Hawaii Kai, also known as Koko Marina, was developed largely by a wealthy American industrialist by the name of Henry John Kaiser, around the wetlands and fishpond area also known as Kuapa (fishpond wall). The dredging of Hawaii Kai from the Kuapa pond started around 1959, which led to a lease agreement with the owner of the land at that time, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was a direct descendant of Kamehameha the Great. The 521 acres of land was properly planned with streams and small islands in between which would have houses and commercial properties built on them.
Neighborhoods have since swarmed the valleys all the way back to mountain edges, and has turned Hawaii Kai today into the largest residential community of the south-eastern end of Oahu. The census in 2000 showed that Hawaii Kai had a population of 27,657. The Zip code 96825 is used for this region.
The Koko Marina Center is one of the main attractions available today in Hawaii Kai. It contains many shops, restaurants, a theatre, and even certain watersports activities. The Center has a beautiful backdrop of the lush green mountains and boats on the harbour. There is a golf course (Hawaii Kai golf course), Koko Crater Botanical Garden, a few beaches, a crater (Hanauma), and a lighthouse (Makapu’u). During winters, one can go to Sea Life Park, which usually has whales migrating there, and hence, one can spot a few. Sandy beach is known for its powerful waves, which are used for body surfing. Snorkeling can also be done, at Hanauma Bay.