title: Kaimuki, Hawaii
text: # Kaimuki, Hawaii
  
  Kaimukī is a residential neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.
  
  ## History
  
  In the 19th century the area was a farm of King Kalākaua, where ostriches roamed wild over the mountain side. It later became the site of a carnation farm for funeral flowers. Now a mix of residential area with a small business district (mainly restaurants and service industries), it is located in the urbanized Honolulu region near Kahala and Diamond Head.
  
  Kaimukī is an ancient Hawaiian name. Its name comes from Ka imu kī meaning "The ti root oven" in the Hawaiian language. The area was known for the many ovens used to bake roots of kī Cordyline fruticosa, or ti, into a sweet food similar to candy.
  
  Kaimukī's main street is Waialae Avenue, pronounced /waɪəlaɪ/. Several restaurants and stores are located on this street, as well as Kaimukī District Park.
  
  Pu‘u o Kaimukī aka “Kaimuki Hill” is the predominant feature of the area and has been a reservoir, a telegraph station, an observatory, and now a park.
  
  ## Architecture
  
  The neighborhood of Kaimukī is home to historic buildings. The Kaimuki Fire Station, designed in the Spanish Mission Style by G.R. Miller, was built in 1924 and is still used as a station today. The Queen Theater, designed by Lyman Bigelow, opened in 1936 but closed in 1985.
  
  ## Education
  
  ### Colleges and universities
  
  Kapiʻolani Community College, one of ten branches of the public University of Hawaiʻi System, is located in Kaimuki as is the private Chaminade University.
  
  **Public schools**
  
  Hawaii Department of Education operates public schools. Waialae School, a public charter elementary school, is located in Kaimuki, between 19th Avenue and 20th Avenue. Kaimuki Middle School is in the area. Kaimuki High School is located in Kaimuki and serves much of the area considered to be Kaimukī. Kalani High School serves some students from Kaimukī. 21°16′58″N 157°48′06″W﻿ / ﻿21.28278°N 157.80167°W﻿ / 21.28278; -157.80167
  
  **Private schools**
  
  Saint Louis School for boys and Sacred Hearts Academy for girls are located in Kaimuki as well as St. Patrick School (COED K-8). Kaimuki Christian School (COED P3-11) is located on Koko Head Avenue.
  
  **Weekend educational programs**
  
  The Hawaii Japanese School - Rainbow Gakuen (ハワイレインボー学園 Hawai Rainbō Gakuen), a supplementary weekend Japanese school, holds its classes in Kaimuki Middle School in Honolulu and has its offices in another building in Honolulu.
  
  ## Notable residents
  
  * Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was raised in the neighborhood.
  