Ward Centre, the Kakaako shopping complex that has anchored the neighborhood for more than 40 years, is set to close by the end of the month, leaving regulars and merchants reeling. Storefronts are already going dark as tenants box up inventory and staff brace for moves or layoffs. For many visitors, the center has long been less about retail therapy and more about daily ritual and community.
According to Hawaii News Now, Kamitoku Ramen manager Kee Situ said, "The 21st is our last day here," adding that employees are struggling with the news. The outlet also quoted Maryann Barnett, general manager of Noa Noa, who said she feels "really sad" as the longtime store sells off inventory. Shoppers told reporters the loss feels personal and that favorite daily stops, from coffee to bookstores, will be difficult to replace.
Developer: 'Fond aloha' and new towers
In a statement to Hawaii News Now, Doug Johnstone of Howard Hughes Communities said the company has "fond aloha for Ward Centre" and is looking ahead to the site's next phase. The redevelopment plan calls for two condominium towers with about 369 housing units, roughly 20,000 square feet of retail space and a new one‑acre public park. Officials have not finalized a specific timeline for demolition or construction, according to the reporting.
How this fits into Kakaako's larger shift
The closure comes after years of Ward Village development and rezonings that have reshaped Kakaako. Recent Mahana tower filings and other projects have signaled the area's ongoing transformation. Ward Village's directory still lists tenants that long called Ward Centre home, including Noa Noa and Kamitoku Ramen at 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, highlighting the contrast between the aging retail hub and the incoming towers. Local shoppers and small-business owners say the loss disrupts routines and livelihoods across the neighborhood.
What’s next for merchants and shoppers
Merchants say they are weighing relocation, layoffs and whether their businesses can survive the disruption of such an abrupt shutdown. Howard Hughes and Ward Village say they will share details about tenant support and the redevelopment timeline as plans advance. For now, many in Kakaako say they are simply trying to make room for one more goodbye to a place that has been part of their daily lives for decades.
