The name “Kahala” comes from the Hawaiian name for Amberjack fish, common in the waters at the time.
The native Hawaiian communities first started settling in the Kahala area around 1795. The area is fairly flat, making it ideal for raising livestock.
Throughout the 1800s, much of the area that is now Kahala belonged to livestock farmers. After the Great Mahele land division in 1848, the land went to Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. When she died, the land was transferred to the Bishop Estate Trust.
After World War I and towards the middle of the century, Kahala real estate was ‘found’ by those in the upper class. The flat landscape, rare on Oahu, made it appealing for homes. Farms started shutting down and mansions started popping up.
Doris Duke, a wealthy socialite of the early 20th century, was an early adopter just on the edge of Kahala in Diamond Head. Often called the “Richest girl in the world” during her lifespan, her Honolulu home completed construction in 1938 and today we know it as The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. This former home in the most exclusive spot on Oahu reflects the luxury Kahala is known for.
In November 1954, the Waialae Shopping Center first opened its doors. Now known as the Kahala Mall, this iconic feature of Kahala has over 100 local shops, a Whole Foods Market, and multiple restaurants.
Throughout Kahala you can still find hints of its history. Farmers’ Road is one such example, hailing back to its days of being lined with cattle farms.
