Windward Coast

The town of Waimanalo is a historic community on the windward coast. The area was primarily used as a fishing and farming village in ancient Hawaiian times. In the 1800s, Waimanalo became a center for the production of kapa, as well as a stopover for ships traveling between Honolulu and North America. The arrival of American Protestant missionaries in the late 1800s brought new religious and cultural practices to Waimanalo, and the community became known for its agriculture and livestock. In the early 20th century, Waimanalo was transformed by the growth of Honolulu and military bases throughout the island, particularly on the Windward side. Today, Waimanalo remains a vibrant community with a rich history and cultural heritage, and is home to many families who have lived in the area for generations. Roughly half the town is of Native Hawaiian decent.