Kalakaua Gardens Sets Senior Living Bar Higher in Honolulu

Honolulu—Scheduled for unveiling in early 2016, Kalakaua Gardens in Oahu will be Hawaii’s only monthly rental retirement community offering independent and assisted living as well as skilled nursing, memory care and short-term respite care under a single roof. Situated at the gateway to Waikiki within the lively Ala Moana enclave, the 17-story senior living community offers monthly rental suites with awe-inspiring ocean views and intriguing perspectives on the city of Honolulu.

Among the services available to residents are a movie theater, fitness center, salon and spa, complimentary WiFi, cable television, housekeeping, linen services, chauffeur, social outings and special events. The community also serves farm-to-table cuisine.

Kalakaua Gardens is managed by Avalon Health Care Group. The company is a national provider of short- and long-term medical and rehabilitation care.

“Hawaii has a large aging population that is increasing every day,” Louis Leong, a member of the development team for Kalakaua Gardens, told MHN. “So, there is a huge pent-up demand. Also, there are substantial barriers to entry to the market, and hence reduced competition. Thirdly, we think our site is ideally situated for our concept.”

Within walking distance of major shopping establishments, Kalakaua Gardens supports exceptionally active resident lifestyles, he added. It is also in close proximity to several hospitals and medical clinics, and offers 360-degree views of the islands.

These qualities overcome the downsides of the location. According to Leong, the immediate area around the site is underdeveloped, though improving. “The site is not as big as we want and therefore it is a bit challenging for our design team,” he added.

Financing proved the major challenge to making sure the deal would pencil out, and that the development would move forward.

“Financing is a huge obstacle, especially [because] this is our first high-rise project on the island,” Leong said. “Our concept is ‘aging In place,’ and it is quite unique, especially for a community that is purely rental. We [had] to make a lot of changes and revisions in order to strike a balance between costs and amenities and finishes.”

“Our community will provide a safe, friendly and nurturing home that encourages family-style living, with beautiful inviting common areas that will bring everyone together to enjoy activities and shared experiences,” Kalakaua Gardens general manager Steve Nawahine said. “The most defining characteristic of Kalakaua Gardens is our foundational belief [in] embracing a heart for service and a passion for living. Kalakaua Gardens will be more than just a place to live. Our genuine care, and culture of kindness and respect, will be at the forefront of the Kalakaua Gardens lifestyle.”