A historic metal can factory in Hawaii has been repurposed for use by U-Haul.

The American Cannery Co. Occupied the building for nearly 60 years and produced the tin cans that was used to package pineapple.

The cannery once packaged pineapple for the Hawaiian Pineapple Co., founded by James Dole. The current Dole cannery is located right next door.

“This building dates back to 1914 and is full of the rich history Hawaii is known for,” Kaleo Alau, U-Haul Company of Hawaii president, said. 

“It was occupied for nearly 60 years by the American Can Co., which produced the tin cans that used to package Hawaii pineapple. We are honoured to preserve this piece of Hawaii’s past while giving it a new purpose.”

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Iwilei, which will be the company’s fourth full-service centre on the island of Oahu, is currently operating out of a temporary showroom. 

Customers already have access to truck sharing, moving supplies and boxes.

The store will soon offer more than 700 indoor climate-controlled self-storage units for rent; towing equipment; professional hitch installation; a drive-in load/unload area to shield customers from the weather; and much more.

Acquisition of old cannery was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. 

The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-building materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

“U-Haul has an extensive history of renovating buildings like this one,” Alau said. 

“About 70% of all U-Haul stores are the result of adaptive reuse. We know the people of Honolulu will love our finished product, and we are excited to continue investing in the success of the islands.”