Registration is open for our upcoming tour and pau hana at Our Kakaʻako!
Rooted in the historical and cultural values of the generations who have come before, Our Kaka‘ako honors the spirit of the past while
looking ahead to the future.
As the emerging epicenter of progressive urban island living, Our Kaka‘ako is a vibrant community, encompassing nine city blocks in the heart of Kaka‘ako, that is home to artists, entrepreneurs, chefs, innovators and influencers. Rooted in Hawaiian cultural values and anchored by a strong sense of place, Our Kaka‘ako embraces creativity, inspires learning and discovery, and serves as a catalyst for new and innovative ideas. As a popular place to dine, shop, work, live, learn and visit, Our Kaka‘ako is truly a unique, dynamic local community.
Itinerary:
4:00 PM Meet at Our Kakaʻako visitor center at 325 Keawe Street
4:15 PM Tour with Kamehameha Schools
5:00 PM Pau Hana at Pitch Sports Bar
7:00 PM Pau
Learn more:
History:
https://ourkakaako.com/our-history/
About:
https://ourkakaako.com/our-kakaako/
Master Plan:
https://ourkakaako.com/master-plan/
Ka‘ākaukukui History and Ali‘i Legacy
The nine-block neighborhood referred to today as Our Kaka‘ako is situated in the ‘ili, or subdivision, of Ka‘ākaukukui. The area has a long history of Native Hawaiian settlement, ali‘i (chief, royal) presence, ethnic diversity, industry, and entrepreneurship.
The triangular-shaped land division started from the shoreline at South Street stretching inland to Kawaiaha‘o Street, then following Kawaiaha‘o Street until Emily Street. From there, the boundary cut through today’s light industrial area to the makai (ocean) end of Ward Avenue.
Ka‘ākaukukui was once home to pa‘akai (salt) flats, fishing villages and fishponds. One interpretation of this name is “the right (or north) light” and may refer to a previous maritime navigational landmark.
Kaka‘ako’s industrial roots started with the establishment of the Honolulu Iron Works, a metal foundry and machine shop in the 1850s. As the sugar industry became more prominent in Hawai‘i, the company built the machinery used to operate the sugar mills.
The ‘ili of Kaʻākaukukui has been passed down through prominent members of the Kamehameha line. In the 1848 Māhele, it was awarded to Victoria Kamāmalu and eventually passed to Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop, the great-granddaughter of Kamehameha I and the last descendant of the ruling Kamehameha line. At the time of her passing in 1884, Ke Ali‘i Pauahi set into motion a chain of events that would sustain her people during times of great challenge and change. In her will, she bequeathed an astonishing 431,378 acres of land that would lay the foundation for Kamehameha Schools. That visionary act continues to empower Native Hawaiians today and, through education, inspires solutions and innovations to advance the lāhui (Hawaiian people) in Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and around the world.
Today, Kamehameha Schools’ commercial properties, including the 29 acres of Our Kaka‘ako, support Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision by providing a revenue stream for its educational programs and learning and work environments for keiki to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.