In addition to its service as a major shopping center, Kahala Mall also serves as a key stop on a number of TheBus routes.

Opening in November 1954 as Waialae Shopping Center,[1] it was renovated in 1969-1970[2] by Philip Lyon, Gordon and Company and became known as Kahala Mall.

[5] Kahala Mall is home to a number of nationally and internationally recognized businesses, including CVS/pharmacy (doing business as Longs Drugs), Whole Foods Market, Claire's, Apple Store, Macy's (formerly Liberty House), Ross Dress for Less, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, GameStop, Chili's and California Pizza Kitchen.

Local senior citizen residents frequent the mall during its early morning hours in order to partake in one of the many free exercise programs that are offered.

Students of all ages are regularly found in the mall during and after business hours; they are free to socialize or use laptop computers at any one of the compound's numerous gathering areas.