Agency Work > The
Center of Waikiki
CASE STUDY: THE CENTER OF WAIKIKI

The Center of Waikiki located at 2284 Kalakaua
Avenue is a 30,000-square-foot specialty retail center
that includes a Coco’s Cove, Rip Curl, and Footlocker
on the ground level and a California Pizza Kitchen
and Atlantis Seafood & Steak restaurant on the
top level. The Center of Waikiki also includes a host
over 140 specialty cart vendors to enliven the pedestrian
experience on Duke’s Lane, an open bazaar next
door to the center.
This new building was erected on the same site as
one of the first theatres in Hawaii's history built
in 1936. The Waikiki 3 Theatres closed in 2002 and
was torn down in 2005. The beautiful new retail Center
embodies many architectural features from its predecessor.
Services:
- Plan, coordinate and execute a Topping
Off Party and traditional Hawaiian blessing to thank
those involved in the project’s development
- Create & produce
VIP invitations including organizing numerous mailing
databases into one and controlling the RSVP process
- Secure
popular Hawaiian music entertainment
- Design and staging
of the event
- Coordinate menu with restaurant tenants
- Public Relations
efforts to ensure coverage of the event and a "historical" lighting
of the old "Waikiki" neon sign salvaged from
the theatre
- Work with the local commercial real estate
management company while also coordinating with the
mainland based landlord keeping everyone informed and
a part of the approval process
- Work with the Mayor's
office to coordinate Mayor Hanneman's attendance and
speech
Challenges:
- Short time frame for execution with
an event date the week before Christmas
- Turning a loading
zone area in the back of the building into an elegant
and magical back drop for the VIP Party
Solutions:
- Rented plants and other foliage to cover
some unsightly areas
- Used lighting to create a "magical" setting
- Secured
bar service with a local beverage company providing
Christmas themed martinis
Results:
The Center of Waikiki's loading area was transformed
into a setting fit for such a historical event. Many
guests commented that they couldn't believe how great
it looked. Guests had a great time and truly enjoyed
the evening. Two television stations (KHON & KITV)
covered the event and conducted interviews with key
people in the industry.
