James Campbell Company Breaks Ground on West O‘ahu Entertainment Venue

James Campbell Company Breaks Ground on West O‘ahu Entertainment Venue
Tihati Productions to Offer Nightly Lū‘au Experiences

Kapolei, O‘ahu (May 21, 2026) – More than 200 people today celebrated the official ground blessing of Waianiani at The Cove, West O‘ahu’s newest entertainment and cultural venue. Located adjacent to the Ko Olina resort area, Waianiani will feature a newly constructed oceanfront entertainment amphitheater presenting nightly lū‘au shows from Hawai‘i’s largest and longest-running entertainment company, Tihati Productions, as well as community gathering spaces, landscaped walking paths and exciting dining and retail options spread across a 10.85-acre site.

Waianiani at The Cove is presented by Cove Campbell Kobayashi, a joint venture led by James Campbell Company (JCC) in partnership with BlackSand Capital and Kobayashi Group. Joining the celebration today were descendants of James and Abigail Kuaihelani Campbell, the employees and Board of Directors of JCC, as well as elected officials and community leaders from West O‘ahu.

“This will be the first time in 40 years this space is open to the public, and we look forward to seeing this site come alive with people enjoying this beautiful area together,” said JCC President and CEO Kevin Penn. “The James Campbell Company is proud to be a longstanding member of the West O‘ahu community, and we will continue to mālama our communities and bring abundance to the Leeward side.”

“Waianiani at The Cove represents an opportunity to thoughtfully create an oceanfront destination centered around culture, entertainment, dining, and shared experiences — one that local residents and visitors can enjoy for years to come,” added Kobayashi Group CEO and Partner Alana Kobayashi Pakkala.

Upon completion in 2028, Highgate will oversee daily operations, with Hawaii Hospitality Group serving as asset manager. In addition to the nightly Tihati lū‘au show, Waianiani will offer:

  • Fresh, locally inspired cuisine at three full-service restaurants, including Duke’s at The Cove, the first West O‘ahu location for the restaurant chain.
  • A cultural pavilion and open-air activity lawn for community performances and workshops.
  • A “village walk” marketplace, spanning 20,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to showcasing local artisans and local produce.
  • An existing wedding chapel that will be retained and improved for future use.
  • Nearly 500 permanent jobs.

# # #

About Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC

Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC (CCK) is a 75/25 joint venture led by the James Campbell Company in partnership with BlackSand Capital and Kobayashi Group, to transform a 10.85-acre oceanfront property in Kapolei, O‘ahu, into a mixed-use entertainment, dining and shopping venue and community gathering place.

The James Campbell Company (JCC) is a private real estate firm headquartered in Kapolei, Hawaiʻi with a legacy spanning over 160 years. JCC has grown into a nationally diversified company with over 22 million square feet of properties and more than 2,300 acres of land in 11 states and Washington D.C. JCC focuses on stewarding its properties with integrity and nurturing long-term growth for the people and communities it serves in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

BlackSand Capital is a Hawaiʻi-focused private real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of high-quality properties that align with Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural and economic environment.

Kobayashi Group is a locally owned and operated real estate development firm recognized for its award-winning residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, including ventures that prioritize innovative design and community value.