Kaka’ako Condos – Honolulu, Hawaii

I talked yesterday about how this area is being redeveloped with private and non-profit partnerships. The shopping mall, Salt to Our Kaka’ako, is the retail component surrounded by residential. In Honolulu, with expensive land, retails typically means substantial multi-family developments. Here we see high-rise and mid-rise condos located next to the shopping mall.

The foreground mid-rise and the blue tower, on the right, are the newest developments. There are also similar buildings on the other side. Beyond this community, there appeared to be numerous newly constructed residential in this up-and-coming neighborhood.

High-rise buildings can seem sexy with their potentially dramatic views. If I have a choice, however, I prefer the mid-rise buildings. They seem more human-scaled. And from the inside, you don’t feel disconnected from the street. Also, it’s a quick elevator ride to the outside and potential options for using the stairs.

I have a free monthly newsletter that’s perfect for busy people. Signup for the Newsletter to get the best of my posts, old and new, plus additional content not available anywhere else.