Blessing held for revitalized shopping center in Moiliili

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Community members gathered for a blessing Thursday at the site of a newly revitalized shopping center in Mōʻiliʻili.

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Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea, which was formerly the Varsity Center, is a community-centered retail campus, featuring businesses including Morning Brew, Oakberry and Local Boy Sushi.

The redevelopment was done by Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, a Hawaiian educational organization.

“I think that’s one of the things that we feel really excited about with our relationship with Kamehameha Schools,” said Peter Anderson, owner of Morning Brew. “The fact that it is important to them to make sure that a place has identity and it doesn’t lose its past history, and we love to be a part of that.”

The updated space is adorned by artwork connecting the history and evolving identity of Kapaʻakea.

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“As Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea opens, we aim to create a place that respects its history while offering opportunities for the community to gather, connect, and engage in meaningful ways,” said Calvin Mann, director of planning and development at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha.

Some of the artists featured in the new space include new artwork from artists Koloikeao Anthony, Solomon Enos, and Colleen “TUTUVI” Kimura.

“When you visit Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea, you’ll see artwork and design elements inspired by the stories of this place,” Mann said. “These pieces honor our connection to aina and the diverse cultural histories that make Mōʻiliʻili special.”

Renovations began back in 2024 on the center, which has more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space.

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Their first tenant, Oakberry, is scheduled to open next Saturday.

Click here to learn more about Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea.