Ever wondered about the story behind this green space? Kaluapuhi Neighborhood Park, now known as Souza Dairy Park, holds a special place in Kaneohe’s history. This park wasn’t always a recreational area. It was once a bustling dairy farm.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine this very spot filled with the gentle lowing of cows. From 1943 to 1972, the Souza Brothers Dairy thrived here. It was a family-owned business. They housed up to 300 milk cows. These cows produced nearly 1500 gallons of milk daily. That’s a lot of milk.
The Souza family played a vital role in the community. They provided fresh milk to local families. Their dairy was a symbol of Kaneohe’s agricultural past. But times changed. In May 1973, the Souza family made a significant decision. They sold the 5.79-acre parcel to the City and County of Honolulu. The price was $475000. This sale paved the way for the creation of a public park.
For many years it was known as Kaluapuhi Neighborhood Park. But the community remembered the dairy. In a move to honor the past, the park was renamed Souza Dairy Park. City Council Resolution 20-041 made it happen. Former City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson championed the renaming.
Today Souza Dairy Park offers a variety of amenities. There are play courts for games. Open fields invite recreation. A play apparatus entertains children. Bathroom facilities provide convenience. It is nestled in a residential area of Kaneohe. The address is 45-170 Keana Road.
So next time you visit Kaluapuhi Neighborhood Park, remember its dual identity. It’s not just a park. It’s a place where cows once grazed. It is a reminder of the Souza Brothers Dairy. It is a link to Kaneohe’s rich agricultural heritage. This park connects us to the past. It provides joy in the present. It ensures that the story of the Souza Dairy lives on.