If you’ve ever driven down Kapiolani Boulevard, you’ve seen it. That massive, curving concrete wave of a building standing right on the edge of the Ala Wai Canal. It’s hard to miss. Honestly, the Marco Polo Honolulu Hawaii is one of those landmarks that everyone knows by name, but very few people actually understand what it’s like to live there—or how much it has changed.
People talk about the "Marco Polo" in hushed tones sometimes, usually because of the 2017 fire. It was a tragedy. No getting around that. But if you think that defines the building today, you’re missing the bigger story. This isn't just a place with a past; it’s a massive, 568-unit community that basically functions like a small vertical city in the heart of the McCully-Moiliili neighborhood.
Living in the Curve: What It’s Really Like
The first thing you notice when you walk into a unit at the Marco Polo is the shape. Because the building is curved, the views aren't just flat rectangles. They’re panoramic. You’ve got the Ala Wai Canal right there, the Waikiki skyline shimmering at night, and Diamond Head standing guard in the distance.
The tradewinds are the real MVP here.
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Because of how the building is angled, the breeze tends to whip through the hallways. Residents call them wind tunnels. In the summer, it’s a godsend. You open your front door and your lanai door, and suddenly you don't even need the AC. It’s natural cooling at its finest, though it does mean you’ll hear the occasional door slam if you aren't careful.
The "Country Club" Amenities
The Marco Polo was built in 1971, an era when developers weren't afraid to use land for actual fun stuff. You don't see this kind of footprint in the new Kakaako builds. We’re talking about nearly five acres of property.
- The Sports Deck: It’s on top of the seven-story parking garage. You’ve got tennis courts, basketball, and even a driving range. Yes, a driving range in the middle of town.
- The Pool and Sauna: Located on the "oceanside" (makai) of the building, surrounded by actual grass and trees. It feels like a park, not a concrete patio.
- The Mini-Mart: This is the ultimate "I forgot milk" lifesaver. There’s a convenience store right in the lobby. It’s open late, has an ATM, and even a Bitcoin machine. It’s basically the building’s heartbeat.
The vibe is a mix. You’ve got retirees who have been there since the 70s, young professionals who want to be close to the University of Hawaii, and families who need the space. It’s not a "zombie building" full of empty vacation rentals. People actually live here.
The 2017 Fire and the Sprinkler Reality
We have to talk about it. July 14, 2017. A seven-alarm fire broke out on the 26th floor. It was a nightmare scenario. Because the building was completed four years before sprinklers became mandatory in 1975, it didn't have a modern suppression system.
The aftermath was a wake-up call for all of Honolulu.
For a long time, there was this back-and-forth about the cost. Installing sprinklers in an old high-rise is incredibly expensive. We’re talking millions of dollars. But the Marco Polo association stepped up. By 2021, they had finished a massive retrofit. They spent about $6 million—roughly $10,500 per unit—to put sprinklers in every single home and common area.
Today, the Marco Polo is arguably one of the safest older buildings in the city. While hundreds of other Honolulu high-rises are still fighting for extensions (some trying to push deadlines out to 2038), the Marco Polo already did the work. If you’re looking at real estate in the area, that’s a huge deal. No surprise "special assessments" for fire safety are lurking in the shadows here.
Is the Marco Polo a Good Investment?
Real estate in Hawaii is always a bit of a gamble, but the Marco Polo has some unique pros and cons.
The Pros:
The location is unbeatable if you hate traffic. You’re minutes from Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, and UH Manoa. The guest parking is actually decent, which is a miracle in Honolulu. Plus, most units are "Fee Simple," meaning you own the land, not just a lease.
The Cons:
Maintenance fees. Like any older building with a pool, elevators, and 24-hour security, the monthly dues can be steep. Depending on the unit size, you might be looking at anywhere from $600 to over $1,000 a month. You also have to deal with the reality of an aging structure. Plumbing and concrete spalling (where the rebar rusts and pops the concrete) are ongoing maintenance battles for any building this close to the ocean.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think the Marco Polo is "that fire building."
Honestly? It’s more like "that safety pioneer building" now.
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While other boards are sweating over new city ordinances, the Marco Polo has already moved on. The units are being renovated with quartz countertops and luxury vinyl flooring. The community is active. You’ll see people washing their cars in the designated area or grilling at the BBQ stations every weekend.
It’s a place that went through a crisis and came out more resilient.
Actionable Tips for Potential Residents or Visitors
- Check the floor plan: The "08" and "10" stacks are famous for their specific views. Look at the unit's orientation (Mauka vs. Makai) before you fall in love with a listing.
- Ask about the plumbing: See if the specific unit has had its shut-off valves and interior pipes updated recently.
- Visit the lobby mart: If you’re just in the area, stop by for a bento. It’s a local secret for a quick, cheap lunch.
- Watch the wind: If you’re touring a unit, keep the front door closed while the lanai door is open unless you want a windstorm in your living room.
If you’re moving to Honolulu or just looking to change neighborhoods, don't let the old headlines scare you. The Marco Polo is a beast of a building with a lot of character and a level of safety most of its neighbors haven't caught up to yet. It’s urban living with a massive backyard, right in the center of everything.
Next Steps for You:
If you're seriously considering a move, your first move should be to check the current HOA meeting minutes. It's the best way to see what future projects are on the horizon. Also, take a walk around the 7th-floor recreation deck at sunset. It's the only way to truly "get" the appeal of this Honolulu icon.