History of Kakaʻako and Kaʻākaukukui

A bridge between the past and the present, Kahuina is the intersection and gathering place for residents to honor the history of Hawaiʻi while illuminating a prosperous future.

A Modest Fishing Village

The land on which Kahuina’s Lamakū and Māmalu Towers sits was formerly known as Kaʻākaukukui, a place of healing and renewal, and a prosperous fishing village where ‘aweoweo (bigeye), ʻama ʻama (striped mullet), squid and alamihi crabs swam the shores, and ʻAoʻaoa winds and rain gave life to the ‘āina. Kakaʻako is actually a very small area in urban Honolulu located near the shoreline of today’s Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Most of what we currently consider the Kakaʻako area is actually Kaʻākaukukui.

Healing and Renewal

With its roots deeply embedded in Kaʻākaukukui’s history as hoʻōla, a place of healing and renewal, Kahuina is the meeting place where local residents live, work and play in a community built on human connection, that draws strength from the ʻāina, and honors those who came before.

Kahuina draws strength from the ‘āina, honoring those who came before

Innovative Spirit

Born from the nearby salt-making ponds, and later growing into Oʻahu’s center of industry with the construction of Honolulu Iron Works in the 1800s, Kaʻākaukukui continues to light the way to a bright future with Kahuina’s Lamakū and Māmalu living and working communities. It is with knowledge, understanding and heart that Lamakū and Māmalu come to be and contribute to the resilient and innovative spirit of Kaʻākaukukui.

Caring for the ‘Āina
for Future Generations

Kahuina’s Lamakū and Māmalu towers are built on land owned by Kamehameha Schools. Founded in 1887 by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools (KS) is driven to create sustainable, vibrant communitites where kamaʻāina have every opportunity to live, work and thrive.