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Lahaina Cannery Mall celebrates quarter-century milestone

By Staff | Jul 5, 2012

Lahaina Cannery Mall was once the site of a working pineapple cannery built in 1919 by Baldwin Packers Ltd.

LAHAINA – In 1987, gas was 89 cents per gallon. “The Simpsons” were seen on TV for the first time, Ronald Reagan was president, and here on Maui, Lahaina Cannery Mall opened its doors.

After 25 years, Maui’s only fully enclosed, air-conditioned shopping destination continues to provide residents and guests a cool retreat from the Pacific sun.

Hosting activities as diverse as international ice sculpting competitions and boating safety exhibitions, hula dancers and lion dancers, computer classes and flash mobs, Lahaina Cannery Mall has evolved into much more than just a shopping center.

“We are driven to be a culturally aware, community-oriented center,” said Lynn Okamoto, general manager of the mall.

“As we celebrate a quarter-century as a major shopping and dining destination, we want to thank our customers, tenants and employees for their support. It’s the community that keeps us alive.”

Lahaina Cannery Mall’s many community events include celebrating Chinese New Year and the West Maui Safety Fair.

Some may not realize that the land where the mall stands was once the site of a real working pineapple cannery.

Built in 1919, the Baldwin Packers Ltd. cannery location was selected for its proximity to the shipping port and a larger employee population.

In 1962, Baldwin Packers Ltd. merged with Maui Pineapple Company and Haleakala Pineapple Company, operations were moved to the Kahului plant and the Lahaina cannery plant was closed.

Lahaina Cannery Mall was built on the site with a unique architecture style and character that pays homage to Maui’s agricultural heritage.