The Island of Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an isolated, eight-square-mile island located 32 miles south of the equator about 1,800 miles northeast of Sydney, Australia.  In 1968, the island of Nauru gained its independence and formed the Republic of Nauru.  The principal source of income to the people of Nauru is the high-grade phosphate mined on the island since 1907.  Unfortunately, the phosphate is a depleting resource and will be fully exhausted early in this century.  As a consequence, the Republic of Nauru had the foresight to establish in 1968 the Nauru Royalties Trust (”Nauru Trust”) for the purpose of investing a portion of the royalties received from the phosphate mining to earn income for the future benefit of the citizens of Nauru.

In November 1984 the Nauru Trust purchased a 17.25 acre parcel located in Honolulu’s Kakaako District at the intersection of Waimanu St. and Piikoi St. On November 7, 1984, the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) issued Planned Development permit #PD 2-84 to the Nauru Trust, which authorized the development of the property in four (4) separate and distinct phases (the 404 Piikoi project).

In October 1988, the property and permit were transferred from the Nauru Trust to Nauru Phosphate Royalties (Honolulu), Inc. (NPRH), a U.S. subsidiary of the Nauru Trust.  Prior to the start of development of each phase of the 404 Piikoi Project, NPRH enters into a Master Development Lease with Nauru Phosphates Royalties Development (Honolulu), Inc. (”NPRD”), a wholly-owed subsidiary of NPRH, which develops, constructs, markets and sells the condominiums in each phase.  Phase 1, Nauru Tower, was competed in February 1992.

 

THE MAKING OF HAWAIKI TOWER

The name “Hawaiki” is drawn from an old Polynesian form of “Hawaii” and generally refers to the ancient homeland of the Polynesians.  It is a name that links Polynesians to a tradition that is rich in honor, security and comfort.  It is a dignified name for this very distinctive residential condominium.

Design work on Hawaiki Tower spanned the period of 1992 through 1996. Internationally recognized architect Barry Patten of Australia in collaboration with GYA Architects, Inc. of Hawaii, produced the architectural drawings with a commitment and dedication to quality, innovation and dependability.  In December 1996, construction commenced by the general contractor, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, and as the job progressed the construction workforce reached in excess of 300 skilled tradesmen.  Many construction elements of Hawaiki Tower were unique.  To begin, the concrete foundation pour was the largest concrete pour for a residential building in Hawaii's construction history.  A total of 702 truckloads (6500 cubic yards of concrete) were placed in one day.

Brett Hill, of Brett Hill, Inc., NPRD’s project construction manager for Hawaiki Tower, and Ben Woo, of GYA Architects, Inc., traveled to Verona, Italy and the foothills of the Italian Alps to select and inspect the granite and marble that is incorporated in each Hawaiki Tower Apartment.

In October 1997, Central Pacific Bank became a co-lead lender, along with the International Commercial Bank of China, for a consortium of lenders from Taiwan and the United States for the $85 million syndicated construction loan.  Included in the group of 15 syndicated lenders were the trustees of the Hawaiian Carpenter's Financial Security Fund, and a Mainland investor, the Union Labor Life Insurance Co.

The sophisticated Hawaiki Tower lobby and common areas showcase original artwork by Mary Mitsuda and Glenn Yamanoha of Oahu and Hans Ladislaus and Hiroki Morinoue of the Big Island.  Distinctive exterior finishes include specially tinted dual pane thermal insulated glass, a reinforced concrete structure and a unique angled wedge on the Diamond Head side of the Tower.

The extraordinary condominium residences accommodate many individual life styles with spacious one, two and three bedroom homes.  This wide variety and meticulously designed floor plans are highlighted by a gourmet kitchen.  Sub-Zero and Gaggenau appliances work beautifully with the granite countertops and designer cabinetry.  The full size bathrooms with marble countertops show off Hawaiki’s contemporary styling.  Hawaiki Tower’s location and design maximize the feeling of openness and offer breathtaking views of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park, the ocean and the Koolau mountains

Hawaiki Tower also boasts its own spa, swimming pool, sun deck, tennis court, barbecue areas and landscaped gardens and a distinctive outdoor deck on the 36th floor.  The glazed tile serpentine wall located at the Diamond Head end of the swimming pool stretches to the horizon and depicts the ocean movement.

Hawaiki Tower's premier location offers residents all the recreational opportunities that Ala Moana has to offer.  Relax in the sun on Ala Moana Beach Park's white sand. Walk, jog or bike along miles of scenic manicured paths.  Shop daily at Ala Moana's internationally acclaimed shopping center.

Spectacular architectural design, great amenities, prime location and commitment to quality are just a few of the features that the residents of Hawaiki Tower have come to enjoy.