NEWS RELEASE

Windward Mall Celebrates 40 Years as the Gathering Place for its He‘eia Community

Windward Mall celebrates 40 years of “loving local” and all are invited to experience the celebration with live Hawaiian entertainment and a mayor’s proclamation on Saturday, July 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Center Court. Starting at 4 p.m. Hawaiian 105 KINE will kick off the festivities to feature special merchant offers from more than 100 retailers, restaurants, eateries, and services. A presentation of the Mayor’s proclamation to Kamehameha Schools will happen at 5 p.m., followed by entertainment until 7 p.m.

Nā Waihoʻoluʻu o ke Ānuenue (the colors of the rainbow) — featuring Kamehameha Schools alum Bella Finau (Faumuina), Luisa Finau, Lina Naipo (Langi), and Delia Parker (Ulima) — will showcase their harmonious talent. This will be followed by a performance by Hālau Hula Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe (based in Kāneʻohe). The hālau is led by Nā Kumu Hula Keawe and Tracie Lopes. Their daughter Piʻikea clinched Miss Aloha Hula and the hālau took second wahine overall and second overall at Merrie Monarch 2022. Kumu Hula Keawe Lopes is nominated for several songwriting and producing awards in this year's Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.

On Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, shoppers who spend a minimum of $140 in same-day receipts receive a 40th Anniversary custom tote designed by Eden in Love as a gift with purchase. In July, merchants will have special offers from July 9 to 23 featured on Windward Mall’s website and social media.

“As we look back upon the past 40 years, we are grateful that we continue to be the gathering place for our He‘eia ʻohana,” said Cesar Topacio, vice president, and senior general manager of Windward Mall. “Windward Mall has greatly evolved in the last 40 years, but our commitment to the community has never wavered. We look forward to providing more shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for decades to come including the addition of Target to the Center later this year.”

Windward Mall opened for business in July of 1982 with a single strand of multi-colored pennant flags on the front of the Sears store. Four original merchants remain; Maruki-Tei, Ko‘olau Pets, Hot Dog on a Stick, and Macy’s (formerly Liberty House) are also celebrating 40 years at Windward Mall next month.

“Kamehameha Schools is proud to be part of Windward Mall’s history of serving and supporting the community and is excited for all that is to come,” said Gary Evora, Kamehameha Schools commercial real estate senior asset manager. “As the favored gathering place for the He‘eia community, Windward Mall is rich with history, culture, and a commitment to bringing a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience like no other center.”

Before opening its doors in 1982, the land that Windward Mall resides on is rich with history as the center of the community. In past Hawai‘i, the lands were highly productive and coveted by ali‘i. Taro fields filled the flat lands with an extensive and highly cultivated lo‘i system, while a modified coastline created a fishpond that enhanced fish production. Kamehameha ‘Ekahi, in his conquest of the islands, selected the lands of He‘eia, for its productive field system and offshore resources.

The anniversary celebration continues with a Summer Concert Series with Brickwood & Friends in Center Court on Saturday, July 23 at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 20 at noon, and Saturday, September 3 at 4 p.m. The monthly ʻOhana Nights craft and food truck event on Saturday, July 23 from noon to 8 p.m., Island Craft Fair on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30, along with a Seltzer & Cider Event with Krave Marketing on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 on the upper parking deck.

For more information, please visit us at www.windwardmall.com or follow @WindwardMall on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.