Kahala Mall facts for kids
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| Location | Kahala, Hawaii, United States |
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| Coordinates | 21°16′37″N 157°47′10.5″W / 21.27694°N 157.786250°W |
| Opening date | November 1954 |
| Developer | Philip Lyon, Gordon & Company (E. Philip Lyon and Sheldon Gordon |
| Management | MMI Realty, Inc. |
| No. of stores and services | 98 |
| No. of anchor tenants | 5 |
| Total retail floor area | 414,000 square feet (38,500 m2) |
| No. of floors | 1 with partial upper level (2 in Macy's) |
Kahala Mall is a popular indoor shopping mall located in the Kāhala area of Honolulu, Hawaii. This neighborhood is on the east side of the island of Oahu. Besides being a great place to shop, Kahala Mall is also an important stop for many TheBus (Honolulu's public bus system) routes. You can find it on Waialae Avenue, close to where Interstate H1 turns into Kalanianaole Highway.
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History of Kahala Mall
How Kahala Mall Started
The mall first opened its doors in November 1954. Back then, it was known as the Waialae Shopping Center. Later, between 1969 and 1970, it got a big makeover. A company called Philip Lyon, Gordon and Company helped with the changes. After this renovation, it was renamed Kahala Mall, which is what we know it as today.
In its early days, the mall was home to Hawaii's very first F.W. Woolworth Company store. This was a type of store often called a "dime store," where you could buy many different items at low prices. There was also a bowling alley called Waialae Bowl inside the mall for a while. It was the only bowling center nearby, but it has since closed down.
A Big Flood in 2006
On March 31, 2006, Kahala Mall experienced a flood. Water entered many parts of the mall, affecting about 60 out of 90 businesses. The flood was strong enough to damage two walls in the movie theater auditoriums.
Who Manages Kahala Mall?
MMI Realty, Inc. is the company that manages Kahala Mall and keeps it running smoothly. The land where the mall stands is owned by Kamehameha Schools. This organization is a private school system in Hawaii that was founded by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
What Can You Find at Kahala Mall?
Popular Stores and Eateries
Kahala Mall has many well-known stores and restaurants that people love. You can find places like CVS/pharmacy (which operates as Longs Drugs in Hawaii), Whole Foods Market for groceries, and fashion stores like Claire's and Banana Republic. There's also an Apple Store for all your tech needs.
For bigger shopping, you can visit Macy's and Ross Dress for Less. If you're hungry, there are many food options, including Starbucks for coffee, Jamba Juice for smoothies, Chili's for casual dining, and California Pizza Kitchen for pizza. Gamers can check out Gamestop.
Catch a Movie
The mall also has its own movie theater, called Consolidated Theatres Kahala 8. It's a great place to watch the latest films.
Who Visits Kahala Mall?
A Place for Everyone
Kahala Mall is a popular spot for many different people. Many senior citizen residents enjoy visiting the mall in the early mornings. They often take part in the free exercise programs offered there.
Students of all ages also frequent the mall. They come to hang out with friends or use their laptop computers in the many comfortable gathering areas throughout the mall. It's a friendly place where people can relax and socialize.
A Famous Visitor
A very famous person who used to visit Kahala Mall was the actor Jack Lord. He was well-known for playing the lead role in the TV show Hawaii Five-O. In his later years, Jack Lord would often take walks in the mall. Today, there's a bronze statue of him outside the mall, near the California Pizza Kitchen entrance, to remember him.
