Work is scheduled to begin June 2, on McCarthy Mall and Paradise Palms at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, limiting access to both areas through the summer months and the fall 2025 semester.
Construction barriers will block off most of McCarthy Mall and the ma kai (ocean-side) end of Paradise Palms between the main entrance to Hamilton Library and the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building. Paradise Palms will remain open throughout construction, and access to all surrounding buildings, including Hamilton Library and Edmondson Hall, will be maintained.
The work is part of a major capital improvement project aimed at transforming the heart of campus. When complete, the revitalized area will feature modern outdoor seating for more than 700 people, with access to electrical outlets. The project also includes construction of a new five-story interdisciplinary building between Edmondson and Webster Halls.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” said Vice President for Administration Jan Gouveia. “Fortunately, the McCarthy Mall and Paradise Palms work is expected to be completed by early 2026. The short-term disruption will result in long-term benefits for our current and future students.”
Renovations to the Paradise Palms Food Court, scheduled for completion by early 2026, will include a larger entrance facing McCarthy Mall and a 75-by-70-foot photovoltaic glass canopy. The canopy will provide natural light, generate renewable energy, and create additional outdoor seating for up to 200 students, with high stools, tables and charging outlets.
The McCarthy Mall upgrades will be completed in phases, with most work wrapping up by fall 2026. Enhancements will include widened walkways, improved lighting, more seating and integrated electrical outlets. Once finished, the shaded area beneath the iconic monkeypod trees will accommodate more than 500 students with a variety of seating options—benches, umbrella tables and tablet-arm chairs creating a welcoming space for study and socializing.
A portion of McCarthy Mall has already been closed since January for the construction of the new five-story building. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, the facility will feature 13 small classrooms, two medium-sized classrooms, and one large lecture room on the first two floors, all accessible to academic units across campus.
