Ross in Waikiki Nearly Complete

Workers are putting the finishing touches on this brand new Ross Dress for Less Store located on the Seaside Ave in Waikiki. The store occupies the site of the former Waikiki #1 and #2 theaters. The new store will have 40,000 sq. feet of retail space. It will be the latest discount store in Honolulu to offer both tourists and residents an affordable alternative from what is currently available in Waikiki.

These photographs were taken early evening on October 1. The store looks very close to finished as workers were hanging fixtures and stocking merchandise. Reports state that Ross will have a grand opening for the new Waikiki Store later this month. I would not be surprised if they have a “soft opening” in the next few days if they haven’t done so already.

Old time residents and visitors may fondly remember this building as the location of the aforementioned Waikiki #1 and #2 twin theaters. The building was constructed in the early 1970 and remained in operation until 2003. I went to many movies at this theater complex including blockbusters such as “E.T.”, “Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade” and “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” to name a few.

The property now begins a new life as a welcomed discount retail outlet. Hopefully Ross will be successful here.

Top 2 frames: Entry way to the new Ross Dress for Less store in Waikiki. Below: The boarded up Waikiki #1 & #2 theaters before the transformation of the building into retail.