Utah Developers Build Upscale Hawaiian Project on Kauai

An oceanside resort community in development and under construction, located just steps from world-famous Poipu Beach, has its roots in Utah. Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach is located on 25 acres of tropical paradise. The development is comprised of 323 two-, three-, and four-bedroom whole-ownership condominiums surrounded by four expansive pools and other water amenities, day spa, fitness center and poolside bar and grill.
The project was started nearly four years ago by Utah developers Nathan Hale and Michael Thompson, Rich Bennion, The Ritchie Group and other limited partners who organized as Poipu Beach Villas, LLC. The partnership seeks to find unique real estate opportunities, and distinguish the properties through superb architecture and exceptional amenities. The amount of land available for development on the island of Kauai is limited, and development regulations imposed by the community are stringent. No condominium developments with amenities similar to Koloa Landing have been constructed on Kauai for 18 years.
The project’s scope and size make it one of the largest development projects of its type currently underway in Hawaii. With the scarcity of land and development restrictions, there may be none like it in the future. The development partners are working closely with the community to ensure that Koloa Landing honors the heritage and traditions of Koloa and Kauai.
The original partners entered into discussion with another Utah-based development company, The Argent Group, in 2006. The Hale/Thompson/Bennion/Ritchie partners and The Argent Group joined forces, still doing business as Poipu Beach Villas, LLC.
The Argent Group, based in South Jordan, is recognized for its RiverPark Corporate Center development, a 1.4 million-square-foot Class-A office park in South Jordan. The park also includes fine-dining restaurant Market Street Grill, Lifetime Fitness and other retail amenities.
“We developed RiverPark to be the ‘best of the best’ of office parks,” said Jeff Flamm, a development partner of The Argent Group. “We’ve assembled 120 acres under common ownership. Our tenants have the security of knowing they can grow into new space in the park since they are dealing with the same owners. All buildings are connected with fiber optics and phone systems so growing companies can easily expand into neighboring buildings. Our buildings have shower and locker amenities in main floor restrooms for those taking advantage of river trails and bike paths. Traffic roundabouts have beautiful water features. Market Street Grill and Lifetime Fitness also saw RiverPark as a choice location to reach south valley customers. In the same context, we’re involved with Koloa Landing to make it a ‘top destination’ resort community with the same type of global vision and customer amenities.”
Nathan Hale, another project developer said, “We are creating a family destination where memories will be made. There are just so many options for fun and entertainment that we have combined in one resort. It is a treasure in paradise.”
“The development of a top-rated whole-ownership resort community by Utah developers in Hawaii may surprise some. But we feel we have the vision, experience and history with other developments to make this project a success. Sales of condominiums to date suggest buyers seem to agree with us,” said Flamm. “We want to share this excellent opportunity with Utahns looking to invest in an upscale Hawaiian resort paradise.”