A Leasing or Purchase Proposal
Turn Your Vacant Space
Into a Thriving Marketplace
Ohana Hale Marketplace · Oahu, Hawaii
Discover the Opportunity
Explore
A Leasing or Purchase Proposal
Ohana Hale Marketplace · Oahu, Hawaii
Discover the OpportunityWe convert large, underutilized retail spaces — 60,000 to 160,000 sq ft — into indoor marketplaces housing hundreds of independent businesses, generating consistent rent income for the property owner.
OHM designs, builds, and operates the entire marketplace. You provide the space — we handle buildout, tenant recruitment, management, and operations.
Each vendor owns their own small business. They are invested in their success — and in yours. High occupancy rates, low turnover, vibrant energy.
A stage for live performances, hula, music, and community events transforms your property into a destination — not just a shopping center.
Former big-box anchors, vacant department stores, large mall vacancies. Locations like Don Quijote in Waipahu, Sears at Pearlridge, or similar high-parking sites on Oahu.
From local news coverage to the finished product — see the Ohana Hale Marketplace experience in your own words.
Local news documents the Ohana Hale Marketplace story — what we built, how it works, and why it matters to Hawaii.
A quick visual tour of the completed indoor marketplace — hundreds of thriving small businesses under one roof.
We have done it before — and we will do it again. This is what your vacant property can become.
Hundreds of independent tenants paying weekly or monthly rent from day one of opening — your vacancy problem solved.
OHM funds and manages the entire buildout and launch. Property owners provide the space; we deliver a fully operating marketplace.
We have built and operated successful indoor marketplaces in Hawaii. We know the culture, the vendors, and the customers.
Our marketplaces attract locals and tourists alike — boosting foot traffic, parking revenue, and the overall value of your property.
Every Ohana Hale Marketplace includes a dedicated stage and event area — turning your property into a true community destination.
We have transformed large vacant properties into thriving indoor marketplaces before — and we will do it again. Here is what that transformation looks like.
Hundreds of photos documenting every stage of what we build and how we do it.
Experienced entrepreneurs with deep roots in Hawaii and a track record of building community-centered marketplaces that work.
John T. Weaver is a low-key, high-energy figure in the business world. He co-founded Ohana Hale Marketplace, a thriving marketplace comprising 200 individual stores and 50 restaurants under a single air-conditioned roof in Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite its profitability and success, the business was adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, which led to the closure of thousands of businesses nationwide.
John's educational background includes an associate's degree from Windward Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and participation in two MBA programs at Chaminade University and Jones International University. He is a trained aircraft mechanic, a commissioned officer in the US Army National Guard and Reserves, a combat pilot, a licensed commercial pilot, and an entrepreneur who has founded and managed numerous businesses. He holds a license in real estate and previously held a license in mortgages, and is the founder of several real estate lending organizations including Pac. I. G., LLC, Pacific Investment Group, LLC, and Hawaii Private Loans.
John's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond real estate — he previously owned 12 oceanfront homes in Maui County, which he acquired, renovated, and sold. As a former restaurateur, he co-owned Whole-in-One Bagels and Juice Rush across four Hawaii locations. He and his wife owned and operated retail locations under OHM Hawaii Distribution, LLC, in Ala Moana Shopping Center. He has also served as an IFCC certified chaplain, working full-time with disadvantaged youth for three and a half years.
Christopher Ulu, the visionary co-founder of Ohana Hale Marketplace, is a prominent figure in the local self-storage, retail, and restaurant industries. He established Ohana Hale Marketplace as a group of hundreds of businesses operating within a shopping center setting of 60,000 square feet — serving as a destination for tourists, local community groups, and hosting events ranging from dance performances to sports events.
Chris's entrepreneurial journey began in the self-storage industry during his teenage years, advancing from laborer and truck driver through office and administrative positions to management and construction planning roles. He managed several ground-up storage construction projects including Umi Street Self Storage, Kamakee Street Storage, and his own company StorKeeper Self Storage, which still operates today. He was also a key player in building Hawaii Self Storage — a major player in the islands — before they rented their very first unit.
His construction expertise proved invaluable when building Ohana Hale Marketplace — a multi-million-dollar project encompassing electrical, plumbing, flooring, transformer installation, interceptor installation (a large grease trap for 50 restaurants), excavation, and more. Chris's career has been defined by his interactions with entrepreneurs at every level, making him uniquely suited to build companies that empower other business-minded individuals. He is destined to establish several more successful marketplaces aligned with his expertise and vision.
If you own or manage a large vacant property on Oahu — a former big-box anchor, a department store, a large mall vacancy — we would love to explore a partnership with you. No obligation, just a conversation.