Kō‘ula Breaks Ground in Ward Village

Under blue skies and the bright summer sun, community members, residents, architects, and civil servants gathered together in Ward Village to mark a milestone as Kō‘ula, the sixth mixed-use residential tower in the community, officially broke ground. Progressive in its lines and bold in vision, Kō‘ula incorporates not only a strong sense of place, but also a more layered sensibility of place. With Howard Hughes Corporation as a leader in beautiful place-based design and architecture, the groundbreaking at Kō‘ula signals a new chapter in the story of Ward Village.

“Our vision is to create a community that is a globally recognized destination focused on wellness, connectivity and vibrant placemaking,” says Simon Treacy, President, Hawai‘i for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Nestled along O‘ahu’s picturesque south shore, Ward Village is at the forefront of blending the best of urban and island living.”

Simon Treacy, President of Ward Village

Including 566 residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes, Kō‘ula is designed by Studio Gang, the architecture and urban design practice team led by acclaimed American architect MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang. Earlier this year, Gang was named one of Time magazine’s 100’s Most Influential People. The building’s interiors were designed by internationally recognized design firm Yabu Pushelberg, who are known for masterfully integrating natural textures, colors and finishes to reinforce a physical and emotional connection into their work. In keeping with Ward Village’s commitment to honor the cultural significance of the area and a sensibility of place, Kō‘ula eaned its namesake from renowned cultural and design team at Sig Zane Designs. The literal translation of Kō‘ula means “red sugar cane,” which references both the design of the building’s structural columns, and honors the history of the region. According to Zane, the name pays homage to the many varieties of sugar cane found in ancient Kaka‘ako.

“Beginning construction on Kō‘ula marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of our local community,” says Todd Apo, Senior Vice President, Community, The Howard Hughes Corporation. Earlier this year, Victoria Ward Park became home to an ongoing calendar of free community events that include weekly yoga, farmers’ markets, an outdoor cinema series, and live Hawaiian music and hula. With its connection to Victoria Ward Park, Kō‘ula will activate and enhance the streetscape as a dynamic gathering place and advance the transformation of Honolulu’s urban core.”

Todd Apo, SVP Community Development

Designed to connect residents and visitors with surrounding cafés, shops, and ample open green space located within the pedestrian-friendly district, Kō‘ula will seamlessly integrate in the community, creating an urban oasis in the heart of Honolulu. Inside, you’ll find that homes feature a generous private lānai, designed to maximize shade and the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of a tropical climate. Kō‘ula’s fluid exterior façade gives way to homes that bend toward the coastline, offering stunning ocean views, natural light, and breezy trade winds.

With over an acre of elevated amenities, Kō‘ula provides residents with access to a resort-style swimming pool, children’s play area, poolside cabanas, sunset lounge, a gracious lawn, spacious terraces surrounded by native landscaping, and expansive vistas. The amenity level features a spa, deluxe fitness center, and multiple event spaces. Positioned on the eighth floor, the amenity deck blends into an open-air great room that overlooks Victoria Ward Park to the west and a 42,000 square foot terrace to the east. Targeting LEED Certification, the bold structure improves environmental performance by reducing solar heat gain, making this tower as environmentally friendly as possible.

Ward Village Koula Team at Groundbreaking

Learn more about Kō‘ula at koulawardvillage.com.