mile wide shallow lake, formed by saltwater seepages and freshwater springs filling the Āliapa‘akai crater. Water evaporated and left salt deposits – which was a commodity to Hawaiians and explorers. After extreme salt exports, plantation runoff, an artesian well, sewage pipes, and eventually the filling of the lake in 1966, all that remains of Salt Lake today is a pond on the golf course at the Honolulu Country Club. After the Great Mahele allowed ownership of Hawaii lands, the Moanalua ahupua‘a passed through the royal Hawaiian family – from King Kamehameha V to Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani and then to Bernice Pauahi Bishop. In 1884, Samuel Mills Damon became the main owner of the land, leasing lots to the Honolulu Plantation Company for sugarcane production and utilizing the Moanalua hillside for cattle grazing. Rice and bananas were also grown in the rich soil. The U.S. Government began purchasing land in the area around 1914, eventually establishing the bases of today. In 1956, the Damon estate sold much of the former Moanalua ahupua‘a land to residential and commercial developers, catalyzing the poststate construction of the suburban neighborhood. SPECTACULAR SHOPPING Almost anything you need – and more – can be found in the West Honolulu neighborhoods. And neighborhood shopping centers also have frequent events and discounts, adding to the entertainment. A community staple is Salt Lake Shopping Center (848 Ala Lilikoi Street saltlakeshoppingcenter.com). Home to Safeway, Longs Drugs, McDonald’s, a gas station as well as a mix of tenants including casual dining eateries, doctor’s offices, hair and nail salons, and specialty stores, Salt Lake Shopping Center provides local shoppers with the convenience of one-stop shopping for the entire family. Check out their discount card program online for additional deals. Navy Exchange Mall at Pearl Harbor (4725 Bougainville Drive mynavyexchange.com/storelocator/storedetails.jsp?st oreid=437) is also not-to-be-missed. Only open to military members and their families, the Navy Exchange offers tax-free shopping for designer clothing and accessories as well as groceries, alcohol and more. Pearlridge Center in Aiea (98-1005 Moanalua Rd pearlridgeonline.com) is the largest enclosed shopping center in Hawaii – and home to the island’s only working monorail system to add convenience and fun to the shopping experience. With many shops and eateries, like TJMaxx, Ross Dress for Less, Gen Korean BBQ, as well as entertainment options like Tropics Mini Golf Course and Tilt Studio (an arcade and fun center), there is something for everyone at Pearlridge. FOODIE FINDS The neighborhoods of West Honolulu are packed full of foodie finds – perfect for any palate. For a night out or a family brunch, almost any kind of eateries is available in the neighborhoods of Aiea and Pearl City. Here are a few military favorities. Big City Diner (98-211 Pali Momi St # 900 bigcitydinerhawai.com) is a longtime local favorite restaurant with a large menu appealing to all ages, including kupuna (elderly) and keiki (children). Loco Moco Drive Inn (930 Valkenburgh Street locomocodriveinnhi.com) is located near Navy Exchange Mall and serves up the best Hawaiian comfort food – like its namesake the loco moco dish. Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill (98-1005 Moanalua Rd unclesfishmarket.com) delivers a dining experience based on local fresh fish through a diverse seafood menu that was developed over decades. Looking for high quality fresh fish? Look no further than this restaurant in Pearlridge. Tex 808 BBQ & Brews (930 Valkenburgh Street tex808.com) is the place to be for mouthwatering BBQ and a fun time filled with brews. Their Moanalua Shopping Center location is easily accessed. Aiea & West Honolulu 230 1 2
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