Big Island’s First Old Navy Store Opens in PKP

Old Navy Prince Kuhio Plaza. Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Old Navy Prince Kuhio Plaza is open.

Dozens gathered Wednesday evening as store General Manager Mindy Juan took part in the traditional untying of the maile lei at the 15,600-square foot store, located within the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.

Doors officially opened to the store at 6 p.m.

BigIslandNow.com broke the story that Old Navy was headed to Hilo last March.

Initially, Prince Kuhio Plaza officials said the store was scheduled to open prior to the 2015 holiday season. Unknown circumstances pushed the launch date back by over a month.

Old Navy Prince Kuhio Plaza. Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Multiple attempts for comment on the delayed opening in December were not returned.

“We are pleased to confirm the opening of our Old Navy in Hilo.  At Gap Inc., we’re constantly reevaluating our real estate portfolio to ensure we have the right stores in the right places to best serve our customers,” said Gap Inc. Spokesperson Sean Piazza.

The store hosted weekend-long hiring events and was initially expected to create 80 jobs.

On Saturday, Old Navy will host it’s grand reveal with a fashion show, DJ, and photo booth.

The Hilo store is the first on the Big Island and the fourth in the state, with other locations in Honolulu, Waipahu, and Kahului.

Old Navy is one of Gap Inc.’s six brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Intermix, Athleta, and Piperlime. Old Navy prides itself on being a brand for everyone, creating affordable fashion that “doesn’t take itself too seriously and isn’t afraid to break industry rules.”

With roots dating to San Francisco in 1994, Old Navy has grown to over 1,000 retail locations globally and has included an online store in the span of just over two decades.