Hoakalei Resort

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Haseko is developing the Hoakalei Resort on 726 acres in West O'ahu, Hawai'i. The fully-entitled project being built on former sugar cane lands in 'Ewa Beach is expected to be completed by 2020 with its first component - the Ernie Els-designed golf course at Hoakalei Country Club - scheduled to open in 2009.

1 Meaning of Hoakalei
2 Resort Amenities
3 Marina Amenities
4 Hoakalei Cultural Foundation
5 For Additional On-line Information

[edit] Meaning of Hoakalei

Hoakalei means "reflection of a lei" and comes from a Hawaiian legend about the volcano goddess Pele and her sister Hi'iaka's journey across the island chain to retrieve Pele's lover Lohiau. In the story, Hi'iaka crossed the 'Ewa Plain and came to see a reflection of herself in a spring while adorned with garlands of lehua blossoms (thus the "reflection of a lei" translation). The portion of this legend that speaks of Hoakalei (along with the English translation) can be downloaded from the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation's website. The entire story has also recently been translated into English by Puakea Nogelmeier in a 500-page hardcover volume titled Ka Mo‘olelo O Hi‘iakaikapoliopele (The Epic Tale Of Hi‘iakaikapoliopele).

[edit] Resort Amenities

The vision for Hoakalei includes a full-service marina, hotel, resort spa, wellness center, resort residences, a waterfront commercial district, and Ernie Els’ first signature golf course in Hawai'i. Golfers will start teeing up on the fairways at Hoakalei Country Club in 2009. Also planned is an exclusive Beach Club offering ocean-front dining and other recreational amenities.

[edit] Marina Amenities

Hoakalei Marina will encompass more than 53 acres upon completion, and is envisioned to have 600-800 slips to accommodate a range of boat sizes. A seven-lane boat launch ramp facility, comfort stations, and trailer parking are also planned. Handicap-accessible fishing piers will be installed on both sides of the waterway. A pedestrian promenade around the marina is also planned to provide the public with easy access.

[edit] Hoakalei Cultural Foundation

One of the notable differences about this project is the emphasis placed on respecting the Native Hawaiian culture and traditions of the area. Years of consultation between the developer and area kupuna during the planning stages of the project prompted the kupuna to establish the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation in 2006 to ensure good stewardship of the land and heritage of the ‘Ewa Plain, and oversee the preservation areas within the resort property in perpetuity.

The Hoakalei Cultural Foundation is also implementing programs designed to help the community better understand, value and respect the spirit, natural resources and heritage of the ‘Ewa Plain. These include workshops about Native Hawaiian and indigenous plants and their cultural uses, lectures about the history and cultural significance of the ‘Ewa Plain, oral histories of the area and partnerships with schools for place-based educational opportunities for students.