Friday Is Moanalua 99’s Last Day. Here’s Where the Eateries Are Going

The coming of Home Depot means closure for some, new beginnings for others at this eclectic food court.

July 11, 2022

Eric Baranda,

First Ke‘eaumoku’s superblock of eateries and small businesses closed, then Hale ‘Ohana Marketplace. Now it’s Moanalua 99. While redevelopment can breathe new life into a neighborhood, it comes at a cost. The purchase of the Mapunapuna property by Home Depot has many longtime tenants scrambling to find new locations, while others have decided to close permanently.

In the early 2000s, I worked down the block from Moanalua 99. At the time it was known as the 99 Ranch Market food court. Since I worked on a rotating schedule, I had ample opportunity to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner there.

With its varied selection of Asian and local eateries, the food court was an oasis of eating in an industrial park desert. Its other main attractions were ample seating and cold AC. I enjoyed the refreshing blast of chilled air that greeted me when the sliding doors opened. Pre-pandemic, when I was living in an old apartment without AC, I’d drive across town to spend the hottest weekends hanging out at Moanalua 99.

For some years, the food court boasted a big screen TV so patrons could enjoy local programs and football games. They even had karaoke on some days. More recently, the place hosted mini markets and craft fairs where local vendors showcased their handmade wares and treats. Organizations and clubs met there. It truly was an oasis, not just for food, but for the community.

I visited every eatery this past weekend to find out their plans. Here are my photos of what I found.