In the early 20th century, Harold K.L. Castle was one of the largest landowners on the windward side of Oahu, with substantial property holdings in Kailua and Kaneohe. Over the years, thanks to Mr. Castle’s vision for the windward side coupled with his propensity towards giving, much of his land holdings were donated or sold below market value This vision of aloha was one that would help sustain the long term growth for Windward Oahu in terms of education, commerce, health care and the arts.

Community:

Castle Medical Center: For years, windward residents contended with part-time ambulance service and unpredictable trips over the old Pali Road. In an emergency—when immediate medical care was critical—residents prayed that rockslides and sudden downpours wouldn’t slow their journey. Harold Castle donated 10 acres of land for the Hospital, named after his father James Bicknell Castle. It opened with 72 beds and 14 bassinets in January 1963.

Church Row: As you enter Kailua on Pali Highway, on the left side of the road are churches of all different denominations and faith. Mr. Castle donated much of the land to various churches because he hoped that churches would bring families, and those families would bring stability that would benefit the community.

In 1943, Harold K.L. Castle arranged the sale of his grazing pastures on Mokapu peninsula to the U.S. Navy, now the U.S. Marine Corps Base Hawaii. After the end of the war the military offered to return the land to Mr. Castle, who refused as he believed it was important to retain a military base on the windward side of Oahu. Today, this Kaneohe Bay base is home to more than 9,000 active duty Marines and sailors.

Kawainui Marsh Lands: In 1968, Kaneohe Ranch Company sold 250 acres of Kawainui Marsh lands to the City and County of Honolulu. The marsh now occupies over 1,000 acres of conservation land in Kailua, and remains both a place of beauty and a safe haven for many native Hawaiian birds.

Schools:

Castle High School: Founded in 1951 on land donated by Kaneohe Ranch.

Kainalu Elementary: Founded in 1954 on land donated by Kaneohe Ranch.

Iolani School: Harold K.L. Castle donated both large sums of money and substantial quantities of land to Iolani School.

Hawaii Loa College, now Hawaii Pacific University, founded in 1967, this campus was built on 135 acres of Kaneohe Ranch land. Hawaii Pacific University is Hawaii’s largest private post-secondary institution.

Windward Community College: Opened its Kaneohe campus in 1970 on Castle Family land. It is now part of the University of Hawaii system.