CU Hawaiʻi Will Open New Mānoa Store October 1
The new 2,300-square-foot location near the University of Hawaiʻi will feature items curated by Chef Sheldon Simeon.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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CU Hawaiʻi is set to open its fifth location at the corner of University Avenue and Dole Street on October 1, 2026. The new 2,300-square-foot store aims to serve the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa community with daily hours from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Why it matters
This expansion brings convenient retail options and specialized menu items to the immediate vicinity of a major university campus. It marks the company's growth to five total stores across the region while introducing new culinary offerings.
The new outlet spans 2,300 square feet and represents the fifth CU Hawaiʻi location. Additionally, the company will launch nine fresh food items across all stores throughout October 2026.
The players
CU Hawaiʻi
This is a retail convenience store operator that specializes in ramyun selections and prepared food options.
Sheldon Simeon
He is a prominent Hawaii-based chef known for his culinary contributions and focus on local flavors.
University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa
This is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system located in Honolulu.
The details
The facility features a signature ramyun library wall equipped with in-store cookers for student use. Chef Sheldon Simeon has curated exclusive kalbi and kimchi bento offerings specifically for this location.
Timeline
A traditional Hawaiian blessing occurs October 1, 2026, at 9:15 a.m.
The store officially opens on October 1, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Student food giveaways run from October 1, 2026, through October 7, 2026.
Nine new food items launch at all locations in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This opening follows the documented trend of the rapid expansion of campus-adjacent convenience retail models. By targeting high-traffic educational hubs, the firm strengthens its local market share against traditional campus dining alternatives.
Students from any Hawaiʻi school can secure free food by showing a valid student ID between October 1 and October 7. The store provides a new 24-hour-adjacent dining option for those studying or living near the Mānoa campus.
The takeaway
The addition of this location provides local students with expanded access to quick-service food options and specialized regional menu items. Customers looking to participate in the introductory giveaway should plan to arrive early during the first week of October.
What happens next
Students from any Hawaiʻi school can visit the new store between October 1 and October 7, 2026, to receive free food by presenting a valid student ID while supplies last.
Further reading
Learn more about new retail developments in the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.
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