Demolition begins on Aloha Stadium in Hawaii

New $2 billion entertainment district planned for the site

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Demolition work has officially started on Aloha Stadium in Halawa, Hawaii, which opened in 1975 and hosted its final sports event over five years ago. The 50,000-seat facility will be razed by the end of 2026 to make way for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED), a $2 billion public-private redevelopment project that will include a new 31,000-seat stadium, residences, hotels, offices, entertainment, retail, and open spaces.

Why it matters

Aloha Stadium has been a landmark in Hawaii for over 45 years, hosting many major sporting and entertainment events. Its demolition marks the end of an era, but also the start of an ambitious redevelopment plan that aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community and entertainment destination.

The details

On Tuesday, workers from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. began the first phase of demolition, using heavy equipment to remove the top level of one of the stadium's spiral walkways on the makai (ocean) side. Officials expect the full demolition to be completed by the end of 2026, with construction on the new stadium slated to start in early 2027. The new stadium is now projected to seat up to 31,000 people, with 28 luxury suites, an increase from previous plans.

  • Demolition work began on February 18, 2026.
  • Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
  • Construction on the new stadium is scheduled to start in early 2027.

The players

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co.

The construction company responsible for the demolition of Aloha Stadium.

Stanford Carr

The leader of the private conglomerate Aloha Halawa District Partners, which will be responsible for the stadium and 98 acres including the surrounding area.

Michael Yadao

The stadium manager overseeing the demolition and redevelopment project.

Rick Blangiardi

The Mayor of Honolulu, who played football for the University of Hawaii and was a color commentator for Aloha Stadium games for 13 years.

Brennon Morioka

The former Stadium Authority Chair, who is now the Governor's adviser on the NASED project.

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What they’re saying

“Every day is a good day to start something new. And every day is a good day to let something go.”

— Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Kahu (Hawaiian priest)

“Then I had the privilege to be on the headset (as color commentator) with Jim Leahey for 13 years, when the games were mostly sold out. You could feel it. The stadium was rocking.”

— Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu

“Aloha means hello, aloha means goodbye and aloha means love. It's going to be a place for revitalization.”

— Glenn Wakai, State Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The demolition of Aloha Stadium marks the end of an era for Hawaii, but also the start of an ambitious redevelopment plan that aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community and entertainment destination, showcasing the state's commitment to progress and innovation.