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February 16, 2024

Downtown Honolulu to Welcome Modea, a Modern Condominium Residence

Modea Lobby

A new condominium is joining Downtown Honolulu’s growing number of residential properties. Modea is being developed by Avalon Group, a local company with a 25-year history of building in Hawaii. Modea is Hawaii’s first adaptive reuse project, transforming a former office building into a modern residential condominium.

The building is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2025. Prices for studio units start in the $400,000’s.

• The building is being designed by WATG, a world-renowned architecture firm.
• The units will have high ceilings, signature metalwork and glass, Italian designer kitchens, and expansive views.
• The building will be LEED-certified, meaning that it will be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
• Retail and commercial space will be on the ground level.

Modea Residences:

The building will have 22 stories and 352 units, comprising studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. Residents will enjoy a variety of amenities, including a club room, outdoor BBQ cabanas, a coworking space, a fitness center, and a dog run.

► View Modea Residences and Floor Plans

Modea Residence

Convenient Downtown Location:

Modea is located in the heart of Downtown Honolulu, close to the Hawaii State Capitol, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, and Waikiki Beach. This convenient location makes it an ideal place to for those looking for the “Work, Play, Live” lifestyle in urban Honolulu.

The sales gallery is open at the Modea project site, located at 841 Bishop Street. Sales reservations are expected to begin soon. It’s important to register interest with your real estate agent early to secure your desired floor plan.

Interested in learning more about Modea? Contact Sachi Hawaii for more info:
(808) 596-8801 | info@sachihawaii.com

February 12, 2024

Aloha, Dragon! Hawaii Welcomes the Lunar New Year

The Year of the Dragon landed in Hawaii with a flourish, igniting a vibrant two-week celebration that embraced both tradition and island spirit. From Honolulu’s bustling streets to quieter towns across the islands, the air crackled with excitement as communities reveled in the rich tapestry of Lunar New Year festivities.

Hawaii Lunar New Year

Chinatown Roars to Life: Honolulu’s Chinatown transformed into a jubilant spectacle during the iconic Night in Chinatown Festival. Lion dances pulsed with energy, their colorful tails weaving through the streets, while firecrackers crackled, chasing away misfortune and ushering in prosperity. Foodies reveled in an array of traditional and island-style of delights, from steaming dumplings symbolizing wealth to the auspicious whole fish representing abundance. Keiki delighted in bouncy houses and cultural activities, while live music on multiple stages filled the air with familiar New Year tones.

Ala Moana Center Awakens the Dragon: The iconic Ala Moana Center hosted a spectacular lion dance extravaganza, captivating audiences with acrobatic feats and synchronized movements. The majestic creatures danced their way through the shopping center, bringing blessings to each corner and leaving locals and visitors wanting more. Throughout the week, cultural demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, and live music offered a deeper dive into Lunar New Year traditions.

Beyond the Big Events: The spirit of celebration flowed beyond major events. Smaller communities hosted intimate gatherings, families shared festive meals, and temples echoed with prayers for good fortune. Local restaurants dished up delectable Lunar New Year specialties, tempting taste buds with traditional flavors infused with island flair. The fusion of cultures made every bite a unique experience, highlighting the true essence of Hawaii’s diversity.

Don’t let the magic fade! Plan your trip to Hawaii for January 29th, 2025, and witness the Year of the Snake. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of traditions and vibrant energy that makes Hawaii’s Lunar New Year celebrations truly unforgettable.

View Sachi Hawaii Vacation Rental Properties

February 12, 2024

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Rebrands as Ka La’i Waikiki Beach

Ka La'i

The former Trump International Hotel Waikiki officially unveiled its new name and affiliation, transitioning to Ka La’i Waikiki Beach under the Hilton LXR Hotels & Resorts brand. This marks a significant shift for the 38-story luxury hotel, located in the heart of Waikiki and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The rebranding follows the acquisition of the property by Irongate, a New York-based investment firm, in 2023. Under the new ownership, the hotel undergoes a management change, partnering with Hilton’s luxury LXR brand focused on unique and immersive experiences.

What’s Changing:

Name: The most notable change is the new name, Ka La’i, meaning “the edge” or “the path” in Hawaiian. This signifies a fresh start and connection to the local culture.

Management: The hotel transitions to Hilton LXR, known for its high-end service and personalized guest experiences.

Renovations: Plans are in place for a comprehensive renovation scheduled for 2025. The full extent of the renovation are yet to be unveiled, but it is expected to enhance the overall look and feel of the property. Ka La’i hotel units will also be upgraded and modernized.

What’s Staying the Same:

Hotel Structure: The 462 guest rooms and suites remain unchanged, offering spacious accommodations and various resort amenities including a fitness center, spa, on-site restaurants and more.

Staff: Many existing employees are expected to remain with the rebranded hotel, ensuring familiarity and continuity for guests.

Impact on Real Estate:

The requirement for unit renovations as part of the Ka La’i rebrand has led some experts to speculate on potential price impacts. With some owners opting to sell rather than upgrade, an increase in Ka La’i units on the market is taking place, lowering purchase prices. The long-term price impact remains to be seen and will depend on various market forces.

The news of the rebranding has generated significant interest within the hospitality industry and local community. It remains to be seen how the changes will translate into guest experiences and long-term impact on the Waikiki landscape.

Interested in learning more about the impact of the Ka La’i rebranding? Contact Sachi Hawaii for more info:
(808) 596-8801 | info@sachihawaii.com

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