Honolulu's Tallest Buildings: A Guide to Hawaii's Skyscrapers
The skyline of Honolulu is a striking blend of urban density and tropical beauty. From the luxury residential towers of Ward Village to the commercial hubs of the city center, the city's high-rise architecture reflects its growth as a Pacific metropolis. To be classified as a skyscraper or high-rise in this context, buildings must reach a minimum architectural height—which includes permanent spires and architectural details but excludes antenna masts—of 300 feet (91 meters).
Currently, the skyline is dominated by residential developments, though a few key office and hotel structures maintain a significant presence in the city's vertical landscape.
Key Facts
- Tallest Buildings: 801 South Street Building A and Building B share the top spot at 137.2 m (450 ft).
- Tallest Office Building: The First Hawaiian Center stands as the tallest office structure in Hawaii.
- Tallest Hotel: The Grand Islander Tower holds the record for the tallest hotel in the state.
- Historical Peak: The Ala Moana Building was the tallest in Hawaii from 1959 to 1968.
- Architectural Hub: The Ward Village complex contains several of the city's tallest residential towers, including KÓula.
The Peak of Honolulu: The Tallest Structures
Since 2015, the 801 South Street complex has held the title for the tallest buildings in Hawaii by roof height. Both Building A and Building B reach 137.2 meters (450 feet) with 46 floors each. Following closely is The Central Ala Moana, completed in 2021, which stands at 132.7 meters (435 feet).
While residential towers dominate the top rankings, the First Hawaiian Center remains a critical landmark. Completed in 1996, it serves as the headquarters for First Hawaiian Bank and is the tallest office building in the state. It previously held the title of the tallest building in Hawaii by roof height between 1996 and 2021.
Residential Growth and Ward Village
Much of Honolulu's recent vertical growth is concentrated in residential luxury. The Ward Village complex is a primary driver of this trend, featuring towers like KÓula (designed by Studio Gang) and Anaha. Other significant residential structures include the Moana Pacific East and West Towers, both completed in 2008 and designed by Architects Hawaii Limited.
Comparative Overview of Major High-Rises
The following table summarizes some of the most prominent buildings in Honolulu based on height, use, and completion date.
| Rank | Name | Height (m) | Floors | Year | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1= | 801 South Street (A & B) | 137.2 | 46 | 2015/2017 | Residential |
| 3 | The Central Ala Moana | 132.7 | 43 | 2021 | Residential |
| 4 | First Hawaiian Center | 130.8 | 30 | 1996 | Office |
| 5 | KÓula | 128.8 | 41 | 2022 | Residential |
| 24= | Grand Islander Tower | 121.9 | 37 | 2017 | Hotel |
Historical Evolution of the Skyline
Honolulu's verticality has evolved over decades. In the mid-20th century, the Ala Moana Building (1959) set the standard, remaining the tallest building in Hawaii for nearly a decade. This was followed by the 1350 Ala Moana (1968) and the Ala Moana Hotel (1970), the latter of which held the record until 1978.
The 1990s saw a shift toward luxury residential and corporate office space. The One Waterfront Towers (Mauka and Makai) were the tallest by roof height from 1990 to 1992, followed by the Nauru Tower, which was the first luxury residential building in the Ala Moana district.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest building in Hawaii?
The 801 South Street Building A and Building B are the tallest, both reaching a height of 137.2 meters (450 feet).
Which building is the tallest office tower in Honolulu?
The First Hawaiian Center is the tallest office building in Hawaii, standing at 130.8 meters (429 feet).
What is the tallest hotel in Hawaii?
The Grand Islander Tower is the tallest hotel in the state, with a height of 121.9 meters (400 feet).
How is the height of these buildings determined?
Height is determined by standard architectural measurements, which include permanent spires and architectural details but exclude antenna masts.
Which residential complex has several of the city's tallest towers?
The Ward Village complex is home to several high-rises, including KÓula and Anaha.