Welcome to Kakaako
Urban living in a trendy and playful community
Located just a short drive from downtown Honolulu is Kakaako, an epicenter of rich history and vibrant Hawaiian culture. This urban area is expanding rapidly, and many people are looking to live close to this energetic and lively scene. Known as a very trendy area, Kakaako offers hip restaurants, cool bars, and unique shopping centers.
Originally, Kakaako was known for its fishpond farming, salt making, and wetland agriculture. In the 1970s, the area shifted and became an industrial district under the city’s control. Since then, there has been a movement to develop more residential buildings in Kakaako to expand access to this urban-island lifestyle.
What to Love
- Hip, urban area with a lively community
- Trendy eateries and modern bars
- Exciting annual festivals and events
Local Lifestyle
Kakaako is full of residents who desire a fast-paced lifestyle. Going out frequently to enjoy all that the area has to offer is quite common! Kakaako is full of artists and creatives, which is evident when exploring the streets of this area. For those looking for a dynamic experience rich in culture and history, Kakaako is the place to be!
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Kakaako is packed with eccentric restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Plenty of these are within walking distance of each other, making exploring the area on weeknights and weekends simple.
Other great, nearby places to dine in Kakaako include Moku Kitchen, which offers modern American food, and Ward Village, another shopping and dining center with unique bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of things to do in Kakaako. For those who love exploring the outdoors or enjoying a chill day near the water, Ala Moana Beach Park offers a gold-sand beach and nearly 100-acres of recreational grounds to check out. Kakaako Waterfront Park is another close public park - with rolling hills and charming scenery, this is the perfect spot to take a peaceful walk and appreciate your surroundings!
Kakaako also offers a variety of festivals and annual events that residents can experience throughout the year. Pow! Wow! Hawaii is an annual mural festival, and year after year, artists and musicians gather in the Kakaako neighborhood to create all new murals and installations for the public to enjoy. This typically takes place during the week of Valentine’s Day, and over a hundred international and local artists gather to produce breathtaking murals and other forms of art. This public display of creativity is anticipated each year and always draws many locals to appreciate the talent and technique needed to complete these pieces.
Another popular monthly festival is Eat the Street, a giant gathering of almost 40 food truck vendors that cater to over 7,000 attendees every month. Each month features a different theme, and vendors bring unique creations each time. Some notable dishes from past events have included Lechon Kawali Bacon Fries from Minasa and 16-inch churros from Khanom Wan. Every food truck brings something different to the table, making this the perfect place to go with friends and try one of everything!
