Melia at Ward Village is a new proposed luxury real estate development that will replace Ward Centre as part of the prestigious Ward Village community. This 35-story tower, developed by Howard Hughes Corporation, will feature 242 luxury condominiums and stands as the 13th planned tower within the master-planned community.
Designed by renowned New York City-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) in collaboration with local firm AHL, Melia shares a similar architectural style with its companion tower, Ilima. The design draws inspiration from historic Honolulu architecture, incorporating materials that resemble natural stone masonry that reflect sunlight throughout the day, complemented by natural stone details, stone paving, and beautiful bronze metalwork at the street level.
Name & Cultural Significance
In Hawaiian, Melia represents the species and varieties of plumeria, flowers that hold immense cultural significance in Hawaii, particularly in the creation of leis. Melia Ward Village aims to evoke a sense of remembrance and reverence, paying homage to the rich heritage and traditions of Hawaii. It symbolizes a celebration of the past, embracing the present, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Location & Site
Melia will be constructed on a prime 1.8-acre lot in Melia of Ward Village, currently occupied by Ward Centre (where Piggy Smalls and BoxJelly were previously located). The development will sit between Auahi Street and Ala Moana Boulevard, with the future Diamond Head Plaza Park to the east and Ilima at Ward Village to the west.
The location provides excellent access to Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, and the East Village Shops + South Shore Market. Both Melia and Ilima will be connected via a botanical garden pathway stretching from the IBM building to Ward Village’s new Diamond Head Plaza Park.
Amenities
- Four guest suites
- Full-service spa
- Fitness center/gym
- Multipurpose rooms
- Lounge areas
- BBQ cabanas
- Lap pool
- Family pool
- Hot tub
- Locker rooms
- Park view pavilions
- Storage facilities
- Guest parking
Diamond Head Plaza Park
Enhancing the area’s appeal, the adjacent Diamond Head Plaza Park will offer over 36,000 sq ft of open space. Located at the east corner of Kamakee Street and Ala Moana Boulevard (opposite the historic IBM building), this park will feature:- Grass lawns
- Landscaped walkways
- Shaded seating areas
- Kids’ play area
Key Contributors
- Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) in collaboration with AHL Design
- Interior Design: Champalimaud Design
- Landscape Design: Vita, Inc.
- Developer: Howard Hughes Corporation
- One-bedroom units will range from $1.8 million to $3 million.
- Two-bedroom units will range from $3.2 million to $4.9 million.
- Three-bedroom units will range from $5.5 million to $8.4 million
- Four-bedroom Penthouse units will range from $9.5 million to $12.8 million.
Building Specifications
- Height: 35 stories, rising 400 feet (matching other Ward Village condos)
- Units: 242 luxury residences, 23 unique floorplans
- Unit Mix: 79 one-bedrooms, 98 two-bedrooms, 62 three-bedrooms, and 3 four-bedroom Penthouse units
- Units Per Floor: Standard floor will have 8 units
- Building Shape: L-shaped design to optimize ocean views
- Ceiling Heights: Approximately 10’ for most floors, with the 32nd, 33rd, 34th and 35th floors having about 6″ more
- Elevators: Three residential elevators and one service elevator
- Additional Storage: Dedicated storage space
Podium & Commercial Space
A five-story, 65-foot-tall podium will wrap around the tower, housing parking and additional facilities. The podium’s rooftop will serve as Melia’s outdoor amenity deck with views of the future Diamond Head Plaza Park. At street level, approximately 8,000 sq ft of commercial space will face Auahi Street on opposite ends of the lot, contributing to the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. The podium will have a 15-foot setback along both Auahi Street and Ala Moana Boulevard, featuring wide sidewalks, shade trees, and thoughtful landscaping to create a welcoming pedestrian environment.Residences
Each residence at Melia is thoughtfully designed with modern luxury in mind:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout
- Three and four bedroom units feature ensuite bathrooms in all floorplans
- Design following best practices for natural ventilation and sustainability
- Most units will have Juliet-style balconies (not usable balconies)
- Exception: 32nd to 35th floors will feature large usable balconies
- The four-bedroom units will be penthouses on the top floors with expansive Juliet balcony-style lanais
Floor plans are expected to be slightly larger than other Ward Village developments, as Melia offers fewer units per floor despite similar residential space. The L-shaped design maximizes views of Diamond Head and the ocean for as many units as possible.
Ward Village Community
Ward Village stands as one of America’s most remarkable master-planned communities, with a total of 16 planned residential and mixed-use developments across five land blocks. Both Melia and Ilima, situated in Land Block 4, represent premium developments within this community.
The community features restaurants, trendy retail shops, and abundant open spaces, creating an environment that celebrates community and fosters a sense of belonging. Besides Melia and Ilima, Mahana Ward Village is the only other Ward Village project not yet selling.
Comparison with Ilima
While Melia and Ilima share many similarities in design and location, there are notable differences to consider:
- Melia includes one-bedroom residences in its unit mix, while Ilima offers only two to five-bedroom options
- Ilima will feature a dedicated kid’s club and kid’s pool, making it particularly appealing to families
- Ilima will be developed in partnership with Discovery Land Company and feature the exclusive Mohala Club, while Melia may offer limited memberships to this club
- Melia will have 242 units compared to Ilima’s 148, making Ilima more exclusive
- Ilima is expected to be the most expensive tower in the development, with Melia as the second most expensive
Floor Plan
