Honolulu's Wai'alae Center / Kahala Mall
The second mall-type shopping center on The Islands was developed in Honolulu's southeastern environs. WAI'ALAE ["Wiy-uh-liy"] CENTER opened for business in November 1954.
Graphic from the Bishop Estate
WAI'ALAE CENTER was designed with input from master mall architect Victor Gruen.
Photo from Library of Congress
Piggly Wiggly was in operation at WAI'ALAE CENTER for over 4 years.
Since 1935, Hawaiian Piggly Wiggly stores had been franchises of the mainland grocery chain. In January 1959, all stores were placed under local ownership and rebranded with the Western Super nameplate.
By the mid-1960s, Western Super stores were operating as Star Markets. This branding would be in force until the early 2000s.
The shopping center was anchored by a Piggly Wiggly supermarket. Encompassing 17,000 square feet, it was the original mall's largest store.
Photo from Architectural Forum magazine / January 1956
Graphic from Piggly Wiggly Stores, Incorporated
Graphic from Western States Groceries of Hawaii, Limited
Graphic from Western Star Supermarkets
