Ward Village is getting a striking new addition to its award-winning oceanfront community, and it is called The Launiu. If you are a prospective buyer looking at Honolulu real estate in 2026, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about one of the most anticipated residential towers on Oahu. From pricing and floor plans to construction timelines and amenities, here is your complete resource for The Launiu at Ward Village.

What Is The Launiu at Ward Village?

The Launiu is reported to be the 11th residential tower within Ward Village, the award-winning 60-acre master-planned community in Honolulu's Kakaako neighborhood. Developed by Howard Hughes Corporation, The Launiu is a 40-story condominium tower located at 928 Ala Moana Blvd, situated at the prominent corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. This corner marks the makai (ocean-side) entry into Ward Village, making it one of the most visible and desirable positions in the entire community.

According to publicly available developer materials, the name Launiu translates to "the cool breeze" in Hawaiian and also references the coconut palm frond, a nod to the historic coconut groves that once graced the Ward family estate. The building reportedly contains 486 total residences split between 396 tower homes (floors 8 through 40) and 90 podium homes (floors 2 through 6), plus guest suites available for residents.

The tower was designed by Arquitectonica, the renowned Miami-based global architecture firm led by founding principal Bernardo Fort-Brescia. According to available information, this is Arquitectonica's first development project in Hawaii. Interior design is credited to ODADA, a San Francisco-based firm known for luxury projects worldwide, while landscape architecture is by VITA Planning and Landscape Architecture.

A Front-Row Location Like No Other

One of the most significant selling points for The Launiu is its front-row position within Ward Village. According to developer materials, it occupies one of the last front-row locations in the community, situated approximately 300 feet from both the Alia and Kalae towers. The building sits directly across from Kewalo Boat Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park, placing residents just steps from the beach.

This location at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue is not just about views. It represents the gateway into Ward Village, the only LEED-ND Platinum certified neighborhood in Hawaii, which has been named the Best Planned Community in the United States by Architectural Digest. At full buildout, Ward Village is expected to include thousands of homes and approximately one million square feet of unique retail space.

Unit Mix and Sizes

The Launiu is reported to offer a diverse mix of residences to suit a range of buyers. According to developer materials, the 486 total units break down as follows: 141 studios, 137 one-bedrooms, 143 two-bedrooms, and 65 three-bedrooms.

Tower floor plans (floors 8 through 40) reportedly include 12 units per floor arranged as 2 studios, 4 one-bedrooms, 4 two-bedrooms, and 2 three-bedrooms. Studio sizes in the tower range from approximately 440 to 442 square feet. One-bedrooms are reported at 797 to 803 square feet. Two-bedrooms range from approximately 1,132 to 1,557 square feet (some with lanais of 158 to 208 square feet). Three-bedrooms are listed at approximately 1,630 to 1,677 square feet plus lanais.

The podium levels (floors 2 through 6) contain 19 units per floor, primarily studios at approximately 458 square feet, along with one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. The second floor also includes guest suites available by reservation for residents and their visitors.

Pricing Overview

Based on publicly available developer materials, pricing at The Launiu reportedly starts at approximately $693,190 for studios, with some sources reporting starting prices around $725,000 to $749,000. One-bedrooms are listed from approximately $986,740. Two-bedrooms start from around $1,714,950, and three-bedrooms begin at approximately $3,331,020 with some units reaching $4.4 million to $5.5 million. The overall price range is approximately $720,000 to over $5,000,000.

Estimated monthly maintenance fees are reported at approximately $1.25 per square foot, which translates to a range of roughly $550 to $2,617 per month depending on unit size. The Launiu is offered as fee simple ownership.

Residences reportedly come with notable standard features including 9-foot ceilings in main living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, oak wood engineered flooring, Studio Becker cabinetry, quartzite stone countertops, Sub-Zero refrigerators, and Wolf cooking appliances.

Construction Status and Timeline

The Launiu broke ground on October 22, 2025, with Swinerton serving as the general contractor. According to a Ward Village spokesperson quoted in October 2025 reports, construction is expected to be completed in 2028. Buyers should verify the most current completion timeline directly with the developer, as construction schedules are subject to change.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Ward Village and Swinerton reportedly donated a combined $40,000 to the Laukahi Network and Downtown Arts Center, reflecting the community-oriented vision of the Ward Village development.

Resort-Style Amenities at Level 7

The Launiu's Level 7 amenity deck is reported to be a standout feature. According to developer materials, amenities include a resort pool, fitness pool, hydrotherapy spa with massage room, great lawn, sunset deck, palm deck, five named clubrooms, a catering kitchen, dining cabanas, a play structure for families, a tide pool (shallow wading pool), BBQ grills, locker rooms, a fitness room, and a movement studio for yoga. Ground-level amenities reportedly include gardens, a lobby area, dog run, casual meeting spaces, and retail or restaurant spaces along landscaped sidewalks.

How Buyers Can Get Started

Whether you are a first-time buyer eyeing a studio or a move-up buyer considering a three-bedroom oceanfront residence, having an independent buyer's agent on your side can make a significant difference in how you navigate a new development purchase. Unlike the developer's sales team, an independent buyer's agent works exclusively in your interest, helping you evaluate floor plans, understand contract terms, compare options within the building, and negotiate where possible.

It is important to note that we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as sales representatives for this development or Howard Hughes Corporation. We are independent buyer's agents who can help you navigate the purchase process with your best interest in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Launiu

What is The Launiu at Ward Village?

The Launiu is reported to be the 11th residential tower in Ward Village, a 40-story condominium with 486 residences developed by Howard Hughes Corporation at 928 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu's Kakaako neighborhood.

How many units are in The Launiu?

According to developer materials, The Launiu contains 486 total residences: 396 tower homes on floors 8 through 40 and 90 podium homes on floors 2 through 6. The unit mix reportedly includes 141 studios, 137 one-bedrooms, 143 two-bedrooms, and 65 three-bedrooms.

What do prices start at for The Launiu?

Based on publicly available developer materials, studios reportedly start at approximately $693,190. One-bedrooms begin around $986,740. Two-bedrooms start from approximately $1,714,950, and three-bedrooms from approximately $3,331,020. The overall range is reported to be approximately $720,000 to over $5,000,000. Pricing is subject to change and should be verified directly with the developer.

When will The Launiu be completed?

According to a Ward Village spokesperson quoted in October 2025, construction is expected to be completed in 2028. Groundbreaking occurred on October 22, 2025. Buyers should verify the current timeline directly with the developer as schedules are subject to change.

What is the difference between tower and podium residences?

Tower residences occupy floors 8 through 40 and include studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and three-bedrooms with 12 units per floor. Podium residences are located on floors 2 through 6 with 19 units per floor, primarily consisting of studios. Tower units reportedly have access to larger floor plans and higher elevation views, while podium units may offer a more accessible entry point.

Do I need a buyer's agent for a new development purchase?

While it is not required, having an independent buyer's agent can provide significant advantages. A buyer's agent works exclusively in your interest, helping you evaluate floor plans, understand contract terms, review disclosures, and navigate the purchase process. Unlike the developer's sales team, an independent agent is not obligated to the developer.

Ready to Explore The Launiu at Ward Village?

Interested in The Launiu at Ward Village? As independent buyer's agents, we help you navigate the purchase process with your best interest in mind -- not the developer's. Whether you are comparing floor plans, evaluating pricing, or trying to understand the contract process for a new construction condo, the Kristy & Austin Home Group is here to provide a confidential consultation tailored to your needs.

Contact Kristy & Austin Home Group today to discuss your options at The Launiu and across Ward Village.

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, floor plans, amenities, and features referenced are based on publicly available developer materials and may change without notice. Kristy & Austin Home Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as a sales representative for this development or Howard Hughes Corporation. Always verify all details directly with the developer or your licensed real estate professional before making any purchasing decisions.