There's a new place to play in Ward Village — the 1.4-acre makai phase of Victoria Ward Park is now open.
This is the first phase of the park named in honor of Victoria Ward, born in 1846. Ward's estate included 100 acres of land encompassing much of what is now known as Kaka‘ako, according to a history outlined on the Ward Village website. Ward Village is Howard Hughes' 60-acre master-planned community located between Downtown Honolulu and Waikīkī.
The park sits between residential towers Victoria Place, which welcomed residents last November, and Kalae, construction of which began in January 2024, and is bordered by Auahi Street on one side and Ala Moana Boulevard on the other, said Gayna Buranelli, director of planning and development for Ward Village who is leading development of the park.
Buranelli said "thoughtfully curated public art" that highlights Hawai‘i's culture and natural environment is one the park's most "striking" aspects.
"'Wayfinding' by Linda Fleming, inspired by ocean currents and celestial navigation, anchors the makai entrance, while 'Ae‘o Birds' by Dan Ostermiller features seven bronze sculptures of the Hawaiian stilt, honoring the area’s historic habitat in Kukuluāe‘o," she told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "The upcoming Victoria Ward Park Mauka will also feature public art, further expanding opportunities for artists and enhancing the neighborhood’s public spaces."
According to Buranelli, the park expands public green space with "pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike-accessible paths, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate between our residences, shops and dining destinations."
"As Honolulu continues to grow, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces like Victoria Ward Park Makai help foster a healthier, more accessible urban environment," she said, noting that future connections, which include the Victoria Ward Park Mauka and planned elevated walkway will continue to "enhance mobility and integration across the neighborhood."
Additionally, Buranelli said, the park will serve as a "hub for community engagement and local entrepreneurship," with the plaza along Auahi Street featuring three local vendors.
According to an announcement from the developer, the first vendor, Middle Eats, will open soon with a grab-and-go dining concept featuring an "authentic menu" of Middle Eastern foods such as falafel, shawarma and kebabs. Two more vendors will open in the coming months, Buranelli said.
In addition to the artwork, Buranelli said, too, that native plantings in the park help promote biodiversity, reduce irrigation needs and create a "cooler, more inviting environment," while the landscaping helps minimize the impact of traffic and noise from Ala Moana Boulevard.
The park, which is free and open to the public, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can park for free anywhere in the neighborhood, with Ward Entertainment Center, Ward Centre and South Shore Market just a short walk away, Buranelli said.
According to Buranelli, Victoria Ward Park Mauka is currently under construction is expected to open in spring 2026. Once complete, it will connect with the makai segment and create 3.5 acres of open space, she said.
The park was developed by Ward Village, with SCB architects, VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture and civil engineers Wilson Okamoto Corp. Cost of the park was not disclosed.
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
