Building Analysis - Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana: ~ by Jonathan Ford Building and Site Features
The Hokua, meaning "crest of the wave" in Hawaiian, is one of the finest residential high rise condominiums in Honolulu and was completed in early 2006. Made from poured concrete with double glazed floor to ceiling glass windows, the Hokua was developed Kobayashi and McNaughton, who were also responsible for other very well regarded buildings such as Capitol Place and One Ala Moana.
Upon arriving at the Hokua there is a port cochere off of Queen Street with short term guest parking in the circular driveway. From there, residents and guests are welcomed into the elegant and stylish lobby that is staffed 24/7 by residential specialists offering concierge services. There is also extensive validated guest parking in the 1st floor of the parking garage.
Apart from the ground floor lobby, the Hokua has 2 floors of commercial space including trendy restaurants, a bank and more.
Condo Type: Regular
20% down Non-US Buyer: 35% down
Common Areas for Residents
The Hokua's amenities, the bulk of which are found on the private 3rd floor recreation level, are some of the best in the city - whenever I visit I feel like just I don't want to leave. One of the developer's goals in building the Hokua was to accommodate residents in such a way that they do not miss benefits of a single family home while living in a condominium - I feel they succeeded and then some. Large parties can be accommodated in the conference room or the Ocean Terrace room which comes complete with a caterer's kitchen; while less formal gatherings can be held at one 5 outdoor covered cabana areas of varying sizes. The cabanas come with gas BBQ grills and are large enough to accommodate between 15 to 50 guests, depending on the configuration.
For exercise, there is a tennis court as well as an extensive state-of-the-art gym that includes all the equipment you would expect to find in a high-end private fitness club including: free weights, treadmills, massage rooms, a large flat screen TV for playing exercise videos and more. Kids get to play safely on the playground with special rubberized flooring. Pets can get exercise too as they run free in one of the two gated pet parks - one for big dogs and one for small.
For relaxing there is an ocean-view infinity-edge pool, hot tub, shower and grassy lounge area.
Another feature rarely found elsewhere in a Honolulu are the 5 guest suites on the recreation deck level that owners can reserve for their guests for overnight stays. Photos and details of the guest suites can be viewed on the Hokua's AOAO website.
Concierge services provided by the residential specialists include: bell service, valet, notary public, car service, delivery service and more.
In the garage area of the Hokua, units also come with either a good sized storage locker or a private storage room. There is surfboard storage as well as bicycle storage on the ground level. Shopping carts are available at each level of the parking garage to assist with groceries and even the parking elevator lobbies are elegant.
There is also a dedicated service elevator that is separate from the 4 residential elevators to assists with move-ins and service workers.
Private Condo Features
Located directly across the street from Ala Moana Beach Park, the Hokua offers amazing unobstructed ocean views that are protected from future development. The best views are found in the center D units which offer 270 degree views thanks to the buildings "V" shaped design.
Every unit at the Hokua comes with a feeling of spaciousness - from extra high ceilings and large layouts to floor to ceiling double glazed windows.
Chefs at heart will appreciate that the original kitchens come standard with top of the line appliances including sub-zero fridge, Wolf gas range and oven. Many units also come with a wine fridge and double drawer dishwasher.
Master bedrooms are easily large enough for California king bed sets and come with large walk-in closets and the master baths are have a large deep soak tub, two sinks and wet-room style shower.
Most units will have a dedicated laundry rooms with side-by side washer dryer, sink and ample cabinet space.
One of the few complaints I have about the Hokua is that the lanais are very small, but the large stacking lanai doors do help create roughly an 8 foot opening to give each unit the feel of an larger outdoor area.
Of course, the Hokua has central AC and all units have sprinklers for fire protection. Each unit also has its own water shut off - a real plus for anyone who has experienced water outages due to plumbing work being done in another unit in the building.
The Bottom Line Best features: Easily one of Honolulu's best buildings, if not the best. Location, amenities, views, high ceilings and large floor plans - Hokua has it all.
Left to right: dog parks, tennis courts, covered cabanas.
Infinity pool with ocean views
Playground on rec deck.
Covered Cabanas
Recreation deck lounge
Fitness center
Condominium Configurations - Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana
Bedrooms:
2
Baths:
2
Square Feet:
1,524 - 1,531 SF
Lanai:
32
Qty:
0
Comments:
The C and E Stack have Private master suite and second bedroom are separated by a 24' x 16' living/dining area, and lanai. Ocean views throughout the residence.
Found in units: C, E
Bedrooms:
2
Baths:
2
Square Feet:
1,604 - 1,636 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
Corner residence southeast ocean and mauka views, and unique sequestered layout. Master suite and second bedroom both offer privacy from the rest of the residence, separated by entry foyer.
Found in units: G
Bedrooms:
2
Baths:
2
Square Feet:
1,534 - 1,828 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
The Hokua Featureset plus a second full closet in a demi-corner residence with southwest ocean views from both master and second bedrooms. Downtown views from lanai and living area.
Found in units: F, B
Bedrooms:
2
Baths:
2
Square Feet:
1,981 SF
Lanai:
38
Qty:
0
Comments:
Widely considered the most desirable unit configuration with an enormous living room and sweeping sunset to Diamond Head views.
