Building or remodeling a structure—whether for a family or for a business—is never a simple undertaking— You need to consider costs, local regulations, zoning guidelines, permits, and a host of other variables. It takes a lot of experience and skill to start and finish a project successfully, whether it’s a structural expansion or the construction of an entirely new building. To help make this tedious job easier, our editorial team has put together a list of the best construction companies working in Honolulu, Hawaii. These companies were selected for their expertise with multifamily projects, their exposure in the media, their years in business, and the impressive awards that they have received.
Layton Construction Company
707 Richards Street, Suite PH-1A, Honolulu, HI 96813
Layton Construction Company, LLC specializes in structures for the health care, hospitality, warehouse, office, government, residential, education, entertainment, life sciences, sports, and manufacturing industries. The firm was established in 1987 with an office in Phoenix, which allowed the firm to diversify geographically. When working on projects, Layton Construction focuses on the values of integrity, honesty, and innovation.
Since 1953, Layton Construction Company has grown into one of the largest contractors in the US. Much of this growth has happened in the past decade or so with President and CEO David Layton at the helm, the third generation from his family to lead the company. Under David’s leadership, seven new office locations have been established, growing the firm’s presence to over 40 states served by over 1,200 employees. The Hawaii offices are led by Executive Vice President Will Summerhays. Layton has won multiple awards from Arizona organizations such as the Arizona Department of Real Estate (AZRE), the Real Estate and Development Awards, and the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP).
Layton Construction worked on the Ae’o Ward Village, a 41-story, high-rise mixed-use project. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Platinum-Certified building contains 466 residential units, three guest suites, a wellness center, a private movie theater, and a lounge/karaoke room.
Nan, Inc.
636 Laumaka Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Nan, Inc. was founded in 1990 and since then it has been offering preconstruction, general contracting, and design-build services. For both the largest and smallest projects, this firm can be trusted to deliver the highest standard of quality, service, and value. Its president, Fooney Freestone, applies his mechanical engineering and construction know-how to growing the company’s skills in renovations, technological upgrades, and historic preservation. Nan, Inc. also has a team of seasoned professionals committed to excellence in every venture the firm undertakes. These experts work hand in hand, openly communicating and coordinating to execute a project seamlessly.
One of its most distinguished projects is the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The renovations involved demolition and then redoing the wall covering, paint, carpet, wet bars, tiling, and all plumbing fixtures. The door hardware was also replaced. New Fire Alarm devices were installed and the elevator cab finishes were updated. The guestrooms, common areas on all floors, and the lobby were all refurbished.
Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc
605 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813
Established in 1902 by Walter F. Dillingham, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company offers a wide range of project services including design-build and general construction. The firm specializes in packaging design and construction services. The firm also provides commercial and residential projects, including single-family homes. retail buildings, and healthcare and educational facilities. Everything the firm builds is designed according to the city’s climate, culture, and people. This firm’s team believes that good design is brought to life through cost-effective solutions.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the Ala Moana Center Ewa Mall Expansion project. The company added more than three multi-level structures to the world’s largest open-air mall. New leasable retail and restaurant spaces, as well as parking space, were added by constructing five new levels of parking structure onto the existing four-level structure.
Allied Builders System
1717 Akahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
Allied Builders System is not just a contractor—it’s a teammate. The firm is known for its collaborative approach where its in-house workers, subcontractors, and clients all work closely to bring projects to life. This approach is reflected in the quality of the company’s work. It has been recognized as one of the top 20 construction companies in Hawaii. In turn, ABS has become the go-to contractor for many retail businesses around the state. While the company specializes in commercial properties, it also works on light industrial and low-rise residential buildings.
President Gary Oda has helped lead the team to become one of the top 250 businesses in Hawaii. While Gary handles company management, his Vice Presidents Justin Izumi and Jay Iranon oversee the construction side. Justin has been working for the firm for over two decades and now heads its preconstruction and construction services. Jay Iranon has more than 35 years of experience and has been instrumental in bringing to fruition over $1.2 billion in real estate projects. Aside from being well-established entrepreneurs, the three have successfully led ABS to be the contractor it is today.
S & M Sakamoto, Inc
1928 Hau Street, Honolulu, HI 96819
S & M Sakamoto is one of the leading diversified construction firms working in Hawaii. The firm was started by two brothers in 1940, fueled by their shared passion for building. It was incorporated under its present name in 1965. Today, the company offers pre-construction, design assistance, and general contracting services that include estimating, structure design, site planning, and material selection.
The president of the company, Dale Sakamoto Yoneda, finished a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Yoneda is a board member of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii. In 2022, she was included by the Pacific Business News on the list of Women Who Mean Business Honorees. Yoneda cultivates a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Under her leadership, S & M Sakamoto handled the interior refresh of the existing retail store located in the Manoa Marketplace.
