KAPOLEI & EWA BEACH 250 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 In 1877, Irish businessman James Campbell bought 40,000 acres of land in the Ewa plains, which included Kapolei. Sugar and pineapple plantations boomed. Thirty miles of train track was soon laid to connect Ewa to the Oahu Railway for transporting sugar, molasses, livestock, people and about anything else to the region. Immigrants from Japan, the Philippines and Korea soon joined Hawaiians to farm the fields. These immigrants also moved into newly built plantation villages. By the 1980s, the booming sugar industry started to bust. Now, with the planned construction of thousands of residential units during the next few decades, Ewa Beach is destined to boom again. LOCAL FAVORITES Into “pau hana” (happy hour) to celebrate the end of a hard work week? Kapolei has you covered! Check out Longhi’s Ko Olina, Waikai, Moani Island Bistro & Bar, Monkeypod Kitchen, Kapolei Golf Club Restaurant,Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Ramen-Ya and Longboards Bar at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Grille. The latter (808-679-4700) presents signature island cocktails and Hawaiian-style appetizers. WAYS TO SPEND YOUR DAY Kapolei and Ewa Beach have it all – with more coming all the time due to ongoing area development. From the air to the water and shopping to resorts, these neighborhoods allow you to go active or kick back and relax while enjoying all Hawaii has to offer. WATER AND AIR ADVENTURES These Leeward communities are home to some of Oahu’s top destinations for water and air adventures. Wet’n’Wild Hawaii is Hawaii’s favorite waterpark with rides and activities for all ages and adventure levels. Check out Chief’s Luau for an amazing evening of Polynesian culture and fun topped off with dazzling fire-knife dancing. Hawaii Nautical offers a plethora of cruises to explore all aspects of the incredible Pacific Ocean. From whale, turtle and dolphin sails to snorkel and sunset cruises, this family-operated ocean activity provider can customize any ocean adventure for you and your loved ones. Outings depart from Waianae Harbor (85-491 Farrington Hwy.) just past Kapolei and other docks on Maui and The Big Island. Garnering raves as Oahu’s hot, new destination, Wai Kai is located in Ewa Beach’s Hoakalei Resort. The nine-acre waterfront recreation venue offers a deep-water artificial wave, huge lagoon for all types of watersports (SUP, kayak, etc.), restaurants and frequent special events. LAND ACTIVITIES Kapolei and Ewa are packed with fun activities on the water and in the air, as well as on land. Germaine’s Luau offers a spectacular Polynesian show at the ocean’s edge beneath stars and palm trees. Ask about military discounts. Ko Olina encompasses 642 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views and a string of jewel-like lagoons connected by more than a mile and a half of seaside pathways.
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