Hunt Companies Hawai‘i became the new lessee of the Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center this summer, ushering in a new era for this beloved East O‘ahu gathering place, which sits on Kamehameha Schools lands in Maunalua. This transition reflects Kamehameha Schools’ ongoing commitment to stewarding resources wisely in support of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s legacy and the communities that shape us.

Kamehameha Schools is looking forward to Hunt Companies Hawai‘i managing the Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center with its deep experience in Hawai‘i, offering great hope for the center’s future as a cornerstone for residents, businesses and families for years to come.

“Hunt Companies Hawai‘i shares our commitment to economic vibrancy and has a proven track record across the islands,” said Jennifer Tom, asset manager for Kamehameha Schools. “We are confident Hunt’s leadership will usher in a new chapter of vitality for Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center, honoring its history while building an enduring future for local businesses and families.”

Hunt Companies Hawai‘i’s vision is to re-energize the shopping center as the heart of the Hawai‘i Kai community. Their commitment centers on honoring the historic context of Maunalua, transforming common spaces into active, welcoming areas for families and neighbors, and attracting new local businesses and indoor dining experiences to enhance the diverse mix of tenants. Hunt’s approach includes hands-on, supportive property management, focused on uplifting small local businesses.

In the near term, Hunt’s priorities are to bring dedicated onsite property management, provide faster response times for tenants, and elevate janitorial and security services. Improvements are already underway, including essential siding and façade repairs, reopening bathrooms, sprucing up landscaping, and completing fire damage repairs to ensure the center remains safe and welcoming.

While this is Hunt Companies Hawai‘i’s first investment in Maunalua, it is built on 30 years of experience in Hawai‘i. Hunt’s team actively manages a portfolio in Kalaeloa, O‘ahu, which includes 350,000 square feet of building area and 4 million square feet of land, routinely kept near full occupancy. Their success also extends to the North Shore of Kaua‘i, where they developed and operate a shopping center that has thrived at 100% occupancy.

“We are honored to be entrusted with Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center and look forward to serving the community,” said Mike Lam, senior vice president of development at Hunt Companies Hawai‘i. “Our immediate focus is on meaningful improvements that will help this center truly shine as a gathering place for Hawai‘i Kai residents and families.”

As this transition takes shape, the plan for Hawai‘i Kai Shopping Center remains clear: to cultivate a dynamic, engaging hub grounded in aloha for generations to come. Kamehameha Schools look forward to seeing how this new beginning will continue to enrich the community and support Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s legacy of educational impact.

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ʻāina pauahi, commercial real estate, community development, community investment, community resiliency

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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kona, O’ahu, Themes, Culture, Community, Newsroom, Community Education, Community Events, Department News, CRED News (Not on Frontpage)

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