Graham Builders
1144 Young Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
Graham Builders has been helping reinvigorate the Honolulu landscape with its ingenious design-build solutions since 1990. The award-winning firm has extensive expertise in the construction of multigenerational, extended-family, aging-in-place, and single-family structures and spaces. It’s the first contractor in Hawaii to have a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) on staff. What also sets Graham Builders apart: it provides clients with a written warranty and maintenance handbook, ensuring that their homes were built with the highest standards and helping them to keep their homes looking good and functioning well for years.
Each Graham project reflects the same level of care and supervision by a skilled team of architectural designers, coordinators, estimators, and project managers. Thanks to this dedication to client satisfaction, the firm has won a number of awards, including Hawaii Home+Remodeling Magazine’s People’s Choice Award for Multigenerational Home Builder in 2018.
Led by CEO Danny Graham and President Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builders is one of Hawaii’s most experienced design and build companies. They spearhead a team with three certified consultants and continue to expand the firm’s services for homeowners’ mobility and safety needs in their homes.
Armstrong Builders, LLC
80 Sand Island Access Road, Suite #209, Honolulu, HI 96819
Founded in 1976, Armstrong Builders is a recognized builder in Hawaii’s residential market and in the commercial market as well. This firm specializes in green buildings, commercial developments, and large-scale residential homes. Some of these homes were distinct and magnificent enough to help the firm win the Building Industry Association (BIA) Hawaii’s Builder of the Year award five times. It was also named Builder of The Decade for the 2000s.
The firm was founded by Robert Armstrong. For over 35 years, he was a leader in the construction industry and held multiple positions in the NAHB and the BIA. Currently, the firm is under James R. Keller’s leadership. He has been with the firm since 1985 and took over as president in 2005.
The Diamond Head Mid Century Modern project is a well-recognized project by Armstrong Builders. The company earned the 2016 BIA Renaissance Grand Award and the Hawaii Home Remodeling Editor’s Choice Award for its work on the Honolulu home.
Homeworks Construction, Inc.
2111 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96826
Homeworks Construction, Inc. is a full-service design-build firm that specializes in new homes, additions, remodeling, and kitchens and baths. To date, Homeworks has completed over 750 projects. Other than earning a place in the Top 500, the firm is also a five-time winner of the BIA Hawaii Builder of the Year Award and was featured in the 2017 issue of Hawaii Home + Remodeling.
The firm also plays an active part in the community with outreach programs and monthly educational seminars that focus on industry topics and trends in Hawaii. The firm works with Habitat for Humanity and developed the “Door to New Beginnings” program where the firm donates front doors and acts as project managers for homes volunteers are building. Co-owner Marshall Hickox can also be found at the annual BIA Home and Renovations shows, offering free kitchen and bath forums.
The firm has numerous stunning projects, but one particularly intriguing one that comes to mind is the luxury custom home in Hawaii Loa Ridge. A three-story home, it is a contemporary house that captures traditional Hawaii with high ceilings and recessed lighting. Its full-wall windows capture a panoramic view of the island.
Ko‘olau Builders Inc.
2604 Doris Place, Honolulu, HI 96822
Founded in 2010 by Nicholas Tang, Ko’olau Builders Inc. is a design-build company that specializes in residential remodels, renovations and additions, commercial and federal contracting, as well as new home construction. In 2015 and 2016, the firm was also featured in Hawaii’s Fastest 50 where it was recognized as one of the fastest-growing businesses in Hawaii. It was also on the cover of Home + Remodeling magazine’s September issue.
In the industry, the firm may be best known for its quality work, well-kept job sites, and its friendly employees. One of its most notable works is a plantation-style home found in Kahala. Built for a young, growing family, the house has a calming color palette and a large garden perfect for children. The project team demolished three bedrooms and two bathrooms, then replaced them with a family room and new bedrooms and bathrooms.
H-1 Construction, LLC
868 Puuomao Street, Honolulu, HI 96825
Creating a great home usually means collaborating well with the homeowners. H-1 Construction is one of those firms that prides itself on great communication with its clients. For over 25 years, this firm was able to build well-crafted beautiful, sustainable, and functional homes. As a firm known to be strong and dependable, H-1 construction has won many awards for its work. In 2016, it won the Local American Institute of Architects People’s Choice Award, the Hawaii Home and Remodeling Editor’s Choice Award, and the 2016 BIA-Hawaii Grand Award for New Residence in the $500k to $800k price range. Some of these wonderful homes were built in collaboration with the local firm Fujita + Netski Architecture.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is this new home characterized by wooden textures all around, from the flooring and wall paneling to the furniture. The residence was built to adapt to the topography of the site. The varied levels of the spaces add interest to the house. The top floor showcases an elevated platform and a curved ceiling which contributes to the sense of space.
