[4][5] In Hawaiian, "pouhala" means "pandanus post or pillar" and is the name of a former historically-important fishpond in the area and land division near Pearl Harbor, which today serves as a 70-acre wetland habitat for birds.

The majority of riders are expected to connect to the station via TheBus and Waipahu Transit Center which was renovated in 2020.

The station is located near many car-focused business, including a Goodyear Auto Service, AutoZone, two gas stations, a car wash, two car dealerships, and a Hertz car rental station inside a Midas repair shop, along with other local businesses such as the Highway Inn restaurant.

Transit-oriented development within a half-mile radius around the station is expected to serve as a magnet for 2,370 new homes in coming years.

3.5 acres of nearby land owned by Kamehameha Schools is expected to be developed into 530 affordable-housing units and 50,000 square feet of commercial space, and a separate two-tower project named Keawalau at Waipahu is expected to begin construction in 2025.