Los Angeles based experiential design firm Thinkwell Group together with economic and research firm ECA are working on the leisure elements of Haseko Development, Inc.’s ambitious new $300 million integrated entertainment complex in Hawaii.
The Haseko group has been developing resort, residential and commercial properties in Hawaii for over forty years. Whilst the bulk of its experience is in Hawaii it also has extensive expertise developing properties across Asia and the US.
Haseko’s initial plans are for a waterside retail, dining and entertainment center at its Hoakalei development on Hawaii’s Oahu Island.
The $300 million complex will be sited within the Wai Kai portion of the resort and is set to “redefine the shopping center experience”.
Haseko is planning to have in the region of 215,000 sq ft of retail space with over 110 shops. There will also be two dozen dining options together with entertainment venues. All of these will overlook the resort’s 52-acre lagoon.
Haseko gives Hawaii its first experiential marketplace
A highlight of Wai Kai at Hoakalei will be the state’s first “experiential marketplace”. Furthermore, as an anchor to the retail development, the resort will feature a 15,000-square-foot health club and spa and a 10,000 sq ft specialty market. In addition there wil be seven major restaurants.
Entertainment, leisure and recreational options are in the early planning stages with Thinkwell and ECA.
A truly exciting concept
Unlike a standard mall, Wai Kai’s current plan is for 10 iconic buildings designed in a “carefully crafted heritage style”. There will be a “town center” and 26 individual “retail clusters”. The resort will provide all the amenities of a major mall. However, it will also feature water gardens, carefully cultivated lawns and a boardwalk conected to a trail around the lagoon.
Tom Sagawa is president of Haseko Development, Inc. He said, “The culmination of our retail plan will create an exciting new marketplace with brand showcases, live experiences, and culinary theaters in a majestic place at the water’s edge.”
Rick Hill is president of J. Richard Hill & Co. He said, “This is a truly exciting concept. It is one that is being developed at a level and scope never before found in traditional shopping centers.”
Architect and design firm Hart Howerton is in San Francisco and New York. They developed the overall master plan, landscape architecture, and architectural design vision for the development. Seattle-based design consultancy CallisonRTKL is the architect.
