Kamehameha Schools celebrates the grand opening of Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala, its newest self-developed neighborhood shopping center
The brand new 43,000 square-foot retail and dining complex in the heart of Kāhala is the latest addition to KS’ growing real estate portfolio that supports the school’s mission to educate Native Hawaiian keiki.
KS CEO Jack Wong, KS Director of Planning and Development Duff Janus and KS Trustee Crystal Kauilani Rose untie the maile lei to signify the official opening of Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala.
HONOLULU (June 21, 2021) – Kamehameha Schools (KS) commemorated the grand opening of Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala, East Honolulu’s newest dining and retail center, with a Hawaiian blessing and remarks held this afternoon. Participating merchants are hosting a weekend of special promotions and giveaways from June 23 to June 27, 2021.
Kū‘ono Marketplace boasts over 43,000 square feet of dining, shopping and services with 150 parking stalls, electric vehicle charging stations and a brand-new Shell Gas station. The center opened to the public in late 2020 with its anchor, Kahala MKT. by Foodland. With the recent addition of the Shell Gas station, the center celebrates its official grand opening.
The marketplace’s 15 merchants include six eateries and restaurants, three salons, two retail stores, a real estate brokerage, local bank, gas station and medical clinic. Several tenants are set to offer the following during the grand opening promotional period June 23 to June 27:
15% off your purchase at Daiichi Ramen
Complimentary Scalp Massage or Hair Treatment add-on service at Drybar
$10 Kāhala Sunset cocktail at et al.
$2 off any hot entrée plate at Kahala MKT by Foodland
10% off any service at Kahala Nails and Lash
Limited Kū‘ono Donut at Purvé Donut Stop
Free gift with a new account opening at Territorial Savings Bank
With the assistance of MGA Architecture and Allied Builders System, KS self-developed this project and incorporated place-keeping motifs into the design and the very essence of Kū‘ono Marketplace. The name Kū‘ono references kū‘ono‘ono, a term that describes wealth and abundance as it relates to the center’s location in Kāhala and Wai‘alae Nui. A kū‘ono also refers to a space where one stores provisions and suggests Kū‘ono Marketplace as an ideal rest stop to replenish one’s supplies.
One mo‘olelo (story) recounts the travels of King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, who stopped in the area to rest and inquired with an elderly couple about a source of drinking water. Hidden beneath stones and wild pōhuehue vine, they revealed to him a natural freshwater spring. Unbeknownst to the King, it was the couple’s kuleana (responsibility) to care for and protect the spring in the chance an ali‘i would someday stop for a drink. Replenished by the fresh water, the King and his men continued their journey east.
Mural by POW! WOW! artists Matthew and Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave.
On the far west-facing wall near Straub Kāhala Clinic, POW! WOW! Streetartists Matthew and Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave blend the mo‘olelo related to the marketplace into a vibrant mural. Much of the imagery is inspired by the Wai‘alae spring, the kāhala fish and other Hawaiian place-keeping motifs.
KS Kahu Sherman Thompson leads the blessing of Kū‘ono Marketplace.
The redevelopment of the parcels took place when the properties were returned to KS’ control. Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala helps KS achieve its goal to optimize the strength, breadth and strategic alignment of its resources with an organization-wide focus on funding the endowment that supports the education of Native Hawaiians. Additionally, this project benefits the community of Kāhala by bringing in refreshed resources and new tenants that can better serve the area.
KS believes in creating mutually beneficial relationships to build and develop thriving communities while balancing the needs of the surrounding community to stimulate Hawai‘i’s economy.