WAIMANALO, Hawaii — After years of anticipation, construction is set to begin on the rebuild of the historic Waimanalo Beach Park Pavilion, restoring one of Oahu’s most beloved community gathering spaces to its original mid-century design. Work will begin Tuesday, October 14, and is expected to be completed by summer 2026, city officials confirmed.
The new pavilion will recreate the size and architectural character of the original 1959 structure, blending cultural preservation with modern functionality. The project aims to deliver a safe, durable, and weather-resilient facility that continues to serve as a cornerstone for the Waimanalo community.
The pavilion, once a popular location for family gatherings, picnics, and local celebrations, was closed in 2017 and demolished in 2019 due to structural concerns, according to a news release from the Honolulu Department of Design and Construction (DDC).
The DDC’s plans call for a sturdy and sustainable rebuild. The structure will feature precast concrete supports, concrete block walls, and an asphalt shingle roof equipped with stainless steel gutters and downspouts. Inside, concrete benches will offer long-lasting seating for park visitors.
The redesigned pavilion will also include a partially enclosed area to protect visitors from wind and rain — a key improvement that will make it more suitable for community events like the annual Gabby Pahinui Festival, the DDC noted.
“The new building will upgrade our facilities while honoring the spirit of the original design,” said a department spokesperson. “It will once again serve as a gathering place that brings people together for music, culture, and connection.”
City officials awarded the $330,137 design contract to Jeffrey Nishi Architects and the $1.49 million construction contract to T. Iida Contracting, Ltd. Both firms have prior experience working on community and park facilities across Oahu.
Construction crews will be on site Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays. While the parking lot will remain open, the construction zone will be fenced off for safety. City officials advise parkgoers to expect moderate noise, dust, and limited access around the site during work hours.
The Waimanalo Beach Park Pavilion holds deep cultural and community significance for local residents. Built in the late 1950s, it served as a hub for gatherings, surf events, and cultural festivals for decades. Its restoration is seen as both a symbol of heritage preservation and an investment in future generations.
When complete, the updated pavilion will not only revive a historic design but also enhance the visitor experience with better protection from the elements, improved accessibility, and longer-lasting materials.
City officials said they’re committed to maintaining public access to other areas of Waimanalo Beach Park throughout construction.
For project updates and alerts, residents can visit the Honolulu Department of Design and Construction’s website or follow the City and County of Honolulu on social media.
Originally reported by Spectrum News Staff in Spectrum Local News.
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