If you're a buyer exploring new construction in Honolulu, Kuilei Place is reported to be one of the most significant residential developments to rise in the Moʻiliʻili neighborhood in years. Located at 2599 Kapiolani Blvd, at the corner of Kapiolani Blvd and Mahiai Street near the Date Street intersection, this $619 million project is designed to bring 1,005 residences to a 3.15-acre site that was previously home to 141 mid-century walkup apartments. Developed through a partnership between Kobayashi Group and BlackSand Capital under the entity 2599 Kapiolani LLC, Kuilei Place represents a bold step toward addressing Hawaiʻi's housing shortage with a 60/40 affordable-to-market unit split. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything prospective buyers need to know.
What Is Kuilei Place?
According to developer materials, Kuilei Place is a mixed-income residential development consisting of two connected structures: a 43-story tower on the Diamond Head side (floors 13 through 43) and a 12-story mid-rise building facing Kapiolani Blvd (floors 2 through 12). These structures are connected by a 13-story parking structure with a speed ramp. The tower is reported to reach approximately 400 feet in height, making it a prominent addition to the Honolulu skyline.
The project is supported by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and was approved under a 201H affordable housing permit. Of the 1,005 total residences, 603 units (60%) are designated as affordable or workforce housing targeting households at 80% to 140% of Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining 402 units (40%) are market-rate residences. This structure is designed to serve a broad range of buyers, from first-time homebuyers in essential careers like teachers, nurses, doctors, and police officers to buyers seeking market-rate new construction in urban Honolulu.
The development team brings together some of Hawaiʻi's most experienced firms. Kobayashi Group, a family-owned and Hawaiʻi-focused developer led by CEO Alana Kobayashi Pakkala with co-founders Patrick Kobayashi and BJ Kobayashi, is partnered with BlackSand Capital, a Hawaiʻi-focused real estate private equity firm. Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. (ACK) serves as the general contractor, while Design Partners Incorporated (DPI), led by Principal Steve Teves, is the architect. Philpotts Interiors, with Partner Holly Boling Ruiz and Project Designer Britney Gildea, handles interior design. Walters Kimura Motoda is the structural engineer.
Unit Mix and Sizing Overview
Publicly available information suggests that the market-rate unit mix includes 54 one-bedrooms, 253 two-bedrooms, 86 three-bedrooms, and 9 ground-floor loft units (1BR+Den/1.5BA). On the affordable side, there are reportedly 148 one-bedrooms, 382 two-bedrooms, and 73 three-bedrooms.
Tower units on floors 13 through 42 are reported to have 21 units per floor, with sizes ranging from 548 square feet for a one-bedroom to over 1,100 square feet for a three-bedroom. All tower units reportedly include lanais. Mid-rise units on floors 2 through 12 feature 15 to 16 units per floor in one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, with no lanais. The nine ground-floor loft units along Kapiolani Blvd are particularly distinctive, offering 1,316 to 1,318 square feet, 14.5-foot ceilings, two-level floor plans, and parking directly behind each unit.
Pricing: Affordable and Market Tiers
According to publicly available developer materials, market-rate pricing was as follows: one-bedrooms (54 units) from $685,500 to $780,000, two-bedrooms (253 units) from $893,500 to $1,099,000, three-bedrooms (86 units) from $1,222,000 to $1,225,000, and loft units (9 units) from $1,308,800 to $1,318,800. As of the April 2025 groundbreaking, all market one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units are reported to be sold out.
Affordable unit pricing is reported as follows: one-bedrooms (148 units) from $370,600 to $557,800, two-bedrooms (382 units) from $521,800 to $732,300, and three-bedrooms (73 units) from $695,900 to $813,300. These affordable units target households at 80% to 140% of Area Median Income (AMI) and have specific eligibility requirements administered through HHFDC.
It is important to understand the distinction between affordable and market units. Affordable units come with income restrictions and eligibility requirements, while market units have no such restrictions. Estimated HOA or maintenance fees are reported at $0.64 to $0.68 per square foot, and the fee structure is fee simple ownership.
Construction Timeline and Sales Status
Kuilei Place held its blessing and groundbreaking ceremony on April 9, 2025, attended by Governor Josh Green, HHFDC Executive Director Dean Minakami, Mayor Rick Blangiardi, City Council Chair Tommy Waters, and Kobayashi Group leadership. According to the Kobayashi Group website, estimated completion is targeted for Q4 2027.
As of the groundbreaking, the project was reported to be over 85% sold. All market-rate one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units are reported as sold out from the developer. Some loft units and affordable units may still be available, and resale listings have already begun appearing on the market. For buyers who missed the initial sales window, the resale market now represents the primary opportunity to secure a unit at Kuilei Place.
Location and Neighborhood
Situated in the Moʻiliʻili neighborhood of Honolulu, Kuilei Place is adjacent to Iolani School and near Kaimuki High School. The area offers convenient access to Market City Shopping Center, Ala Wai Golf Course, and easy freeway access. The neighborhood is walkable to local restaurants and shops, and the project is reported to include infrastructure improvements such as moving some electricity poles underground, which may help revitalize the broader Moʻiliʻili area.
For more information, buyers can visit the developer's website at kuileiplace.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kuilei Place?
According to developer materials, Kuilei Place is a 1,005-unit mixed-income residential development at 2599 Kapiolani Blvd in Honolulu's Moʻiliʻili neighborhood, featuring a 43-story tower and a 12-story mid-rise connected by a 13-story parking structure.
How many units does Kuilei Place have?
The project is reported to contain 1,005 total residences, including 603 affordable or workforce units and 402 market-rate units.
What is the affordable vs. market split?
Publicly available information indicates a 60/40 split, with 603 affordable units targeting households at 80% to 140% of Area Median Income and 402 market-rate units with no income restrictions.
Are market units still available from the developer?
As of the April 2025 groundbreaking, all market-rate one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units were reported as sold out. Some loft units and affordable units may still be available. Resale listings have already begun to appear.
When will Kuilei Place be complete?
According to the Kobayashi Group website, the estimated completion target is Q4 2027. Construction broke ground in April 2025.
Do I need a buyer's agent for a resale purchase?
While not legally required, working with an independent buyer's agent can help you navigate the purchase process, review disclosures, and negotiate on your behalf. As independent buyer's agents, we represent your interests rather than the developer's.
Ready to Explore Kuilei Place?
Interested in Kuilei Place? Whether you're exploring affordable housing eligibility or the resale market, our team can help. As independent buyer's agents, we navigate the process with your best interest in mind. Contact Kristy & Austin Home Group for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate advice, legal advice, or an offer to sell or buy property. All information is believed to be accurate as of the publication date but is subject to change. Pricing, timelines, income limits, floor plans, amenities, and features referenced are based on publicly available developer materials, HHFDC information, and MLS data and may change without notice. Kristy & Austin Home Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as a sales representative for this development, Kobayashi Group, BlackSand Capital, or HHFDC. Always verify all details — especially affordable housing eligibility requirements and income limits — directly with the developer, HHFDC, or your licensed real estate professional before making any purchasing decisions.
