Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center

This building definitely has a lot of character. There is a small parking lot and you need to be patient entering and exiting the area. At this event, M & M catered the food - several entrees including prime rib. All the staff were extremely pleasant and service was excellent.

Nā Kūpuna Makamae: "The Beloved Seniors"Thanks to fellow Yelper, Jessica P, for pointing out this newly opened senior center located in the former Kaka'ako pumping station. This bold stone former public works building has the distinction of being designed by the same architect of the luxurious Moana Hotel (The First Lady of Waikīkī), Oliver G. Traphagen.The Community Center is open weekdays only from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. They do offer services and programs dedicated to the seniors, their families and community. They feature class programs which one can sign up through annual membership of NKM (Nā Kūpuna Makamae) and classes are held on Tuesday through Friday. They offer classes such as Hawaiian Language, Culture & Literture, Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention, Lauhala Weaving, Qigong Mindful Training, Pua Culture/Lei Making, Hanafuda, Hula and Yoga & Sound Bath. They offer programs to acquaint the elderly with the digital age so they can overcome their "fears" or hesitancy to learning something new. There are programs geared for the more tech savvy, too. Annual membership to NKM costs $20/single or $35/dual (2 per family). However, as fans of Farmers' Markets, we made note of the schedule that Jessica posted and it was our plan to check it out. The Farmers' Market is held monthly on the 2nd and 4th Friday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (as supplies last). We walked through the open parking lot where there were 5 food vendors who pitched their tents featuring various foods. I suppose it was because we were there just at noon, there was just a smattering of customers who also were discovering this senior center. The vendors that we saw were: - Olay's Thai Express - Aloha Beef Chips - Papi's Empanadas - The Pig & The Lady - Hawaii Sugarcane JuiceWe walked into the air-conditioned building and found more vendors selling baked goods, fresh fruits & vegetables, lip care products, local fragrances and cosmetics and press-on nails. There was a Community Center worker who graciously provided us with brochures and informed us about the upcoming programs that they hold in this building and membership to NKM. NKM is expanding its campus and even offers this historic site as venue rental. We purchased a couple of fresh papayas and eggplants for only $5 from the gal who was stationed at that table. I considered purchasing a hand of apple bananas but I thoughtfully considered the fact that my husband would be the one carrying our purchases so I didn't want to add more weight into that bag as we walked to this Community Center.As we stepped out of the building, there were more customers (nearby workers from other businesses or other residents) who were buying their lunches and beverages from the vendors in the parking lot. It was good to see more people exploring the Farmers' Market and this Community Center.We're looking forward to becoming members of Nā Kūpuna Makamae and taking part in some of those classes.

The historic stone Kakaako pumping station on Ala Moana Blvd has been repurposed and is now called the "Nā Kūpuna Makamae Senior Center," a Pacific Gateway Center initiative. The goal of this center is to be a place of learning, bringing senior citizens and youth together.A Farmer's Market and Craft Fair is held every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 10am - 2pm. There's fresh produce, flavored kava, sweet treats, local craft vendors, kupuna artisans, hula items, and more. It's fairly small at the moment, but I'm sure other vendors will take interest soon. On my last visit, I picked up some deep fried Mochi - yum! The Pig & Lady was also there serving a plate lunch of Roast pork, rice & Burmese salad.The center itself provides weekly classes such as:-Qi Jong-Lei Making Class-Hawaiian Language and Culture-Yoga-Tai Chi-Lauhala WeavingCheck their website to view the calendar of classes!

A friend & I wanted to learn how to play Hanafuda and they teach it there. I was a kid the last time I played. Get togethers are on Thurs. I believe at 11:00 AM. I just took one class and then left for a month on vacation so please call or go online to confirm the time. We had so much fun and everyone there were so patient and friendly. We learned to play the traditional and the "Hawaii Hanafuda" style. Fun!