| 1912 |
The unwanted 50-acre swampland was purchased from Bishop estates by
Walter Dillingham for $25,000
|
| 1948 |
Plans for a shopping complex were announced |
| 1955 |
Photo: Ground breaking ceremony |
| 1957 |
Photo: Mall construction |
| 1959 |
On August 13, Ala Moana Center opens as the largest shopping center in the
U.S. with 87 stores and 4,000 parking spaces. Original anchor stores are
Sears and Shirokiya. Photo: Rev. Abraham K. Akaka, Lowell S. Dillingham, and
Walter F. Dillingham
|
| 1966 |
The Center doubles in size to 155 stores and 7,800 parking spaces. New
stores include J.C. Penney and Liberty House. Photo: Travelator
|
| 1967 |
Photo: Aerial view of the Center
|
| 1987 |
Third major expansion includes the creation of Makai Market food court, with
19 restaurants and 900 seats. Photo: Makai Market opens
|
| 1998 |
Neiman Marcus opens for business. 30 new stores open shortly after.
|
| 2005 |
Photo: Ho'okipa Terrace opened 2005
|
| 2008 |
The Center's sixth major expansion welcomes Nordstrom and 30 new stores.
|
| 2009 |
Housing more than 290 stores and restaurants, the Center ranks as the
world's largest outdoor shopping center and one of the most successful
centers in the U.S. Photo: Aerial view, February 2009.
|
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Interesting Facts
- The first escalators in Hawaii were at Ala Moana Center
- Developers picked the name "Ala Moana" because it explained the location of the center. "Ala" means street, and "Moana" means ocean.
- 11 original mall retailers from 1959 are still at Ala Moana Center today
- Eight days after Ala Moana Center opened, Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959
- Hawaii's minimum wage was $1 per hour in 1959
- The cost of a U.S. postage stamp was 4 cents in 1959
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