Waimanalo’s Pahinui Pavilion reopens, honors renowned local musician

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An old community hub returns to Waimanalo in honor of a renowned local musician.

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The new Pahinui Pavilion, named after the late musician Gabby “Pops” Pahinui, reopened Friday for community use.

Pahinui was a renowned musician and ambassador of Hawaiian culture.

Before the old pavilion closed and was demolished, the city said it served as a cultural nexus for the Waimanalo community, hosting events like the annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila.

“Today is not simply about reopening this pavilion. It is about carrying this special place forward for our Hanauna and Hanauna to come to gather, celebrate, learn, play, and continue creating memories of their own,” said Kehaulani Puu, deputy director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The city said the pavilion’s reconstruction began last October, designed to match the size and character of the original demolished in 2019 due to structural issues.

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The rebuilt pavilion includes built-in concrete benches to provide seating within the pavilion, offering a partially enclosed space for everyday and special community events. Details from the city on the pavilion’s reconstruction are online here.

The city said a majority of the structure’s reconstruction was completed. Additional electric work and grass maintenance remain before the project is fully finished at the end of the year.

In the meantime, the pavilion will be accessible from the Makapuu side.

Officials said efforts to renovate the beach park’s comfort station and recreation building are expected to begin early next year and will be announced at a later date.

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