Between Pearl City and Kapolei lie the former sugarcane plantation towns of Waipahu and Waipio. With easy access to the H1 and H2 freeways and future rail stops of West Loch Station and the Waipahu Transit Center Station, these central Oahu towns provide a short commute to Kapolei, Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Schofield Barracks, Windward Oahu and Downtown Honolulu. Waipahu is “makai” (toward the ocean) of the H1 while Waipio is “mauka” (toward the mountains) of the H1. The City and County of Honolulu designated Waipahu as the first community to have Transit Oriented Development (TOD), meaning plans are in place for affordable family housing, parks, open spaces, connected bike paths and a modern Farrington Highway Boulevard. Families who visit or reside in Waipahu and Waipio today enjoy the vibe in these aloha-filled communities enhanced by a rich cultural history. NATURAL SPRINGS TO SUGAR PLANTATIONS TO FAMILY TOWN In Hawaiian, Waipahu means “water exploding up” and Waipio means “curved water” – a name derived from the cool and clear water that gushed from a natural spring in the rocky terrain. This spring was once treasured by Oahu’s early Polynesian inhabitants and Hawaiian “alii“ (royalty). In 1897, the Oahu Sugar Company established a plantation and mill attracting Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, Filipino and Korean workers to toil the rocky soil. Immigrant plantation workers dwelled in small villages with stores, food establishments, medical facilities and elementary schools. After nearly 100 years of operation, the sugar mill shuttered in 1995. Today, the mill smokestack remains as a reminder of the molasses that once wafted from the mill. Museums, designer and wholesale shopping, golf courses, sprawling parks and a bevy of thriving businesses make Waipahu and Waipio popular family neighborhoods appealing with ample opportunities to “have it all.” HAWAII’S PLANTATION VILLAGE Next to the old mill, Hawaii’s Plantation Village welcomes visitors to stroll through its movie-set atmosphere. Explore this outdoor museum to discover the story of Hawaii’s sugar plantations. Step inside the workers’ homes to discover the immigrant Waipahu & Waipio 242 WAIPAHU & WAIPIO 1
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