The Willows is closing after serving locals since 1944

The Willows, long known as a kama­aina gathering place for Hawaiian hospitality, music and multicultural cuisine, is closing at the end of December.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, which owns the 4,800- square-foot property on which the restaurant sits, put the property up for sale Dec. 11. The parcel is included in a bundle of nine Moiliili properties totaling 1.79 acres that is listed for $19 million, according to real estate manager Giorgio Caldarone.

“As caretakers of Harry Weinberg’s legacy, our job is to manage the foundation’s commercial real estate assets so that our grants team can support our community’s low-income and vulnerable populations in perpetuity,” Caldarone said in a statement. “Our decision to sell this specific property in Moiliili aligns with our long-term investment strategy to make sure our foundation assets will yield a growing and reliable stream of funding for our local nonprofits for years to come.”

A restaurant staffer confirmed the restaurant will be closing permanently. The Willows is run by GDK Inc., which is administered by Garret Kamei, who could not be reached for comment. At one time The Willows closed for six years but reopened its doors in 1999. Staff was informed last month the restaurant would be closed for renovations Jan. 1, but with no date set for reopening.

The Moiliili restaurant, surrounded by lush tropical gardens in a residential neighborhood, opened in 1944 at 901 Hausten St. It became popular among locals for its tasty pies, curry and Hawaiian cuisine. The Willows’ American- Hawaiian buffet was the focal point of countless special occasions celebrated there.