Central Ala Moana vs. Azure Ala Moana

Artist Rendering of The Central Ala Moana

Artist Rendering of Azure Ala Moana

So which is better? The Central or Azure?

Within the past week many people have flocking over to Azure Ala Moana which is the most recent condo to open it's gallery to the public. With their sudden announcement to begin sales (Saturday, September 22nd) many people have been very curious on whether to buy Azure, or to wait for one of the other buildings that will come to the Kapiolani Corridor. Many are torn between whether they should pull the trigger on Azure or if they should wait for The Central Ala Moana. 

Here is my personal opinion of the two. When comparing the two buildings you are essentially comparing apples and oranges. Both buildings will be very different from the exterior finish and aesthetics, all the way down to the maintenance fees and price point of the units. The only obvious similarities are that they will both be located in the "Midtown-Alamoana/Kapiolani Neighborhood" and have a commercial component on the ground floor.

Lets Compare the Amenities for both buildings

The Central Ala Moana

• Pool and Jacuzzi
• Outdoor Shower
• Children's pool
• BBQ Pits
• Grilling Stations
• Cabanas
• Children Play area
• Multi-purpose room
• Fitness Area
• Dog Play Area
• Residence Bicycle Storage
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stalls Available

Azure Ala Moana

• Pool and Spa
• Open Lawn Space
• BBQ Pavilions with Shaded Dining Areas
• Open Grilling Areas
• Puppy Park
• Club Lounge with Kitchen
• Movie Theater
• Fully-Furnished Guest Suites
• Owner's Storage Lockers
• Bicycle and Surfboard Storage
• Fitness Center with Outdoor Workout Area
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• High-Speed Wi-Fi Throughout Amenity Spaces

Azure definitely has more amenities and it is aiming to be more luxurious than The Central Ala Moana. If you are familiar with Honolulu Real Estate you can think of Azure as a hybrid of Symphony Honolulu and The Collection. Whereas The Central Ala Moana will be a more luxurious version of Kapiolani Residence. 

Views and Location. Between the two buildings, the location for both is fantastic. You are centrally located in the heart  of Honolulu, with close proximity to the beach, Ala Moana, shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and public transportation. But between the two, I personally like The Central. Here's my two-sense on it, The Central is on the Makai/Ocean Side of Kapiolani which to me is the preferred side as you will not see much other construction (unless Ala Moana builds a condo on top of their parking lot). Azure's location while prime will see other towers come up around it. There are currently 8 other towers that want to come into the neighborhood with the possibility of more. Azure's view planes will be obstructed in the future but should still have views and channel views of the ocean depending on your location. 

View from Azure facing the ocean. Highlighted area is where The Central Ala Moana will come up

Affordable Units vs. Affordable Rentals. The biggest difference will be the fact that The Central will have Affordable units for sale (60% of the building) whereas Azure will have affordable rentals. Those renters at Azure will not be able to use the amenity area. Whereas at The Central,  everyone can use the amenities regardless of whether they own affordable or a market unit. 

At the end of the day, if you will be living in either condo, both are fantastic choices and I cannot express more on how great the location will be. The entire Kapiolani corridor will be re-developed and you practically have everything at your finger tips. Now if you're buying it as a rental, that's another story and I will save it for another time. But if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me!

For inquiries about The Central Ala Moana or the prices for Azure, please contact me by call, text, or email. All pictures are courtesy of SamKoo Pacific, LLC and Azure Ala Moana and are subject to change.