Waiānuenue at Kapa‘akea to Transform the University Area of Mō‘ili‘ili
The new Waiānuenue project brings change to the neighborhood meant to better connect with the UH Mānoa community.
Rendering: Courtesy of Kamehameha Schools ‘Āina Pauahi
The Varsity Center complex formerly occupied by Blazin’ Steaks, Kit n Kitchen and Smokey’s Pipe and Coffee is being transformed as part of Kamehameha Schools’ latest redevelopment project, Waiānuenue ma Kapa‘akea. Envisioned for the space across the street from Puck’s Alley is a vibrant commercial, cultural and residential area that’s more connected to the UH community. The first phase includes renovations to Varsity Center, the East-West Building around the corner, 2535 Coyne St. (where Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill was) and surrounding parking areas.
A few former tenants—Rock Bottom, Beer Lab Hawai‘i and Hair Croppers—have relocated to Puck’s Alley, while others have moved elsewhere, including Frost City, now located at 1517 S. King St. While it’s too early to say, landowner KS anticipates several previous tenants returning to Waiānuenue when the project is slated to open in 2026.
Rendering: Courtesy of Kamehameha Schools ‘Āina Pauahi
Similar to Kamehameha Schools’ Our Kaka‘ako, the culture and history of the larger district of Kapa‘akea—which also includes Puck’s Alley, Jiffy Lube and Burger King—will be honored through the works of local artists. KS students also created the artwork for the construction barricades up now.
Waiānuenue is the latest change along University Avenue in recent years, following the opening of Hale Mahana in 2018 and the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center in 2023. A block away on Isenberg Street, plans call for the old Stadium Bowl-O-Drome to become a 23-story high-rise with apartments for rent, plus townhouses and retail space, as part of the Hawaiian Home Lands program.
