Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: Keauhou Shopping Center
Keauhou Shopping Center, known as “Kona’s legendary gathering place,” is the centerpiece of the Keauhou Resort. A modern getaway surrounded by rich Hawaiian history, this legendary retail destination in Kailua-Kona offers shopping, dining, services, and entertainment for all. The eclectic range of shops offered means there is something for everyone. With a grand mix of approximately 40 merchants, it comes as no surprise that the community voted Keauhou Shopping Center as “The Best Shopping Center” in the Best of West Hawai‘i for 2018. With this title, the center prides itself as being the preferred shopping center for locals and visitors alike. Many of the center’s establishments offer a multitude of things to do, such as the seven-screen movie theater, a heritage center museum, art galleries, fine dining, fast food, and even a post office.
Keauhou Shopping Center offers special opportunities to learn about the heritage of the Kona coast through special entertainment, educational programs, and the Kahalu‘u Heritage Center. The Keauhou area is where significant events took place that shaped the ancient history of Hawai‘i, and Keauhou Bay was the setting for some of the most dramatic ones. A nearby natural spring’s fresh waters helped bring life to King Kamehameha III at his birth. The shores were the summer playground of the Ali‘i, Hawai‘i’s chiefs and royalty. The land was used for recreation, but was also bloodied by monumental battles that eventually led to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under one king. The area has some of the most sacred heiau (temples) and sites in Hawaiian history and now boasts the restored beach house of King Kalākaua. Be sure to plan a visit to the Heritage Center (admission is complimentary) and learn more about why Keauhou is so special.
You’ll also be able to learn about the culture through song and dance by attending the center’s free weekly hula performance every Friday night beginning at 6pm in the center courtyard. The monthly Kūpuna Crafts event takes place the first Thursday of every month and is another fun cultural activity from 10am until noon. Create your own beautiful crafts, such as a flower or yarn lei, with lessons from the talented kūpuna (elders). These kūpuna are also passionate entertainers, so while you work on your creation, you can also watch as they sing and dance to some of Hawai‘i’s favorite melodies. General Manager Kristin Kamakau says, “We are able to ensure events are truly ‘legendary’ by treating each event as an opportunity to provide an authentic and credible learning opportunity about how special this place is.”
Every Saturday, the community can purchase locally grown produce, 100% Kona coffee, honey, jams, macadamia nuts, and other amazing items at the beautiful outdoor farmers’ market. All products are grown and produced in Hawai‘i. The Keauhou Farmers’Market is held in the parking lot area in front of Longs from 8am until noon.
The Keauhou Shopping Center’s Hui Kako‘o concert series is a benefactor to the Hawai‘i Food Basket, and its mission is to bring an end to hunger in Hawai‘i. The concert held in January 2019 set a record-breaking donation of $560 and 1,568 pounds of canned food. The shopping center, with the community’s help, hopes to break its existing record at the upcoming Hui Kako‘o benefit on June 29th, featuring Kanani Kahaunaele, a five time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner, live in concert.
Need transportation to the center? Not to worry—the shopping center is a stop on the Honu Express Trolley, making it convenient for those who need a lift.
The Keauhou Shopping Center, owned by Kamehameha Schools and managed by JLL, has been operating for more than 35 years. GM Kristin said, “We invite you to come and experience our events, meet our merchants and see for yourself why we were voted West Hawai‘i’s best shopping center!”
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
808.322.3000
keauhoushoppingcenter.com
