Hawaii is known for its natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage. It can be referred to as one of the paradises on earth. Hawaii is not typically associated with towering skyscrapers, but it has some urban development carved out amidst the lush landscapes and beaches. Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu, has a few towering buildings that are fascinating to see. Honolulu was ranked 4th amongst US cities for the tallest skyscrapers, and as of late 2024, Honolulu has 92 high-rise buildings over 300 feet in height. In this article, I’ve gathered a list of the tallest buildings in Hawaii, so that next time you’re there, you can’t miss out on these concrete towers as beautiful as the beaches and greenery.
Introduction to Hawaii’s Skyscrapers
Hawaii is the only city in the United States that has a rich royal culture and a palace known as ʻIolani. So there’s some kind of architectural history here in Hawaii that most of us don’t know. Basically, it’s shaped by the unique geographical context and cultural influences. Honolulu has the highest per capita density of buildings that are at or above 100 meters high in the US. The Discovery Bay Center is one of the early high-rises that contributed to Honolulu’s construction boom, alongside a few other notable buildings from the same era. There are also certain height requirements when you’re planning to construct buildings in Waikiki. City planners wanted to ensure that Diamond Head was not hidden or overwhelmed by buildings, so they chose a height limit that was just under half its (roughly) 800-foot height. For example, buildings closest to Diamond Head are set at a 220-foot limit, while those closest to Ala Moana have a height limit of 350 feet. But that’s about Waikiki, and when it comes to Kakaʻako, it’s amidst an architectural renaissance. The rules in Kakaʻako are straightforward.
- There is an overall height limit of 400 feet (plus another 18 feet for machinery). for each building.
- Any developer deciding they want to exceed those standards has to meet three criteria:
- At least 75 percent of the units must be priced as affordable workforce housing,
- The building must receive no government subsidies,
- And the maximum unit size allowable is 1,100 square feet for a three-bedroom.
So next time you hike Diamond Head or Koko Head to get a breathtaking view of the city, remember you are looking at the only city in the United States with the highest per capita density of skyscrapers that have a height of 100 meters. So don’t forget to take it in and enjoy the view.
Exploring Honolulu’s Buildings
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is a city known for its stunning natural beauty and impressive skyline. The city’s skyscrapers offer breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and cityscape. Visitors can explore the city’s tallest buildings, including the First Hawaiian Center, the tallest building in Honolulu, standing at 429 feet (131 meters).
One of the most popular skyscrapers to visit is the Moana Pacific West Tower, a luxury residential tower built in 2008. This architectural marvel rises 46 stories high and offers stunning views of the ocean and cityscape. Its rooftop pool and lounge are perfect for relaxing and taking in the sights, making it a sought-after residence for those who appreciate luxury living.
Another notable skyscraper is the Sky East Tower, a high-rise residential building located in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. This tower stands tall with its modern design and offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Its proximity to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues makes it a popular choice for both residents and visitors who want to experience the vibrant urban life of Honolulu.
The Sky West Tower, located in the same complex as the Sky East Tower, is another architectural gem. This tower also offers stunning views of the ocean and cityscape, and its rooftop pool and lounge provide a serene escape from the bustling city below. The Sky West Tower is a testament to modern urban living, combining luxury and convenience in one of Honolulu’s prime locations.
Visitors can also explore the One Waterfront Mauka Tower, a luxury residential tower located in the heart of Downtown Honolulu. This tower offers breathtaking views of the ocean and cityscape, and its proximity to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues makes it a popular choice for residents and visitors alike. The One Waterfront Mauka Tower stands as a symbol of modern elegance and urban sophistication.
The Yacht Harbor Towers, located in the heart of Downtown Honolulu, are another popular skyscraper to visit. These twin towers offer stunning views of the ocean and cityscape, and their proximity to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues makes them a popular choice for residents and visitors alike. The Yacht Harbor Towers are a perfect blend of luxury and convenience, providing an unparalleled living experience in Honolulu.
Top 10 Tallest Buildings in Hawaii
Here is a list of the tallest buildings in Hawaii, ranked by height:
| Rank | Name | Height | Floors | Year Built | Primary Use |
| 1 | The Central Ala Moana | 482 ft | 43 | 2021 | Residential |
| 2 | Kō‘ula | 459 ft | 41 | 2023 | Mixed-Use |
| 3 | The Ritz-Carlton Residences | 436 ft | 39 | 2018 | Residential |
| 4 | First Hawaiian Center | 429 ft | 30 | 1996 | Office |
| 5 | The Collection | 422 ft | 43 | 2016 | Residential |
| 6 | Moana Pacific East Tower | 422 ft | 46 | 2008 | Residential |
| 7 | Moana Pacific West Tower | 422 ft | 46 | 2008 | Residential |
| 8 | Keola Lai | 419 ft | 42 | 2008 | Residential |
| 9 | Waihonua at Kewalo | 418 ft | 43 | 2015 | Residential |
| 10 | Hokua at Ala Moana | 418 ft | 40 | 2006 | Residential |
The Tallest Building in Hawaii: The Central Ala Moana
At the forefront of Hawaii’s urban skyline is The Central Ala Moana, the tallest building in Hawaii. This skyscraper finished its construction in 2021 and rises to a height of 435 feet or 133 meters. It boasts a total of 43 floors—a truly modern architectural marvel in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital city.
