What if these walls could talk? Building 385 stands before us. It is a silent witness to Honolulu’s vibrant history. Though its stones may not speak in words its story echoes through time.
Building 385 whispers tales of a city on the rise. Honolulu in late 2020 boasted 92 high-rise buildings exceeding 300 feet. Four more were under construction. This surge in construction mirrored a boom in business and finance.
The Ala Moana Hotel started it all. In 1970 it became the first high-rise to surpass 350 feet. Then came Yacht Harbor Towers Hawaii Monarch Hotel and Discovery Bay Center. These buildings ushered in an era of unprecedented growth.
Residential construction took off in the 1990s. One Waterfront Mauka Tower Imperial Plaza Nauru Tower and Hawaiki Tower changed the skyline. Building 385 watched as Honolulu transformed. It saw the city evolve into the metropolis we know today.
Consider the First Hawaiian Center. It stands 429 feet tall with 30 floors. Built in 1996 it houses the First Hawaiian Bank offices and the Contemporary Art Museum Honolulu. It serves as the bank’s headquarters.
Picture the Collection. This residential building rises 422 feet with 43 floors. It was completed in 2016. Then imagine the Moana Pacific East and West Towers both at 422 feet with 46 floors. These residential towers were designed by Architects Hawaii Ltd. They also house the Honolulu Design Center.
Reflect on the Nauru Tower. At 417 feet with 44 floors it was built in 1992. This residential tower was the tallest building in Hawaii from 1992 to 1996. Architects Hawaii Ltd also designed it.
The Ala Moana Hotel once held the title of Hawaii’s tallest building. Built in 1970 it stood at 397 feet with 38 floors. It housed a hotel residences and TV transmitters. It held the record from 1970 to 1990.
Look around and envision the Hilton Grand Waikikian. This hotel stands 390 feet tall with 39 floors. It is part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Even the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Complex with its Diamond Head Tower and Eva Tower contributes to Honolulu’s skyline. Built in 1976 these hotel towers reach 386 feet with 39 floors.
These buildings contribute to the narrative of Honolulu’s evolution. Building 385 stands as a reminder of that progress a testament to architectural ambition.
Notice the Sky Ala Moana. Construction began in 2020 with an expected completion in 2023. It consists of two towers. The Sky West tower holds residential units. The Sky East tower primarily houses a 300-room hotel.
Another project is the Park on Keeaumoku. Construction started in 2022 with an expected completion in 2025. This residential development will feature 818 market-rate and 146 affordable residential units.
Building 385 embodies Honolulu’s transformation from a historic town to a modern urban center.