Ala Wai Watermark Development

During the planning stages of our Hawai’i Convention Center, which is located at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapiolani Boulevard, the architects included designs for beautifying and making this site more accessible by visitors and residents. On one border, is the Ala Wai Canal is where this lovely promenade was created in 1998.
The terraced promenade is 60′ wide and exceptional care was taken to preserve the original banyan trees that line the length along the Ala Wai Canal. There is a 16′ upper terrace walkway where pavers have been placed and regionally designed to look like Hawaiian tapa. These interlocking pavers are not only for beauty but aid in keeping the tree roots healthy. Cascading colorful bougainvillea and hibiscus screen and provide color along the property lines down the promenade.
However, in 2003, HPD and residents successfully established curfew hours (CLOSED DAILY between 10PM — 5AM) for this lovely pathway citing excessive noise, drug activity and filth by homeless who have camped along the pathway. There are still homeless who camp here but they do move away during closing hours.
It’s still a beautiful and safe walkway during most hours in Hawai’i nei.
#443

Great building. The lobby and amenities are on the ground floor, at the entrance, everything but the gym is open-​air space, its very relaxing, green and the grounds are very well manicured. Everything is well taken care of, I havent seen anything out of place actually…
Amenities:
2 parking stall
small gym open ²⁴⁄₇
pool & jacuuzi
sauna
BBQ cabanas, about 4 of them
Front desk staff
tropical grounds to walk around, including a fountain.
Today I spilled a cup of soda while entering the elevator (clumsy me) and as I was going to tell the front desk, he was already heading my way with cleaning products and the spill was eliminated in under 5 minutes!
The staff here is very friendly and hospitable, they see everything and if something isn’t right, they’ll fix it. fast. This building is very accommodating and they go above the normal apartment complex. I’ll give you an example: My grandfather had knee replacement surgery, after he was released we brought him here to recover. Front desk staff promptly stopped us to get his information in case he needs any additional assistance and in case there is an emergency in the building, they will get him to safety first. I really appreciate that, and have not experienced this level of care at other buildings.
That being said, they are also on the more strict side. One con is that the building doesn’t allow for sunday open house, it is by appointment only, and you must let the building know in advance.
Another con is that it seems like +75% of the occupants seem to be using the apartment as a vacation rental, however, everyone is very friendly and cordial.
Small dogs are allowed in the building, however, they are only allowed to and from the building, meaning from the parking garage to the unit. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to play in the ‘yard.’ There is a little park/​green area right outside of the building, which I believe was built the same time as the building. Maybe they planned that? Not 100% sure.
Overall, when I first saw this building and our unit (2br/​2ba, which is currently for sale I might add) it felt more akin to a timeshare, but this building, the amenities and the staff really grow on you, I honestly prefer it over Hokua (if you take out Hokua’s gym).