Found in units: D
Bedrooms:
3 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
2.5
Square Feet:
2,220 - 2,284 SF
Lanai:
64 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
The PH-L floorplan configures the Hokua Featureset in a corner residence with double lanai and powder room, offering southeast ocean, Diamond Head and mauka views. Second and third bedrooms share second full bath.
Found in units: L
Bedrooms:
3 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
2.5
Square Feet:
2,336 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
The I floorplan includes an additional walk-in closet, a powder room off third bedroom and foyer gallery, plus the Hokua Featureset, in a demi-corner penthouse residence with southwest ocean views from all three bedrooms.
Found in units: I, PHI
Bedrooms:
3
Baths:
2.5
Square Feet:
2,320 - 2,354 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
A wraparound corner residence with the Hokua Featureset, foyer gallery, second full closet, mid-unit powder room and expansive southwest ocean, downtown and mauka views. Second and third bedroom share second full bath.
Found in units: A
Bedrooms:
3 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
2.5
Square Feet:
2,378 - 2,410 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
The Hokua featureset in a corner residence with southwest ocean and mauka views, plus a second full closet in the foyer, powder room off the dining area and foyer gallery.
Found in units: H, PHH
Bedrooms:
3 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
3.5
Square Feet:
2,544 - 2,576 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
A space-efficient layout of the Hokua Featureset, floorplan PH-K offers southeast ocean and Diamond Head views from all three bedrooms, an added powder room, a foyer gallery, and an extra walk-in closet. All bedrooms enjoy private baths.
Found in units: K, PHK
Bedrooms:
3 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
3.5
Square Feet:
3,018 - 3,050 SF
Lanai:
32 SF
Qty:
0
Comments:
To the basic Hokua featureset, the J floorplan adds a gallery to the foyer, a powder room, a media room off the main dining area and a den that adjoins the third bedroom. All bedrooms have private full bathrooms, and master suite boasts an extra walk-in closet (two in total).
Found in units: J, PHJ
Bedrooms:
4 - Penthouse Suite
Baths:
NA
Square Feet:
4,090 - 4,315 SF
Lanai:
NA
Qty:
3
Comments:
The Alii residences feature loft space, fully customizable to the owner's preferences. Found on the 40th floor.
Found in units: PH, PHA, PHB, PHC, Alii-A, AliiB, AliiC
The above active listings are based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Active listings last updated on 11/16/2024. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2024 by the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. more.
The Hokua's amenities, the bulk of which are found on the private 3rd floor recreation level, are some of the best in the city - whenever I visit I feel like just I don't want to leave. One of the developer's goals in building the Hokua was to accommodate residents in such a way that they do not miss benefits of a single family home while living in a condominium - I feel they succeeded and then some. Large parties can be accommodated in the conference room or the Ocean Terrace room which comes complete with a caterer's kitchen; while less formal gatherings can be held at one 5 outdoor covered cabana areas of varying sizes. The cabanas come with gas BBQ grills and are large enough to accommodate between 15 to 50 guests, depending on the configuration.
For exercise, there is a tennis court as well as an extensive state-of-the-art gym that includes all the equipment you would expect to find in a high-end private fitness club including: free weights, treadmills, massage rooms, a large flat screen TV for playing exercise videos and more. Kids get to play safely on the playground with special rubberized flooring. Pets can get exercise too as they run free in one of the two gated pet parks - one for big dogs and one for small.
For relaxing there is an ocean-view infinity-edge pool, hot tub, shower and grassy lounge area.
Another feature rarely found elsewhere in a Honolulu are the 5 guest suites on the recreation deck level that owners can reserve for their guests for overnight stays. Photos and details of the guest suites can be viewed on the Hokua's AOAO website.
Concierge services provided by the residential specialists include: bell service, valet, notary public, car service, delivery service and more.
In the garage area of the Hokua, units also come with either a good sized storage locker or a private storage room. There is surfboard storage as well as bicycle storage on the ground level. Shopping carts are available at each level of the parking garage to assist with groceries and even the parking elevator lobbies are elegant.
There is also a dedicated service elevator that is separate from the 4 residential elevators to assists with move-ins and service workers.
Private Condo Features
Located directly across the street from Ala Moana Beach Park, the Hokua offers amazing unobstructed ocean views that are protected from future development. The best views are found in the center D units which offer 270 degree views thanks to the buildings "V" shaped design.
Every unit at the Hokua comes with a feeling of spaciousness - from extra high ceilings and large layouts to floor to ceiling double glazed windows.
Chefs at heart will appreciate that the original kitchens come standard with top of the line appliances including sub-zero fridge, Wolf gas range and oven. Many units also come with a wine fridge and double drawer dishwasher.
Master bedrooms are easily large enough for California king bed sets and come with large walk-in closets and the master baths are have a large deep soak tub, two sinks and wet-room style shower.
Most units will have a dedicated laundry rooms with side-by side washer dryer, sink and ample cabinet space.
One of the few complaints I have about the Hokua is that the lanais are very small, but the large stacking lanai doors do help create roughly an 8 foot opening to give each unit the feel of an larger outdoor area.
Of course, the Hokua has central AC and all units have sprinklers for fire protection. Each unit also has its own water shut off - a real plus for anyone who has experienced water outages due to plumbing work being done in another unit in the building.
The Bottom Line
Best features: Easily one of Honolulu's best buildings, if not the best. Location, amenities, views, high ceilings and large floor plans - Hokua has it all.
Potential drawbacks: Price and small lanais.