What Are The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu?

If you have been following the ultra-luxury real estate market in Honolulu, you have likely heard about one of the most anticipated developments in the history of Oahu. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu is reported to be a mixed-use tower located at 1687 Kapiolani Blvd in the heart of the Ala Moana District. According to publicly available developer materials, this project is set to bring 99 exclusive private residences and a 125-room Mandarin Oriental hotel to one of the most desirable intersections on the island, where Kapiolani Boulevard meets Atkinson Drive.

The development is brought to life through a collaboration between Mana'olana Partners, an ownership entity established by Salem Partners (a Los Angeles-based investment bank, real estate, and wealth management firm), and the internationally renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which is headquartered in Hong Kong and operates 36 or more hotels and residences across 24 or more countries worldwide.

This guide is designed to give prospective buyers a thorough understanding of what this project entails, the current timeline, pricing expectations, and how to take the first step toward ownership.

Tower Specifications and Design

According to developer materials, the tower is reported to rise 37 stories and stand approximately 418 feet tall, encompassing roughly 743,000 square feet of mixed-use space. The design team includes auWorkshop architects+urbanists as the lead design architect, with AHL (Architects Hawaii Ltd.) serving as the executive architect. Interior design for residences is credited to Dianna Wong Architects + Interior Design, while Meyer Davis is reported to handle the hotel interiors. Hart Howerton serves as the landscape architect, and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. is the construction manager.

The tower is organized with hotel guestrooms and suites reported to occupy floors 9 through approximately 18 or 19, featuring 125 guestrooms and suites with a reported 35 percent suite-to-guestroom ratio. The 99 private residences are expected to occupy floors 20 through 38, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, the Ko'olau Mountains, Waikiki, and Ala Moana.

Unit Mix, Sizing, and Residence Features

The residential component includes approximately 48 two-bedroom units averaging around 1,494 to 1,558 square feet, approximately 47 three-bedroom units averaging around 2,300 to 2,455 square feet, and select four-bedroom units and penthouses ranging from approximately 2,540 to 5,988 square feet. Standard units are reported to range from roughly 1,450 to nearly 3,700 square feet, while penthouses may reach approximately 6,000 square feet.

There are reported to be three penthouses in total. Two duplex-style penthouses span floors 37 and 38, each with four bedrooms at approximately 4,000 and 5,000 square feet respectively. The crown jewel is the Hale Lani penthouse on the top floor, reported to feature four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, approximately 5,300 to 6,000 square feet of living space, a 430-plus square foot lanai, and dedicated spaces for exercise, a home theater, and a private office.

Residence features, according to publicly available information, include floor-to-ceiling windows with custom frames, expansive trellised lanais, spacious open floor plans, and a neutral color palette with simple geometry. Residential furnishings are provided by Molteni&C Dada, an internationally recognized Italian luxury brand. Named floor plans include Hale Malama, Hale Nalu, Hale Moani, Hale Opua, Hale Ahe, and Hale 'Ano, each offering distinct layouts and orientations.

Pricing Overview

Publicly available information suggests that pre-construction pricing starts from approximately $3.6 million. The Hale Lani penthouse has been reported in various sources at price points ranging from approximately $20 million to $35 million, depending on the source and time period of the listing. It is important to note that pricing may change and prospective buyers should verify all current pricing directly with the developer.

Maintenance fees are reported at approximately $1.24 per square foot plus a $0.13 per square foot Mandarin brand fee. The project is offered as fee simple ownership, meaning buyers own the land beneath the building as well as the unit itself, which is an important distinction in the Hawaii real estate market.

The sales gallery operates by invitation only. Interested buyers can learn more by visiting the official website at moresidenceshonolulu.com.

Current Construction Timeline

It is important to be transparent that the construction timeline for this project has shifted multiple times. Originally announced in 2017 as Mana'olana Place, the project was the first approved development in the Ala Moana Transit-Oriented District. The development was reportedly ready to break ground in early 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase 1 sitework began in December 2022, with Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company handling foundation work. The project previously targeted a 2025 completion date, but as of a September 2025 update, site preparation was reported to be underway, with groundbreaking now expected in Spring 2026 and delivery targeted for the first half of 2030.

Buyers should verify the most current timeline directly with the developer, as dates are subject to change. The sales gallery reopened in March 2022, and pre-construction sales have been underway since that time.

How Buyers Can Get Started

For prospective buyers, the first step is typically visiting the sales gallery, which currently operates by invitation only. Having an experienced buyer's agent on your side can be invaluable when navigating a pre-construction purchase of this magnitude. A buyer's agent works in your best interest, not the developer's, helping you evaluate pricing, negotiate terms, review contracts, and understand the nuances of Hawaii's real estate laws.

Whether you are a local resident, a mainland buyer looking for a second home, or an international purchaser seeking a foothold in the Hawaii luxury market, professional representation ensures your investment is protected from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu?

It is a 37-story mixed-use tower at 1687 Kapiolani Blvd in the Ala Moana District, combining 99 private residences with a 125-room Mandarin Oriental hotel, developed by Mana'olana Partners in partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

How many units are available?

There are 99 exclusive private residences spanning floors 20 through 38, with a mix of two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom units, and penthouses.

What do prices start at?

Pre-construction pricing is reported to start from approximately $3.6 million, with penthouse pricing ranging significantly higher. All pricing should be verified directly with the developer.

When will it be completed?

As of the most recent update, groundbreaking is expected in Spring 2026, with delivery targeted for the first half of 2030. Note that timelines have shifted multiple times, so buyers should verify directly with the developer.

Can I tour the property?

The sales gallery operates by invitation only. Visit moresidenceshonolulu.com or work with a buyer's agent who can help arrange access on your behalf.

Do I need a buyer's agent?

While not legally required, having a buyer's agent is highly recommended for a pre-construction purchase of this scale. An independent buyer's agent represents your interests, not the developer's, and can help with contract review, negotiation, due diligence, and understanding the full scope of the purchase.

Considering The Residences at Mandarin Oriental? As independent buyer's agents, we help you navigate the purchase process with your best interest in mind, not the developer's. 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, 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. Always verify all details directly with the developer or your licensed real estate professional before making any purchasing decisions.