Kāhala, Hawaii facts for kids
Kāhala is a beautiful neighborhood located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is known for its many fancy homes and houses right by the beach. About 1,200 homes are in this area.
Kahala is also home to the famous Kahala Hotel & Resort. This hotel used to be called the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and before that, the Kahala Hilton. Nearby, you can find the Kahala Mall and the amazing Diamond Head crater. The name Kahala is also used for a popular brand of aloha shirts.
Kahala is a flat part of Honolulu. It's only a short 5 to 15-minute drive from popular spots like Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.
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History of Kahala
Early Days and Farms
In 1795, King Kamehameha's canoes landed in Kahala. He was working to unite all the Hawaiian islands. After he took over Oahu, many Native Hawaiians began to live there.
In the 1800s, Kahala became a main spot for cattle and pig farms. This was because it was one of the few flat areas on the island.
Changes After the Wars
During World War I, many forests in Kahala were cut down. After the war, richer people started to notice Kahala. They wanted to make it a more upscale area. The farms were closed, and ponds were filled in. This made room for new, large houses. After World War II, Kahala was divided into smaller sections. It then became known as Waialae-Kahala.
Life on Farmers Road
Farmers Road was once home to Taylor's Chicken Farm. It was a popular meeting spot for people living in Kahala. There was a pavilion at the end of the road. People held dances, parties, and hula classes there. Farmers Road also had many stables and pig farms.
A famous person named Doris Duke started a special garden there. She grew fruits and vegetables without soil. In the past, vendors would drive trucks to each neighborhood. They sold vegetables, fish, and eggs. People even left their doors unlocked for milk and meat deliveries. Kitchen scraps were left outside for pig farmers to feed their animals. The neighborhood used to have more green spaces. There were many coconut trees and a grove of mango trees where Kahala School is now.
Modern Development
In 1964, the Kahala Hilton Hotel was built. Many local residents did not want it built, but it went ahead anyway.
By 1986, homeowners in Kahala could finally buy their land. Before this, they had to lease, or rent, their property from the Bishop Estate.
In the 1980s, a businessman from Japan named Genshiro Kawamoto bought many properties in Kahala. He tore down some houses and left the land empty. He also turned some properties into a special mission. His actions caused some problems in the community. However, in 2013, he sold all his Kahala properties to a local company.
Education in Kahala
The Hawaii Department of Education runs the public schools in Kahala. Kahala Elementary School is right in the neighborhood. Students in high school attend Kalani High School. There is also a Catholic private school called Star of the Sea. It teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade.
