Welcome to South Kōloa Town
South Kōloa Town is a carefully planned residential community created to offer affordable homeownership options for Kauaʻi’s working residents. Positioned just steps from historic Kōloa Town, the project will feature a variety of neighborhood-scale homes that address a vital housing shortage for local families, professionals, and community workers.
By locating new housing within walking distance of locally owned businesses, services, and jobs, South Kōloa Town promotes a more connected and vibrant community. The project has a simple goal: to create homeownership so that the people who work on Kauaʻi can also afford to live there.
Duplex Homes
These thoughtfully designed duplex homes offer the comfort and privacy of a traditional home while making efficient use of land in the heart of Kōloa. With spacious layouts, private entries, and modern interiors, these homes are ideal for families seeking a balance of neighborhood character and attainable homeownership.
Four-Plex Homes
The four-plex homes are designed to create a welcoming residential environment with a smaller building scale that blends naturally into the surrounding neighborhood. Each home features comfortable living spaces and functional layouts that support everyday living for individuals, couples, and families.
Eight-Plex Homes
The eight-plex homes provide an innovative approach to creating more attainable housing opportunities while maintaining the charm and character of Kōloa. Carefully designed with shared architectural elements and open spaces, these homes offer comfortable living in a connected neighborhood setting.
Designed for Neighborhood Living
Across the community, homes are arranged to create a walkable residential environment that encourages connection among neighbors while maintaining a sense of privacy and comfort. The architecture draws inspiration from Kōloa's historic character, blending traditional island design elements with modern living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the South Kōloa Town project help meet Kauaʻi’s housing needs?
The South Kōloa Town project helps address a documented housing need identified in the South Kauaʻi Community Plan, which anticipates approximately 450 additional residential units in the Kōloa area by 2035. Located within walking distance of the existing town center, the project supports the plan’s vision for more residential growth in the historic town core. By introducing attached housing types, the project provides homes that are more attainable for local residents than newly built single-family homes at current land and construction costs. Importantly, the homes are restricted from ever being used as vacation rentals, and at least 45% of the units must be marketed to existing Kauaʻi County residents, helping ensure the housing directly benefits the local community.
What is “gap housing” and who is it intended to help?
Gap housing refers to homes designed for residents who earn too much to qualify for deed-restricted affordable housing but still cannot afford most newly built homes on the south side of Kauaʻi. These homes are intended for working residents such as teachers, nurses, first responders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit employees, government workers, and local business employees, as well as retirees moving down to simplify and be close to services. By filling the gap between subsidized housing and high-end market housing, and by requiring that the homes remain long-term residential housing rather than vacation rentals, the project helps create opportunities for local residents to achieve homeownership and remain part of the community.
How many homes are proposed in the South Kōloa Town project?
The project proposes 148 residential units, comprising a mix of housing types, including duplexes, four-plexes, and eight-plexes. The units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes designed to accommodate a range of household sizes. This mix of housing types allows the project to provide more attainable ownership opportunities while maintaining a neighborhood-scale design.
How will the project support a walkable community and local businesses?
The project is located near the historic Kōloa town center, and residents will be within walking distance of shops, services, and employment. The surrounding area is also expected to benefit from planned transportation improvements, including sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and improved crossings along Poʻipū Road and Kōloa Road. These improvements help create safer options for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. It also reduces the need for daily vehicle trips.
Will the project create jobs for local workers?
The construction of the project is expected to create approximately 584 jobs over a 24-month period, offering meaningful employment opportunities for local workers and contractors. The developer has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, endorsing the use of skilled union labor during construction. This collaboration encourages safe construction practices and supports local trades.
How will nearby transportation and safety improvements benefit the area?
Several public infrastructure upgrades are planned or in progress in the Kōloa area, including improvements to Poʻipū Road and Kōloa Road. These enhancements include sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, bus stop upgrades, and traffic safety features such as roundabouts and turning lanes. Collectively, these projects will enhance safety and mobility for residents, visitors, and workers traveling along the Kōloa and Poʻipū corridor.
Contact Us
We welcome questions and feedback from community members, neighbors, and anyone interested in learning more about the South Kōloa Town project. Our team is committed to providing clear information and staying engaged with the Kōloa community as the project moves forward.
If you would like additional information, have questions about the project, or would like to stay informed about future updates, please contact us using the information below.