‘A‘ala Park

Great parks start with community—and ‘A’ala Park is no exception. Located in the Kapālama Ahupuaʻa (traditional Hawaiian land division) of the Kona District of Oʻahu, ‘A’ala Park has a rich history of community and connection, continuing today for more than 18,000 residents who live within a 10-minute walk.

The area was once famed for a complex of Hawaiian fishponds and wetlands. In the early 1900s, the park thrived as a political rallying place, a site for festivals and community sports leagues, and was a bustling hub of activity next to the city’s main train station. It became the gathering place for new immigrants arriving through the Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor, and the entire ‘A’ala neighborhood was a multicultural hub for Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino families.

But historical and social challenges have led to recent negative activity associated with this green space. ‘A’ala Park is in the heart of an exceptionally dense and underserved community, with 53 percent of residents considered low income and 49 percent speaking a first language other than English. Disinvestment over the years left the park unwelcoming to residents and covered in graffiti. But the community knew ‘A’ala Park could return to the bustling hub it had historically been—and is working to make it happen.

To realize this vision, TPL is partnering with residents and local businesses of the area, employing our collaborative, community-based participatory design process to create a park that’s reflective of the neighborhood’s rich history and diversity. The result? A revitalized, quality 6.69-acre park for everyone to enjoy.

“These kinds of activities and this presence are so important for the community to feel welcome again. ʻAʻala Park has always been about bringing different groups from the neighborhood together. Even my family from the Philippines know of this park by name.” – Mani P.

‘A’ala Park now includes quality green space, boasts murals, hosts skateboarding classes, celebrates cultural festivities, and offers a dog park for four-legged friends. But our work isn’t done and we’re continuing to partner with residents and city officials to upgrade facilities and continue programming that uplift community voices, improve the physical and mental well-being of residents, and close the park equity gap for Hawaii residents who need it most.