Demolition Begins on Iconic Aloha Stadium

New $2 Billion Entertainment District Planned for Site

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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After 50 years of hosting sports and events, Aloha Stadium in Halawa, Hawaii has begun the process of being demolished. This marks the start of a long-delayed project to build a new stadium and surrounding community development called the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED), a $2 billion public-private partnership.

Why it matters

The demolition of Aloha Stadium, a beloved landmark in Hawaii, signals the end of an era and the beginning of a major redevelopment project that aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community. The new stadium and entertainment district are expected to have a significant economic impact on the region over the next 20 years.

The details

On Tuesday, construction crews used heavy equipment to begin tearing down the top level of one of the spiral walkways on the makai (ocean) side of the 50,000-seat stadium. This marks the official start of the demolition process, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The new stadium is planned to seat up to 31,000 people and will include 28 luxury suites, an increase from previous plans. The broader NASED project will develop 98 acres surrounding the stadium, including at least 4,100 residences, two hotels, an office tower, and entertainment, retail, education and open spaces.

  • Demolition of Aloha Stadium began on February 22, 2026.
  • Construction on the new stadium is scheduled to start in early 2027.
  • The new stadium is projected to be completed in early 2029.

The players

Aloha Halawa District Partners (AHDP)

The private conglomerate that will be responsible for developing the stadium and surrounding 98-acre area as part of the NASED public-private partnership.

Stanford Carr

The leader of the AHDP private development group.

Michael Yadao

The manager of Aloha Stadium.

Rick Blangiardi

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

Glenn Wakai

The state senator representing the communities surrounding Aloha Stadium who has championed the NASED project for 16 years.

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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

Construction on the new $2 billion New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is scheduled to begin in early 2027 after the demolition of the old stadium is completed by the end of 2026. The new stadium is projected to be finished in early 2029.

The takeaway

The demolition of the iconic Aloha Stadium marks the end of an era, but also the start of an ambitious $2 billion redevelopment project that will transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use community. This public-private partnership represents a significant investment in Hawaii's future, blending sports, entertainment, housing, and commercial spaces to revitalize the region.