JHA drew inspiration from the Oahu landscape for the new 90,000 sq ft Saks Fifth Avenue store. The 3-level façade has a 3-dimensional abstraction of the Ko’ Olau Mountain range which the store faces. The new SFA store is part of the 345,000 sq ft retail and entertainment redevelopment of the International Marketplace. This was a major development of the original Polynesian inspired 1956 International Marketplace where famous singer Don Ho had his start.

Other features include large areas of stucco which are in the process of becoming a green wall that will reflect the lush landscape of the mountains. The horizontal ribbon window uses wood louvers to reflect the forest and there is a glass water wall looking into the escalators of the store – inspired by the hidden waterfalls of Ko’ Olau.

The interior design is an evolution of other SFA stores but with an eye towards a palette that is reflective of the beach resort area of Waikiki. Using natural light was key to help design the two focal areas on the main and second floors which have metal and crystal acrylic and feature an abstraction of the distant waterfalls of Ko’ Olau. By using brass rods, acrylic crystal and a metallic wall covering, one can almost feel the calm water flowing from above