New Projects • March 7, 2026

ʻIlima at Ward Village: The New Standard of Front-Row Luxury

by Sarah Chien-Lee

The Quick Take: The 13th tower in the award-winning Ward Village master plan has arrived. ʻIlima isn’t just another condo; it’s a collaboration between Howard Hughes and Discovery Land Company, bringing “Private Club” service to the heart of Honolulu.

🏛️ Architecture Meets Art

Designed by the world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), ʻIlima moves away from the “glass box” look of typical modern towers. Instead, it draws inspiration from Honolulu’s historic architecture, featuring:

Precast Stone Facades: Giving the building a timeless, elegant aesthetic.
L-Shaped Design: Carefully oriented to maximize protected views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head.
Spacious Estates: Focusing on expansive 2-bedroom to 6-bedroom residences meant for true “estate-style” living.

🏊 The “Mohala” Experience

The standout feature is the Mohala Owners’ Club. This isn’t just an amenity deck; it’s a lifestyle managed by Discovery Land Company (the team behind the exclusive Kūkiʻo on the Big Island).

81,000+ Sq. Ft. of Amenities: Including resort-style pools, a fitness hale, and a spa grotto.
Signature Concierge: Personalized service that handles everything from outdoor pursuits to private dining.
Exclusive Dining: On-site culinary experiences reserved for residents and their guests.

📍 Location: The Final Front Row

Situated at 1238 Ala Moana Blvd, ʻIlima sits directly across from Ala Moana Beach Park. It occupies one of the last remaining “front-row” parcels, ensuring that your view corridors remain some of the best in the world.

Sarah’s Take: “If you’ve been waiting for a building that combines the luxury of a 5-star resort with the soul of old Honolulu, ʻIlima is it. The partnership with Discovery Land Company is a total game-changer for Ward Village.”

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are available at ʻIlima? The tower features only 148 residences, focusing on larger floor plans rather than smaller studios.

What makes the amenity deck different? It is managed by Discovery Land Company, bringing a level of service – like a signature concierge and private club feel – that is unique to this project.

Where is it located? It is on the front row of Ward Village at 1238 Ala Moana Blvd, offering protected ocean views and immediate beach park access.

Want the Inside Track on ʻIlima?

Sales for owner-occupants and ultra-luxury penthouses follow a specific timeline. Contact me today for the latest pricing, floor plans, and to schedule a private presentation.

Market News • March 6, 2026

The March 2026 Oʻahu Market Reset: Is it Time to Make Your Move?

by Sarah Chien-Lee

🏝️ What’s Happening Right Now?

We are officially in a “Market Reset.” After a quiet start to the year, the March data shows a clear shift toward a more balanced environment. Here is the pulse of the island today:

More Options: Inventory is finally creeping up as we enter the spring “listing season.”
Breathing Room: The average “Days on Market” is increasing. You likely won’t have to decide on a million-dollar investment in 24 hours.
Pricing is King: Homes that are priced based on 2024 expectations are sitting; homes priced for today’s rates are moving fast.

🔍 Who Wins in a Reset?

For Buyers: Leverage is Back

The reset means you have the power to ask for repairs, request credits, and actually perform a thorough inspection. It’s a move from a “take it or leave it” market to a “let’s talk” market.

For Sellers: Strategy is Everything

You can’t just stick a sign in the yard and wait for 10 offers anymore. Success in March 2026 requires:

Professional Staging: Making that first impression count.
Hyper-Local Pricing: What’s happening in Ewa Beach is different from Diamond Head.
Aggressive Marketing: Reaching buyers where they are (social media and video).

Sarah’s Insight: “Don’t let the headlines scare you. A balanced market is a healthy market. It rewards those who have a plan rather than those who just have the fastest ‘submit’ finger.”

📍 Is Now Your Time?

Whether you’re looking for a condo in Kakaʻako or a multi-generational home in Kāneʻohe, the “Reset” affects every neighborhood differently.

Want to know your home’s new value in this reset? Message me for a custom Market Report and let’s figure out if this is your window of opportunity.