A new “House of the Warrior” has risen in Hilo to serve those brave Big Island kūpuna who selflessly dedicated themselves to protect the nation and the ideals it stands for as members of the armed services.
Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi — Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans — celebrated its grand opening Oct. 14 with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony.
An image from the grand opening, which featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, for Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi, Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans, on Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
The new community located at the corner of West Kāwili and Kapi‘olani streets offers 91 1-bedroom units for kūpuna at least 62 years old — with preference for veterans and surviving spouses — and an additional unit set aside for an on-site property manager.
It consists of three 24-unit, 2-story buildings and one 20-unit, 2-story building. Each 1-bedroom unit is about 546 square feet.
There also are on-site property management offices and four laundry facilities.
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Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi — which loosely translates to “House of the Warrior” — honors Hilo’s beloved ancient chief Hanakahi, known for bringing peace and prosperity, and those modern warriors who served in the U.S. military.
The project was developed by nonprofit affordable housing organization EAH Housing in collaboration with Hawai‘i Island Veterans Memorial — an all-volunteer nonprofit development entity organized in 1997 for the island’s many veterans and veterans groups.
It transformed a 5.6-acre parcel into a community that will provide security, dignity and connection for kūpuna earning up to 80% of the area median income.
Financing for the $58 million affordable housing project was provided by a variety of sources, including Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development. Additional support came via a long-term ground lease from the state under executive order to the county.
Former Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim, Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi resident Joseph Gomes and sitting Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, with Kahu Kordell Kekoa in the background, during Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans grand opening with traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
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“We are indebted to our veterans,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a release about the new veterans community. “Their courage and sacrifice touch us all, and we are proud to support this critical affordable housing community.”
Residents of Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi have access to many additional amenities, including a community center with a common area lounge, coffee bar and fitness room.
The community center also features a multi-purpose room and a non-commercial kitchen for residents to enjoy social and educational activities together.
“This project is a result of the collaboration and support from Hawai‘i County, the state and our partners, and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating affordable housing opportunities across the islands,” said EAH Housing Regional Vice President Karen Seddon in the release.
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Design Partners was architect on the project, with Maryl Construction Group as general contractor.
EAH Housing Real Estate Management will oversee general operations and maintenance of the property.
“Every new affordable unit makes a difference, especially for kūpuna on the neighbor islands,” said Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green in the release. “This community ensures residents can age with dignity and peace of mind, while families know their loved ones are well cared for and safe.”
An image from the grand opening, which featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, for Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi, Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans, on Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
An image from the grand opening, which featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, for Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi, Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans, on Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
An image from the grand opening, which featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, for Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi, Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans, on Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
An image from the grand opening, which featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and dedication ceremony, for Hale Nā Koa ‘O Hanakahi, Hawai‘i’s first affordable senior rental community for veterans, on Oct. 14, 2025, in Hilo. (Photo Courtesy: EAH Housing)
Hawai‘i Island Veterans Memorial Chairperson Denise Nakanishi noted that this is only the beginning.
“This community is the first phase of a larger master-planned campus,” said Nakanishi in the release. “Future plans include a veterans center and an outpatient clinic to expand health care access and support services for veterans and their families.”
Visit the EAH Housing website for rental and additional information.