Key Features
Height: 435 feet (133 meters), making it Hawaii’s tallest building.
Affordable Housing: 60% of units are designated as affordable housing under Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC) rules.
Location: Situated at 1391 Kapiolani Blvd in Honolulu, it is adjacent to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and rail station.
Amenities
There is an amenity deck on the 11th floor featuring an infinity pool, cabanas with BBQ stations, a fitness center, and other recreational areas. All the modern interiors are equipped with Samsung appliances, split air conditioning systems, and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Did you know that it also includes electric vehicle charging stations and LED lighting fixtures to promote eco-friendly living?
With 310 affordable units, The Central Ala Moana represents the largest offering of affordable housing in Honolulu’s history. The convenience is in the community-centric design, as it’s close to the Ala Moana Shopping Center—one of the largest outdoor malls in the world.
Koula
Koula means red sugar cane in the Hawaiian language, and its construction is inspired by nature and sugar cane. The building’s undulating, sculpted structural columns mimic the twisting form of sugar cane reeds, reflecting Hawaii’s agricultural history. This residential tower is located in Ward Village, Honolulu. It was completed by 2022, and the building rises 41 stories and spans 941,000 square feet. It features 566 residential units, retail spaces, and six stories of above-grade parking. It was designed by Studio Gang and led by renowned architect Jeanne Gang. It gives you a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Koʻolau Range.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach: A Luxury Residential Tower Built
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach is a luxury condotel located at 383 Kalaimoku Street in Honolulu. This building was completed in 2018 and took three whole years for construction. The residences consist of two towers—the West Tower with 38 stories and the East Tower. It offers 308 units in the West Tower and 246 units in the East Tower. This building was designed by Guerin Glass Architects, and you can see that the building reflects Hawaii’s natural elements with a façade inspired by ocean waves and green mountain landscapes. The property boasts two infinity pools—the highest in Waikiki—and offers amenities like spas, restaurants, and concierge services.
Fun fact: You can see that the building’s design incorporates traditional Hawaiian motifs like bark cloth patterns on the lower floors.
First Hawaiian Center in Downtown Honolulu
The First Hawaiian Center used to be the world corporate headquarters of First Hawaiian Bank, the oldest and largest bank based in Hawaii. It’s one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Hawaii, with a height of 429 feet and 30 floors, with a floor area of 645,834 square feet. This renowned building was built in 1993 and is located at 999 Bishop Street in downtown Honolulu near Bishop Park. This building is also home to the Innovation Center Pacific.
Two distinct architectural forms resulted in the compromise—one for the makai side facing the ocean and one for the mauka side facing the mountains. Horizontally louvered windows framed views of the sea and the horizon, while vertically proportioned windows faced the mountains. Its galleries showcase works by local artists, promoting Hawaii’s vibrant art scene.
Fun fact: The building’s initial planning was met with controversy over its impact on Honolulu’s landscape, but it ultimately won acclaim for its thoughtful design.
Moana Pacific Towers (East and West)
Moana Pacific Towers is a luxury condominium complex consisting of two elliptical twin towers. These magnificent buildings are located along Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu. It was developed and designed by Fred Chan and was completed by 2007 in KC Rainbow Developments and Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company. Each of the towers rises 46 stories and houses a total of 688 units across 6 acres of prime real estate.
Conclusion
The tallest buildings in Hawaii are just more than concrete towers; they also seamlessly blend Hawaiian culture, natural beauty, with innovation and progress. Hawaii is also seeing continuous progress towards urbanization while giving priority to environmental preservation. From luxury residences to office spaces that incorporate art galleries, these skyscrapers contribute to Hawaii’s distinct identity. The Hawaii Monarch Hotel, constructed during the late 20th century, played a significant role in the development of Honolulu’s skyline. So next time, when you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to stop and witness these monumental buildings and have fun in the paradise of Hawaii. Aloha!
FAQs
Are there any skyscrapers in Hawaii?
Central Ala Moana is a residential tower located in Ala Moana District of Hawaii. Between 2019 and 2020, the tower is 435ft (1133 m) tall and features 43 floors and is the current tallest building in Hawaii among its more than 100 high buildings.
Why does Honolulu have a height limit?
City planners wanted to ensure Diamond Head wasn’t hidden from buildings. It also had to be lowered to 750 feet in order to reach the maximum height.