Mention Ala Moana to local residents and they’ll most likely ask you if you’re referring to the shopping center or the beach park. While there is a lot to do in both places, Ala Moana is also a lovely place to live – especially if you like high-rise living.

Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park, across the street from the Ala Moana Center, is one of the area’s most popular swimming beaches. Folks fish, play tennis and run at Ala Moana. It’s also the ideal place to just park your okole on a towel and watch the waves roll in.

Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, boasts a whopping 2.1 million square feet of retail space. Anchor tenants include Sears, Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. With 286 other stores and 70 places to dine, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, perhaps you don’t need it!

Schools for Ala Moana’s children include Ala Wai Elementary, winner of the Blue Ribbon School award. Bigger kids attend Washington Middle School, Oahu’s first middle school and McKinley High School, established in 1865. Former Governor George Ariyoshi attended McKinley, as did Senators Hiram Fong and Daniel Inouye.

If you’re considering purchasing Ala Moana real estate you’ll be pleased with the assortment of luxurious condos available. Fabulous ocean views are the norm, not the exception. Some of the more popular properties include: 

Nauru Tower

Nauru Tower was the first phase of a project known as 404 Piikoi. One of Hawaii’s tallest buildings, it soars 418 feet, and is reinforced for protection against hurricanes and earthquakes.

The community features a Jacuzzi, pool, tennis courts, and a barbecue area. Nauru Tower also boasts some of the best security in the state, with personnel on duty 24 hours to monitor 116 security cameras. For added peace of mind, residents have panic buttons installed in their bedrooms to summon security personnel.

Hawaiki Tower

Hawaiki Tower constitutes phase two of the 404 Piikoi project, and offers amenities similar phase one. Large one, two and three bedroom units feature gourmet kitchens with Sub-Zero and Gaggenau appliances and granite countertops. Waikiki, the Koolau Range and Ala Moana Beach Park are the subject of the units’ amazing views.

Ko'olani 

Ko'olani, built in 2006, offers 370 luxurious condominium homes in a 47-story building. Amenities include plenty of parking, tennis court, pool, putting green and a walking path.

A quick two miles to the financial district, Ko’olani provides a dream commute for those that work downtown.

Bring the pooch because Ko’olani is very pet friendly.

Hokua

The Hawaiian term for the crest of an ocean wave, Hokua is a sleek, modern tower that provides incredible ocean views. Units are large and windows go from the floor to the ceiling.

As one would expect of a luxury condo kitchen, you’ll find Sub-zero refrigerators and wine coolers, Wolf professional-grade cooktops and a Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher.

Walk-in closets in all bedrooms and spa-like amenities in the bathrooms add even more luxurious touches.

Common areas include a dog park, cabanas for parties, tennis and basketball courts and a playground for the keikis. Finally, you will love the fitness center, complete with sauna and spa.  

Yacht Harbor Towers

Think “sumptuous amenities,” and you’ve pictured Yacht Harbor Towers. Located on the Diamond Head side of Ala Moana Center, the twin Yacht Harbor Towers offer graceful and convenient Hawaiian living. Within walking distance of some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants and shopping, the community overlooks the Ala Wai Harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park.

While Oahu real estate comes in many forms, some of the island’s more serene and tranquil environments aren’t for everyone. If you enjoy having your finger on the pulse of the thriving city of Honolulu, choose from one of the many high-rise condos that dot the city’s urban landscape.