ALA MOANA & KAKAAKO Ala Moana & Kakaako 222 The newly revitalized neighborhoods of Kakaako and Ala Moana are hip and hospitable – with a convenient waterfront location, beautiful apartments, excellent eats, fun festivals and cultural events. New construction and the eventual advent of Honolulu Rail stops adds to the area’s upbeat vibe. Located between Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu, the old warehouses of Kakaako have been adorned in extravagant murals – many of which were painted by local and global artists during Honolulu’s annual POW! WOW! festival. Considered by many as part of Kakaako, the “next door” neighborhoods of Ward Village and Ala Moana feature enticing shopping and restaurants plus a variety of urban housing options. Throughout Ala Moana and Kakaako, an influx of trendy businesses includes microbreweries, hidden speakeasies, luxury shops and swank services. One of the best things about this area is how such an abundance of trendy gems is perfectly scattered throughout such a compact urban space. It all adds up to engaging diversions from morning through the night. FISHING VILLAGES TO IMMIGRANT CAMPS TO TRENDY HOT SPOT Kakaako land was once filled with villages that not only cultivated fish but also salt treasured like gold by Native Hawaiians. This important neighborhood was called Kaakaukukui, which roughly translates to “the northern light” which describes the pure black sky with its vibrant starlight. Starting in the 1800s, immigrants from across the globe relocated to camps in Kakaako. This resulted in a diverse community which established churches, stores, parks and Pohukaina School. In the early 1940s, the neighborhood’s zoning changed from residential to commercial, making Kakaako the new home to Honolulu’s heavy industries. While iron factories, lumber yards and shipping warehouses replaced family homes, many legacy families remained in the neighborhood by moving a few blocks away to Ward Avenue. The industrial aspects of Kakaako can still be seen today, with a few functioning autobody shops and warehouse facades transformed into art pieces. Ala Wai Harbor is the largest small boat and yacht harbor in Hawaii.
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