The last shopping experience to benefit the Kohala Coast was The Queen’s Market Place in the Waikoloa Beach Resort finished in 2006-7. Even though us locals frequent different stores and restaurants within the Queen’s Marketplace it does not have a “local” feel and doesn’t include a large grocery store like Foodland. Certainly Foodland Farms, a mini version of Foodland’s full service grocery store chain does benefit The Mauna Lani resort located at The Shops at Mauna Lani but the new full size, Foodland in the Waikoloa Plaza will be a welcome addition.

According to their June 2020 Newsletter, “Waikoloa Plaza is currently 90% leased, with the first business’ openings anticipated for the second half of 2021.”

Waikoloa Plaza will also include a variety of other tenants in addition to the Foodland grocery store. Looks like the popular Pueo’s Italian restaurant is moving from across the street at Waikoloa Highlands Center. A very needed Ace Hardware is listed as a new tenant as well as L and L Hawaiian BBQ and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. There are plenty of others also so here is a link to the directory of currently leased space: https://www.waikoloaplaza.com/directory

Check out their June newsletter link for more information on the shopping center here: https://www.waikoloaplaza.com/post/july-2020-newsletter

They also are developing what they are calling “Workforce Housing” on an adjacent site and call this development the “Lofts at Waikoloa.” They state that their tenants have expressed the need for employee housing near their businesses therefore the development of the 33 apartments. I’ve read in the West Hawaii Today that all of these apartments have been reserved.

We wish them the best. We need newer commercial infrastructure for our growing community. I’ve met the developer several times and he is certainly excited about the project!! Good luck Gary and team!

Written by Rick Oliver on July 1, 2020
Posted in: New Developements | Tags: Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Plaza