Hawaii Kai: The Ancient Hawaiian Fishpond

    To understand the history of Hawaii Kai, one needs to look no further than the high school that lays in the middle of the town, Henry J. Kaiser High School.  Henry J. Kaiser, the same Henry J. Kaiser who developed Vanport, Oregon in “Remember to Wave,” was an entrepreneur who built ships.  Fortunately, Hawaii Kai did not suffer the same fate as Vanport and is now a thriving community.  Before Hawaii Kai was developed by Kaiser, it was the Maunalua fishing pond, also known as Kuapa.  In 1961, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate agreed to let Kaiser develop the land into a community.  The fishpond along was then cleaned out and the construction of Hawaii Kai then began as houses were erected.
    At first, the locals were persuaded to invest in a home in Hawaii Kai.  Houses were sold at a relatively low price and as result, Kaiser lost money.  However, things took a turn for the better as mainlanders began to buy and invest in the houses in Hawaii Kai.  Since then, the value of the land and houses has gone up exponentially.
    The remnants of Kaiser and his development can still be found today.  The local high school is named after him.  The man-made marina was created by digging deeper down in the fish pond. 
    Hawaii Kai is full of iconic landmarks, beaches, and views.  A stunning view of the east side of the island can be achieved by trekking up Koko Head trail which previously served as a railroad to get ammunition to the anti-aircraft machine guns during World War II.   If one wants to get close to nature, one should take a dive in the stunning Hanauma Bay.  For the more adventurous, Sandy’s Beach offers an unforgiving shore break that is great for body boarding. After the adventure, one can grab a bite to eat at Hawaii Kai Shopping Center or Koko Marina Shopping Center.  Hawaii Kai is even home to a Costco, although there is no gas station.
     If there ever was one downfall in living in Hawaii Kai it would be the location.  Being that it is on the east side of the island, there is basically only one way in and out.  During times where major accidents have occurred on Kalanianaole Highway, the only alternative to get into Hawaii Kai is around the island via the Pali and Waimanalo.  If not, one can always wait it out until the accident clears up.