Comparing three Ward Village condo buildings in Kakaʻako
Ward Village in Kakaʻako has become one of the most sought-after places to live on Oʻahu. With thoughtfully designed parks, walkable streets, ocean proximity, and a growing collection of restaurants and shops, many buyers exploring the neighborhood find themselves comparing several buildings within the community.
Three towers that are frequently compared to one another by buyers trying to choose the most suitable option for their needs are Aʻaliʻi, A'eo, and Kō‘ula.
This Ward Village condo comparison breaks down the key differences between these three buildings, including amenities, fitness facilities, pricing, and overall lifestyle. Buyers often ask how Aʻaliʻi vs A'eo vs Kō‘ula compare when deciding which building might be the best fit.
While they’re all located within the same master-planned neighborhood in Kakaʻako, they offer different price points, layouts, amenities, and living experiences.
Aʻaliʻi
Completed in 2021, Aʻaliʻi was designed as a more accessible entry point into Ward Village living.
The building includes 751 residences, making it the largest and most densely populated tower in Ward Village. Homes range from 277-square-foot studios to 835-square-foot two-bedroom residences, and many units were delivered with built-in Murphy beds and efficient storage systems to maximize space.
Because of the smaller layouts and efficient design, Aʻaliʻi often offers the lowest entry price point within Ward Village.
Aʻaliʻi Amenities
While Aʻaliʻi isn’t positioned as one of Ward Village’s ultra-luxury towers, the building still offers a strong amenity package for its price point.
One of the highlights is Lanai 42, a rooftop sky deck on the 42nd floor with panoramic ocean and sunset views.
The building’s amenities include:
- Rooftop sunset lounge and gathering spaces
- Rooftop sky deck with panoramic views
- Fitness center
- Yoga studio
- Adult pool and keiki splash pool
- BBQ cabanas and entertaining areas
- Dog run
Additional amenities include:
- Infinity pool and jacuzzi
- Theatre room
- Multiple gathering spaces
- Work-from-home lounges
- Playground and keiki areas
Only two buildings in Ward Village currently offer rooftop decks, making this feature relatively unique in the neighborhood.
A Resident-Level Perspective
I recently toured a studio residence that highlights why Aʻaliʻi can be such a great entry into Ward Village.
Aʻaliʻi Unit 3506 — 35th Floor Ocean Views
987 Queen St, Unit 3506 Studio | 1 Bath | 367 SqFt | 1 Parking Listed around $589,000
What makes this particular home stand out:
- 35th floor Diamond Head / east-facing exposure
- Natural trade winds and cooler temperatures throughout the day
- Stunning views of the city, coastline, mountains, and ocean
- Beautiful vantage point for sunrises
A studio can be a great entry into Ward Village, especially for buyers who prioritize location and amenities.
The building sits at 987 Queen Street, just steps from Whole Foods Market Ward Village, Victoria Ward Park, Ala Moana Beach Park, and Kewalo Basin Harbor.
A'eo
Completed in 2018, A'eo was one of the earlier residential towers completed in Ward Village and remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the neighborhood.
The 466-residence tower sits directly above Whole Foods Market Ward Village, giving residents convenient elevator access to the store.
Because the building sits in the second row from the ocean, views vary depending on orientation. Diamond Head-facing units can enjoy beautiful ocean views, while west-facing units may have partial view blockage from Aʻaliʻi.
A'eo Amenities
A'eo features a large outdoor amenity deck designed for gathering and entertaining.
Amenities include:
- Two swimming pools (adult and family pool)
- Whirlpool spa
- Outdoor dining pavilions
- BBQ areas
- Fitness center
- Theatre and media room
- Guest suites
- Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
Living above Whole Foods is also a major lifestyle benefit for many residents.
A Unit I Recently Toured
I recently toured A'eo Unit 3103, which gives a good sense of what buyers can expect from a typical one-bedroom layout in the building.
A'eo Unit 3103
1001 Queen Street, Unit 3103 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 739 SqFt | 1 Parking Listed around $898,000
This residence is one of the larger one-bedroom floor plans in the building, and the layout feels quite comfortable compared with some of the smaller Ward Village units.
Features include:
- Bosch stainless steel appliances
- Engineered hardwood flooring
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Ocean, city, and mountain views from a high floor
Overall it’s a great example of the type of larger one-bedroom homes that attract buyers to A'eo, especially those who want more interior space while still living in the heart of Ward Village.
