A proposed redevelopment of a 10.85-acre Paradise Cove Luau site in West Oahu is making progress after publication this week of the final environmental impact statement for the $135.6 million plan to redevelop the site as an entertainment venue with three restaurant sites and a “village walk” of retail shops.
The project is being developed by Cove Campbell Kobayashi LLC, a joint partnership of landowner James Campbell Co., Kobayashi Group, and BlackSand Capital. Honolulu-based design firm G70 prepared the EIS.
“We’re excited to be part of The Cove Redevelopment, a project that will bring a unique facility to the growing Ewa region. It will include a modernized cultural performing arts venue, spaces for educational workshops and cultural programming, and an array of retail and dining opportunities. Beyond enriching the community, the project will create long-term jobs closer to home for residents of West Oahu,” Alana Kobayashi Pakkala, CEO of Kobayashi Group, said in a statement.
The Cove property, situated between the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, has been used for commercial luau, wedding, and entertainment operations since the late 1970s. Currently, the site houses nightly shows by the Paradise Cove Luau, which is operated by PC Services Inc. and whose lease should end this year, the EIS states.
Now that the final EIS has been published by the state Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Cove Campbell Kobayashi will need other permits approved before beginning a 24-month construction period, which is expected to start this year, with completion targeted for 2027.
“The publication of the final EIS marks a major step in advancing the redevelopment of The Cove and is the culmination of many years of work with our partners and the community,” Kevin Penn, president and CEO of the James Campbell Co., said in a statement. “Our team has engaged thoughtfully with a range of stakeholders throughout the EIS process, and we are grateful for the valuable input we’ve received so far. We remain committed to fostering strong connections with our community stakeholders as The Cove’s redevelopment continues.”
The new venue would be able to accommodate up to 650 guests, which is fewer than the existing venue’s capacity of 1,200. The existing wedding chapel, Paradise Cove Crystal Chapel, and its support building, will remain in place and may be renovated.
The project is expected to create about 484 full-time jobs. Moon Kahele, a member of the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board, said in a statement that the project would allow for more work opportunities for area residents.
“The Cove has the power to strengthen West Oahu’s economy, support local talent, and create a place where residents can live, work and grow together,” said Kahele.
Initially, the project was referred to as The Cove at Ko Olina Redevelopment but was renamed to The Cove Redevelopment in May 2024.
The last major redevelopment of the property was in the early 1990s, when it was rezoned and subdivided.