Ilima at Ward Village will be the 14th planned tower within the prestigious Ward Village community, developed through an innovative partnership between Howard Hughes Corporation and Discovery Land Company. This ultra-luxury condominium project represents a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to redefine luxury living in Honolulu.
Designed by renowned New York City-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects in collaboration with local firm AHL, Ilima exudes a distinct architectural style that harmonizes with its companion tower, Melia. The design draws inspiration from the original architects of the Honolulu Museum of Art and YWCA Building, as well as local architects Charles W. Dickey and Vladimir Ossipoff, who designed the historic IBM Building next door. The development embraces Honolulu’s historic architecture by incorporating elements such as multi-slope roofs and screens, offset axial planning principles, and colonnades.
Location & Site
Ilima will be constructed on a prime 1.8-acre lot in Ilima of Ward Village, currently occupied by Ward Centre (specifically where Kid City is located). This front-row development is positioned directly across from Ala Moana Beach Park, between the historic IBM Building and Melia at Ward Village. The tower will be set back 75 feet from Ala Moana Boulevard, enhancing its prestigious positioning.
The location provides unmatched convenience with easy access to nearby neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas including Ala Moana Shopping Center and Waikiki. Nearby attractions include the future Ka Lei Park and Diamond Head Plaza Park, which will provide additional open spaces for community gathering.
The Club, Amenities & Services
Ilima sets itself apart with an unprecedented amenities package spanning two full floors:
- 5th Floor: 39,000 sq ft outdoor area and 21,700 sq ft indoor space (75% of total amenity space)
- 6th Floor: 4,700 sq ft outdoor area and 8,100 sq ft indoor space (25% of total amenity space)
These amenities will be managed by Mohala, an exclusive club owned by Discovery Land Company, offering a luxury resort experience with comprehensive concierge services. The amenities include:
- Three restaurants
- Lap pool and resort-style family pool
- Pool bar
- Hot tub
- Full-service spa
- Fitness center/gym
- Sauna and steam room
- Lounge areas
- Dining room
- Kid’s club and play area
- BBQ facilities
- Arcade games
- Juice bars
- Golf simulator
- Convenience store
- Small vegetable garden (6th floor)
- Yacht for members’ exclusive use
Club membership is optional for owners, requiring an initial joining fee ($250,000) and recurring annual dues ($60,000). Non-members will not have access to the restaurants and amenities. The club will provide premium services such as valet parking, pre-stocked groceries upon arrival, and concierge booking for restaurants and outings.
Residences
Each residence at Ilima is meticulously designed with attention to detail and luxurious finishes:
- All bedrooms are en-suite with private bathrooms
- All residences include a powder room
- Most units facing the ocean or Diamond Head feature lanais
- Top floors offer lanais on all sides
- Units can be combined to create larger, custom floor plans
- Kitchens and bathrooms offer multiple customization options beyond color schemes
Standard floors will typically feature six units, comprising two three-bedroom and four two-bedroom layouts. The design emphasizes spaciousness, privacy, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the ocean.
Building Specifications
- Height: 33 stories, rising 400 feet
- Units: 148 luxurious residences
- Unit Mix: 92 two-bedrooms, 48 three-bedrooms, 6 four-bedrooms, 1 five-bedroom, and 1 six-bedroom
- Floor Plans: 30 unique layouts across floors 7-33
- Building Shape: L-shaped design to maximize ocean views
- Ceiling Heights: Predominantly 10’6″ to 11′
- Elevators: Three residential elevators and one service elevator
- Parking: Valet service for all owners and their guests
- Additional Storage: Dedicated storage for all units
- Bicycle Parking: 65 bicycle stalls
Podium & Commercial Space
A five-story, 65-foot-tall podium will wrap around the base of the tower, housing parking and additional facilities. The podium’s rooftop will serve as the foundation for Ilima’s outdoor amenities. At street level, approximately 7,400 sq ft of commercial space will face Auahi Street, contributing to the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. The podium is set back 15 feet from both Auahi Street and Ala Moana Boulevard, featuring wide sidewalks, shade trees, and thoughtful landscaping to create a welcoming pedestrian environment.
Design Philosophy
The name “Ilima” was influenced by native Hawaiian flowers, plants, and animals found along Hawaii’s shorelines. Ilima is recognized as a popular flower in Hawaii and was officially designated as the flower of Oahu in 1923.
The project emphasizes a strong connection to Hawaiian culture through:
- Mauka-Makai connection (mountain to ocean)
- Integration of indigenous plants with cultural and healing significance
- Sustainable living principles
- Carefully selected coastal and native plants throughout common grounds
- Landscaping that blends with the botanical garden at the IBM Building
Ka Lei Park
Enhancing the area’s appeal, the nearby Ka Lei Park will offer over 36,000 sq ft of open space. This park will feature:
- Grass lawns
- Landscaped walkways
- Shaded seating areas
- Kids’ play area
- Native plants
- Public art installations
- Spaces for personal reflection and community interaction
The park honors the rich cultural tradition of lei giving and serves as a space where locals and visitors can immerse themselves in Hawaii’s land, people, and traditions.
Key Contributors
- Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects (in collaboration with AHL Design)
- Interior Design: Champalimaud Design
- Landscape Design: Vita, Inc.
- Developers: Howard Hughes Corporation and Discovery Land Company
Pricing & Timeline
Ilima is anticipated to become the most exclusive and expensive tower in Honolulu. Residences will likely be priced in the $2,500 to $4,500 per sq ft range, with many homes near $3,500 per sq ft. Prices will likely start above $4,000,000. Maintenance/HOA fees are estimated at $1.86 per sq ft, separate from club membership dues.
- Two-bedroom units range from $4.1 million to $7.7 million
- Three-bedroom units range from $7.4 million to $11.4 million
- Two-bedroom Penthouse level units range from $6.4 million to $6.7 million
- Three-bedroom Penthouse level units range from $7.9 million to $16.8 million
- Four-bedroom Penthouse level units range from $16.5 million to $17.8 million
- The only five-bedroom Penthouse level unit will be priced around $20.2 million
- The only six-bedroom Penthouse level unit will be priced around $23.1 million and is 5,252 sq. ft. of living space
The project is currently in the pre-construction phase, with construction expected to align with its sister tower Melia. Ilima will be completed in coordination with Melia as the 12th and 13th towers in the Ward Village master plan. Sales contracting to begin July 2025.
Ward Village Community
Ward Village stands as one of America’s most remarkable master-planned communities, spanning 60 acres with a total of 16 planned residential and mixed-use developments. Among these, 14 projects have already been announced, proposed, or developed. Ilima and Melia, situated in Land Block 4, represent the final front-row developments, offering the closest proximity to the beach, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Waikiki.
The community features restaurants, trendy retail shops, and abundant open spaces, creating an environment that celebrates community and fosters a sense of belonging.
Floor Plan
