Haleiwa’s first public walkway has opened as part of Kamehameha Schools’ $16 million Haleiwa Store Lots redevelopment.

The $700,000, 650-foot walkway was designed to replace the standard curb-and-gutter sidewalk with a more rural-friendly, safer promenade, following consultation with North Shore residents and city and county staff, and guidance from the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan.

It was built to assimilate the wooden planked boardwalks of years past. The walkway opened on private property fronting Kamehameha Schools’ community revitalization project anchored by Matsumoto Shave Ice.

The walkway, which opened earlier this month, is bookended by the Waialua end of the store lots and Mahaulu Lane. The walkway is part of the 1-mile stretch of the Haleiwa town revitalization, a catalyst project of Kamehameha Schools’ North Shore Master Plan.

Kalani Fronda, senior land asset manager at Kamehameha Schools, expressed appreciation to those who helped guide the project, which he said led to "a public walkway that perpetuates Haleiwa’s rich history and culture."

Five businesses — Global Creations, Malibu Shirts, Kahala Sportswear, T&C Surf and anchor tenant Matsu­moto’s Shave Ice — are now open at the store lots.

"I’ve been getting awesome feedback from people coming into our store," said Colette Harris, an administrator at Global Creations. "Everyone is commenting on how well the project has turned out, how beautiful the storefronts and walkways are and how well it fits into the feel of Haleiwa. It’s so nice to have the walkways veer close to the stores to allow people to peek in.

"Before, there were mud puddles outside and lines leading into the street, but now customers can park in the back and walk along the nice walkways to get to shops."

Grand-opening ceremonies for the Haleiwa Store Lots are planned for early spring when all merchants are expected to open their doors.