Leiwili Kapolei, sometimes referred to as the “Northwest Corner,” is an urban village development on one of the last vacant parcels in the Villages of Kapolei. It will become an important entryway into the existing 888-acre master-planned community. The development will be the final cornerstone project, proposing mixed uses and featuring between 700 and 900 affordable housing units. Affordability levels will range from 30% to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI), including both rental and for-sale housing options. The project will also include approximately 95,000 square feet of commercial space, green and recreational areas, and community gathering spaces and amenities.

Leiwili Kapolei is located on the northwest corner of the Villages of Kapolei, at the intersection of Fort Barrette Road and Farrington Highway.

The Villages of Kapolei is one of the State of Hawaii’s (Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, or HHFDC) most significant master-planned communities. Development of the 888-acre master-planned project began in the 1980s and is nearly complete, featuring housing units at various densities as well as schools, parks, commercial services, and recreational facilities. The Villages of Kapolei currently comprises 3,950 residential units, with the master plan envisioning a total of 4,871 residential units for the entire village.

To fulfill this vision, the Leiwili Kapolei project aims to become the 10th village, accommodating a possible 900 remaining housing units. These will be integrated into a mixed-use development designed to address the State’s affordable housing needs. This important project will foster community cohesion and strengthen the Village’s identity, aligning with broader goals for the area to increase the supply of workforce and affordable housing.

Honolulu’s General Plan promotes full development of the Primary Urban Center (the city of Honolulu) while encouraging development of the Secondary Urban Center at Kapolei, referred to as “the heart of Ewa” in the County’s Ewa Development Plan.

Since the 1970s, City and State policies have envisioned Kapolei as a “second city” to prevent urban sprawl, preserve open space and agricultural lands, stimulate the economy, and provide an orderly growth plan based on sustainable principles. The Leiwili Kapolei project, along with the Villages of Kapolei master-planned community, advances these regional growth plans.

In May 2023, the State (HHFDC) issued a Request for Proposals to develop the Northwest Corner site into a mixed-use development with the primary objective of increasing the supply of workforce and affordable housing opportunities for Hawaii residents.

In March 2024, the development team was selected and immediately began outreach and community engagement, presenting at the Neighborhood Board and the Villages of Kapolei Association and meeting with local representatives and community groups starting in April 2024. This engagement is ongoing.

Key partners include ʻIkenākea Development LLC and The Michaels Organization as the project developers, as well as Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC) as the landowner.

The project team engaged with local and cultural stakeholders to select a meaningful name and place-based development concept. Inspired by the principles laid down by ancestors, the name reflects the adage, “He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka” (The land is chief, the people are its servants).

Central to the concept is the essence of ‘Ike Hawaiʻi, a nuanced understanding of interconnected elements, symbolized by the crafting of a Lei Wili. This type of lei, which involves twisting diverse elements into a harmonious creation, embodies unity, beauty, and reverence.

The name Leiwili Kapolei represents the intertwining of residential and retail spaces into a cohesive, vibrant community. The project emphasizes sustainability, walkability, and the integration of green spaces and renewable energy sources, reflecting the values of stewardship (kahu) of the land.

Leiwili Kapolei’s initial phase includes 344 multifamily affordable rental units across two buildings, with future phases planned to add more affordable and workforce rental and for-sale housing, along with commercial and retail spaces.

Leiwili Kapolei is planned to provide diverse housing options at a range of affordability with the goal of creating a balanced mixed-income community. The project proposes pricing ranging from 30% to 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI), designed to meet the needs of kamaʻāina individuals and families whose incomes align with affordable housing criteria set annually by the State of Hawaii.

The first phase of Leiwili Kapolei will include 342 rental units for families earning 60% of the AMI and below. Future phases are anticipated to add up to 480 workforce rental units for families earning 80% and 100% AMI, as well as 72 workforce for-sale units for families earning 110% and 140% AMI.

To ensure long-term affordability, rental unit pricing will remain restricted to these levels for a 75-year duration. For-sale housing will include a 10-year buyback period to maintain affordability. State schedules outlining income limits by family size and affordability by unit type are referenced to guide pricing and ensure inclusivity

*Please reference images at the bottom of the page for income limits.

This project is approved as a Certified Affordable Housing project under the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation on Affordable Housing. It addresses the critical shortage of affordable living options in Hawaii.

Leiwili Kapolei will provide sufficient off-street parking, offering over a 1:1 stall-to-unit ratio. The project aims to thoughtfully balance the needs of resident families and commercial patrons while considering financial feasibility and the City and County’s parking goals. To support diverse transportation options, the project will include bike storage, potential car-sharing opportunities, and leverage other nearby transit choices. Additionally, electric vehicle parking will be available. Parking will be provided free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

The start of construction for the development’s first phase hinges on securing financing. At the earliest, construction for the initial phase could commence in mid-2026, with completion anticipated in late 2028. Future phases and full development will take longer to complete.

Interested applicants can inquire through the property management team. You can join a mailing list to stay informed about application openings and project progress by filling out the form on our Contact page.