project Details

Project Description

Waihonua is located on the southern coast of the island of Oahu, half way between Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The final building of a mixed-use Planned Development has become the catalyst for the newly emerging urban neighborhood, Kakaako. The slender 43-story residential tower is deliberately oriented on an axis emphasizing the makai (Ocean) to mauna (Mountain) view corridors and respectfully leaving the site’s indigenous burial grounds undisturbed. The tower’s position allows for an expansive grade level entry framed by authentic basalt landscape walls and coconut trees while screening the parking garage to the rear of the building. Lanais are located on sun exposed elevations, providing residents cool shade in the hot, tropical environment. Trellis structures and shade devices are also incorporated on the expansive common area and activity deck. The makai facade is reinforced by a stone base, addressing the urban feel and pedestrian scale of the neighborhood, with complimentary glass colors that break up the tower’s large scale. A full height iconic architectural feature ties the grade level entry canopy to a projecting trellis cap at the top, unifying the overall composition while reinforcing the residential character and identity of the building.