Paki Hale

As a child, I remember admiring and wondering who lived in this estate that borders Kapiolani Park. It was once known as the Winstead House that was built around the early-1900’s. The estate was huge as it included horse stables, garages for horse-​drawn carriages (later for automobiles), surrounded by undulating and well-​manicured landscaping. The estate once extended from the intersection of Diamond Head Road and Paki Avenue to Kapahulu Avenue, around where Jefferson Elementary now stands.
Back in 1992, the house was dedicated to the City and County of Honolulu. During 2003 — 2006, the C&C did a lot of renovation to the property and had a lot of concerns about its maintenance and use. Prior to its dedication by the Winstead descendants and the C&C renovation of this property, the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board held community meetings or gatherings. This property was also used as a backdrop to some local television shows. uh, anyone remember Magnum P.I. To date, I don’t know whether or not they have been permitted to continue using the space as such.
Currently, there are offices that occupy its basement area by the Parks & Recreation administrative staff. All I can say is that if I worked in this facility, it would be very difficult to get any work done. I’d be wowed by the cool, gentle breezes, sunny blue skies and close proximity of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. But, that’s what makes this property perfect for the Parks & Recreation to own and manage!
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