Prince Kuhio Plaza

Summary

Prince Kūhiō Plaza is a single-level regional shopping mall in Hilo, Hawaii. It is the largest enclosed mall on the Island of Hawaii. Anchor stores are two Macy's stores, TJ Maxx, and Petco. Other major tenants include a 9-screen movie theatre and Longs Drugs.[3] Sears was an anchor of the plaza until closing in 2021.

Prince Kūhiō Plaza
The outside view of Prince Kuhio Plaza, with Sears and T.J. Maxx
Map
LocationHilo, Hawaii
Address111 East Puainako Street
Opening date1985; 39 years ago (1985)[1]
ManagementBrookfield Properties
OwnerBrookfield Properties
No. of stores and services65
No. of anchor tenants5 (1 vacant)
Total retail floor area495,277 square feet (46,012.7 m2)
No. of floors1
Websitewww.princekuhioplaza.com
[2]

The mall is named for Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who served as Congressional Delegate from 1903 to 1922.[4]

History edit

 
The inside view of Prince Kuhio Plaza, Hilo, Hawaii, with Macy's
 
Various events are held at Prince Kuhio Plaza, such as Lion dance for Chinese New Year (2020)

In September 1977, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands offered to lease 39 acres (160,000 m2) of land at the intersection of Pūʻāinakō Street and Kanoelehua Avenue (part of the Hawaii Belt Road) for development into retail space, which had been lacking in the area. Orchid Isle Group, the sole bidder for the property, signed a 53-year lease on October 28, 1977.

The mall opened in 1985.[1]

On August 5, 2002, General Growth acquired the 50% interest in the mall that was owned by Homart Development Company, bringing its ownership in the mall to 100%.[5]

In 2001, Macy's acquired the Liberty House store at the mall, followed by JCPenney two years later for the men's, children's, and home store.[6]

In 2004, the owner of the shopping center was sued by Longs Drugs for allowing a Safeway to be constructed at the mall.[7]

In 2013, First Hawaiian Bank opened a branch at the mall.[8]

In 2015, Old Navy and Pier 1 Imports opened stores in the mall.[9]

On January 29, 2021, it was announced that Sears would be closing as part of a plan to close 23 stores nationwide. The store closed on April 18, 2021.[10][11]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Campos, Frellie (October 25, 1998). "Hilo shopping center to get theaters". American City Business Journals.
  2. ^ "Prince Kūhiō Plaza". Brookfield Properties.
  3. ^ "Wallace Theaters acquires Consolidated in Hilo". American City Business Journals. April 27, 1998.
  4. ^ United States Congress. "Prince Kuhio Plaza (id: K000004)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  5. ^ "Form 8-K/A" (PDF). U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
  6. ^ "Macy's acquires former J.C. Penney site at Hilo Plaza Plaza". American City Business Journals. February 7, 2003.
  7. ^ Thompson, Rod (January 21, 2004). "Longs sues Hilo center landlord over Safeway pharmacy". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  8. ^ Silverstein, Stephanie (October 23, 2013). "First Hawaiian Bank to open new Hilo branch at Prince Kuhio Plaza". American City Business Journals.
  9. ^ Shimogawa, Duane (July 2, 2015). "Hawaii's retail real estate market draws several national tenants, new report says". American City Business Journals.
  10. ^ "Sears closing Pearlridge Center, Hilo stores". 3 February 2021.
  11. ^ "Sears and Kmart closing more stores. Is your location closing in 2021? See the updated closure list".

External links edit

19°41′50″N 155°3′48″W / 19.69722°N 155.06333°W / 19.69722; -155.06333

  • Official website