“This will be the most sustainable high-rise ever developed in the state.” With that bold promise, CEO Alana Kobayashi Pakkala and the Kobayashi Group are setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury living in Hawaii.
Ālia was designed with great consideration for the land it was built on. Partnering with Adam Woltag of WRNS Studio, the developers took a revolutionary approach by orienting the building to capture Hawaii’s natural trade winds. Despite daily temps of 80 degrees, the orientation facilitates the flow of natural breeze, ensuring consistent comfort.
Ālia is setting a new benchmark for resource management by introducing Hawaii’s first gray water treatment and reuse system. The combination of a high-efficiency cooling system with recycled water is a massive win for island conservation.
Inside, each residence is outfitted with Gaggenau appliances, deepening the Kobayashi Group’s commitment to coupling sustainability with high-end aesthetics. Using advanced induction technology, the kitchen design flips the script on traditional layouts, allowing the home chef to take in ocean views instead of cooking with their back to guests.
As Pakkala notes, the project succeeds because both developer and designer refuse “to sacrifice aesthetic nor function” to achieve their green goals.
Watch the full video to learn how Ālia stands as a testament to the power of shared values and visionary engineering.

