Sept. 19, 2014
Contributed by Aron Dote
Two popular North Shore businesses – the Clark Little Gallery and Guava Shop – have joined more than a dozen retailers setting up shop at Hale‘iwa Store Lots. The commercial center is slated to open late this year anchored by Matsumoto Shave Ice and Whaler’s General Store.
The $16 million redevelopment project by Kamehameha Schools honors the historic plantation character of Hale‘iwa and the unique small businesses that make it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
World-renowned ocean photographer Clark Little looks forward to moving his gallery from Haleiwa Town Center to an 834-square-foot gallery space at Hale‘iwa Store Lots. The new gallery will showcase the photographer's stunning North Shore shorebreak shots.
“As my business continues to grow, the new location is a great fit for all that is coming up,” says Little. “The gallery is just minutes down the road from where my shots are taken. Not only is this my hometown, but this is where it all began. I have to add, I grew up eating shave ice at Matsumoto's. Hard to believe I will be just a few doors down in the same Store Lots.”
Guava Shop owners Liz Lerner and Kai Cost have operated their beach chic boutique in Haleʻiwa Town since 2008. They are also anxious to move into their new space encompassing 951 square feet in the most visible part of the retail complex.
“We’re so excited to be front-and-center along Kamehameha Highway and on the main entry drive and to be able to design our own space,” says Cost. “To be located at the new Hale‘iwa Store Lots is a great opportunity to grow our business. This is our home town. We grew up here and this is where we want to be.”
Construction of the community revitalization project is expected to be completed in October, at which time Kamehameha Schools will hand over the keys to business owners who will then begin preparing their spaces for next year’s grand opening.
“Energy created by locally-owned retail businesses like Guava Shop and Clark Little Galleries will definitely help elevate the vibrancy that the other businesses bring to this place,” says Kalani Fronda, senior land asset manager at Kamehameha Schools.
“As part of our North Shore Plan, Kamehameha Schools is committed to improving this important kuleana (property) in a manner that supports the community’s vision to retain Haleiwa’s country character while revitalizing a highly visible and valued community asset so it can continue to support our educational mission for generations to come.”
Other members of the Hale‘iwa Store Lots retail ‘ohana include Global Creations, T&C Surf, Fatboys, Rajanee Thai Cuisine, Island Vintage Coffee, Greenroom, Kahala Sportswear, Mahina, Splash! Hawaii, Sand People, Malibu Shirts and Uncle Bo’s.
Upon completion, the commercial center will feature the reuse of five historic buildings, two central gathering courtyards and 95 parking stalls. It will also include walkways buffered from Kamehameha Highway by landscaping to provide a safe and comfortable strolling path for pedestrians.
Hale‘iwa Store Lots is part of the Kamehameha Schools North Shore Plan, created in collaboration with members of the North Shore community. Like all KS commercial projects its income supports the trust’s educational mission. For details on the plan, please visit www.ksbe.edu/nsplan.
To be located at the new Hale‘iwa Store Lots is a great opportunity to grow our business. This is our home town. We grew up here and this is where we want to be.
Kai Cost, co-owner of Guava Shop