Once a 3-acre industrial site, SALT at Our Kakaʻako, is the result of a master plan and adaptive reuse strategy developed to support the district’s transition from light industrial services to a vibrant, locally rooted mixed-use urban neighborhood. The project repositions four existing warehouse structures—once used for salt works, warehousing, and miscellaneous repair services—into a cohesive framework of public space, small-scale commercial uses, and cultural programming. To activate the ground plane, the plan introduces a mid-block pedestrian crossing that invites varying scales of gathering and interaction across surfaces previously reserved only for service access and parking.

As one of the early phases of the nine-block Kakaʻako master plan, the project contributes to shaping the district’s identity at both architectural and urban scales. SALT was conceived as a local destination and a transitional space bringing together multiple modes of use—retail, food and beverage, informal gathering, and public art.  The open-air format and pedestrian-oriented site plan break down the scale of the blocks, introducing shaded courtyards, outdoor seating, and visual corridors that frame views and invite exploration.  Material choices such as reclaimed local wood, corrugated metal, and weathered steel were selected to preserve the site’s industrial character and build a familiar and welcoming community destination for neighborhood residents and visitors.  A six-level parking structure situated along the site’s edge supports increased density. It features integrated bike storage, murals, and urban furniture referencing Hawaiian sports and recreation, extending the project’s relationship with mobility, culture, and public life.



Rather than defaulting to national tenants, the development prioritizes local entrepreneurs, chefs, and artists. This curatorial approach reinforces SALT’s role as a cultural anchor and commercial platform, where public space and small business are mutually supportive. Events, installations, and community programming further embed the project into the rhythm of daily life, establishing it as a gathering place that reflects the diverse communities it serves. As a framework, SALT functions as both a standalone project and a precedent for larger district development, advancing adaptive reuse as a spatial and civic solution.