The second mall in Hawai'i was a privately-built venture. The first phase of WAI'ALAE CENTER opened for business in November 1954...3 months after the dedication of MOANALUA CENTER. WAI'ALAE CENTER was rebuilt into the KAHALA MALL between 1968 and 1970.
Photo from http://imagesofoldhawaii.com / Peter T. Young
Photo from Mike Roberts Color Productions
Speaking of which, we have a site plan of MOANALUA CENTER, as it was configured at the time of its first anniversary, in August 1955. Only the Hukilau Restaurant was air-conditioned. Over the years, the 250,000 square foot shopping facility never had a major expansion. In its original state, the mall housed twenty-one stores. Its parking lots accommodated 500 autos at one time.
MOANALUA CENTER TENANTS 1955:
FOODLAND supermarket / BEN FRANKLIN 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / SAV-MOR DRUGS (with luncheonette) / B & G Jewelers & Opticians / Bernan's Dress Shop / Ed & Don's Candies / Elizabeth's Pastry Shop / Doctor Bernard Fong / Virginia Houston Insurance / Hukilau Restaurant & Bar / Johnny's Self-Service Chevron (outparcel) / Ka-Ma-Aina Shoes / Kapiolani Furniture & Appliance / Kay's Beauty Salon / La Madrid Shoe Repair / Moanalua Cleaners / Momi's Flower Shop / Pearl Harbor Driver's Association Taxis (outparcel) / Rainbow Gift Shop / Russell's Men's Shop / Tony's Barber Shop / Doctor H.T. Wong / Watumull's