Kō‘ula
Completed in 2021, Kō‘ula is one of the most architecturally distinctive towers in Ward Village.
The 566-residence building was designed by internationally recognized architecture firm Studio Gang. The building’s flowing exterior columns give it a striking presence along the skyline, while interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg create a refined and contemporary aesthetic.
Residences feature:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Private lanais in every home
- Miele appliances
- Kohler and Grohe fixtures
Kō‘ula is also positioned closer to the ocean, which improves view opportunities for many homes.
Kō‘ula Amenities
Kō‘ula’s amenity spaces were designed to feel more like a luxury resort environment.
Amenities include:
- Resort-style pool
- Private cabanas
- Spa and wellness areas
- Fitness center
- Private dining spaces
- Guest suites
- Outdoor gathering areas
The ground level also includes over 58,000 square feet of retail and dining, located next to Ward Village’s Central Plaza.
Fitness Amenities Comparison
One of the most common questions buyers ask when comparing these buildings is about the gyms. All three buildings offer strong fitness facilities, but the experience is different in each.
Aʻaliʻi Gym
I’m really impressed by the gym at Aʻaliʻi.
It’s located on the backside of the building facing the mountains, which means it doesn’t get the harsh morning or afternoon sun. Because of this, it stays noticeably cooler and the air-conditioning works very well.
The gym itself is a great size with plenty of room between equipment, so it doesn’t feel crowded even during busy hours.
One of my favorite features is the separate fitness room with a weight rack and TV, where residents can connect their phone to the screen and take classes like Peloton.
Kō‘ula Gym
The gym at Kō‘ula is also a good size, but the experience is different.
It sits on the front side of the building facing the ocean, which means the views are beautiful but the sun can be quite strong throughout the day. The blinds are often down to reduce glare, but it can still feel a little warm.
The equipment is also placed closer together and there isn’t really a dedicated space for mat workouts.
There is an outdoor gym with partial cover, which I’ve used a handful of times. It’s great early in the morning before about 7 AM when the sun gets higher in the sky.
That said, the design of the gym is beautiful and the locker rooms next to the fitness center are absolutely stunning. From an aesthetic standpoint, Kō‘ula probably wins for best-looking fitness space.
A'eo Gym
A'eo offers three separate fitness areas:
- Indoor gym
- Outdoor gym
- Separate fitness room with TV
The indoor gym appears slightly smaller than Aʻaliʻi but still offers a wide range of equipment.
The outdoor gym does not have shade coverage, so it likely doesn’t get much use during the warmer parts of the day.
My Personal Preference
My personal preference is the gym at Aʻaliʻi.
I enjoy working out in strong air-conditioning with plenty of space between equipment so it doesn’t feel crowded. The separate fitness room also makes it easy to follow guided workouts.
That said, all three buildings offer strong fitness options, and the best choice really depends on your workout style and schedule.
I’ll also be sharing video of Aʻaliʻi, video of Kō‘ula, and photos of Aʻeʻo so you can see the differences.
Current Pricing Snapshot
Aʻaliʻi
Studios: ~$515K – $570K 1 Bedrooms: ~$710K – $815K 2 Bedrooms: ~$1.28M – $1.42M
A'eo
Studios: ~$588K – $659K 1 Bedrooms: ~$765K – $950K 2 Bedrooms: ~$1.05M – $1.49M
Kō‘ula
1 Bedrooms: ~$820K – $1.19M 2 Bedrooms: ~$1.45M – $1.90M+
Even within the same building, stack orientation, floor level, and view corridors can significantly impact value.
Which Building Is Right For You?
Each of these towers appeals to a different type of buyer.
Aʻaliʻi — Great entry point into Ward Village with efficient layouts and strong amenities.
A'eo — Offers larger floor plans and the convenience of living directly above Whole Foods.
Kō‘ula — A more luxury-oriented experience with elevated design, finishes, and ocean proximity.
If you’re considering buying in Ward Village and would like help comparing available homes in Aʻaliʻi, A'eo, or Kō‘ula, feel free to reach out anytime.
Your Top Hawaiʻi Luxury Condo Specialist
Lucy Heath
Lucy Heath is a Real Estate Advisor at Compass and the founder of Luxury Condos Hawaiʻi, recognized for her expertise in refined condominium living in Kakaʻako and Ala Moana. She has lived in Ward Village for over six years, witnessing its transformation from the earliest stages of development into one of Honolulu's most sought-after neighborhoods.
Get in Touch