Last May, powerful waves battering Oʻahu’s south shore collapsed part of a walkway into the ocean off Waikīkī.
The area languished for about a year as the city fenced it off for repairs. Beachgoing activities continued in the grassy area around it, but the chainlink fences blocked a popular oceanfront promenade enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
It also put a damper on the view from Barefoot Beach Cafe, a charming outdoor restaurant with string lights and live music where the view is much of the appeal…