About
Kapa‘aKea District
‘Āpana ‘o Kapa‘akea
Kapa‘akea District
Where the city meets the campus
The Kapaʻakea District is being transformed into a dynamic, walkable town center where culture, education, commerce, and community come together. The name Kapaʻakea carries deep connections to this place. It reflects the paʻakea, or limestone and coral beds, and refers to this area’s ʻili or small land division. Grounded in this rich history, Kapaʻakea is envisioned as a vibrant gathering place that honors the past while embracing the future.
Anchored by cultural experiences and designed to complement the surrounding neighborhoods and the University of Hawaiʻi, Kapaʻakea will create a vibrant sense of place that reflects the diversity, creativity and innovative spirit of Mōʻiliʻili and Mānoa. Together with Waiānuenue, Puck's Alley, the Varsity Building, and surrounding properties, the Kapaʻakea Project lays the foundation for a reimagined destination that celebrates local culture, supports student life, and strengthens connections between campus and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A: Kapaʻakea is a long-term community revitalization effort. We are exploring what future phases of redevelopment could look like as we thoughtfully reinvest in the area over time. Kapaʻakea will continue to grow as a vibrant, connected district that creates opportunities for local businesses, housing, culture, education, and community life while honoring the area's unique history and sense of place.
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A: Puck's Alley and the Varsity Building are part of the broader Kapaʻakea district, and we continue to evaluate how these properties best serve the community in the years ahead. We are committed to staying connected with our community as we thoughtfully explore how this ʻāina can continue to uplift our kaiāulu.
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A: Kapaʻakea district-wide parking is available at Waiānuenue, and the Varsity Building and Puck’s Alley. Additionally, Kapaʻakea is being planned with walkable streets, bicycle connections, and transit access to support the needs of residents, businesses, employees, and visitors as the district grows.
Overview of Kamehameha Schools
A Legacy of a Princess
Founded in 1887 through the will of Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop, Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha is a private, educational, charitable trust dedicated to empowering Native Hawaiians in perpetuity by improving the well-being of our people through education.
We envision our haumāna, strong in E Ola!, grounded in Hawaiian and Christian values, succeeding in post-secondary education and contributing as ʻōiwi leaders to a thriving and self-determined lāhui.
Stewarding ‘Āina Pauahi
As stewards of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s lands, Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha is deeply committed to the resilience of our ʻāina and communities.
Through culturally grounded planning, regenerative practices, and strategic investment, we cultivate waiwai in all its forms – financial, ecological, cultural and spiritual — to ensure intergenerational prosperity and resilience.
Learn more about Kamehameha Schools’ stewardship of ʻĀina Pauahi in the video below.
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