Hawaii Convention Center

Twenty-seven years after opening, the Hawaii Convention Center stands as both architectural triumph and cautionary business tale—a $200 million meditation on the gap between design ambition and market forces. Architects LMN and Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo created something unprecedented: a convention center that breathes. Fourteen 108-foot steel "tree columns" topped with fabric sails reference Polynesian voyaging while naturally ventilating 60% of the building. The glass-ceiling lobby, with its 70-foot waterfall and live palms, dissolves boundaries between interior and landscape—a radical departure from hermetic convention boxes. The innovation runs deeper than aesthetics. Super-trusses eliminated upper-level exhibit halls, creating usable space from structural necessity. Trade winds naturally cool public spaces, achieving LEED Gold before sustainability became fashionable. Cultural integration—from kapa-pattern wayfinding to a $2 million art collection—feels authentic rather than applied. Yet this architectural success reveals sobering business reality. Projected to host 60 annual events with 6,200-7,500 delegates each, the center typically manages 20-46 events averaging 2,800 attendees. While client satisfaction exceeds 95% and industry experts deemed it "the world's most beautiful convention center," economic performance tells a different story. The facility embodies fundamental tension in destination marketing. As Hawaii's leisure tourism drove hotel rates to national highs, convention planners found the islands increasingly unaffordable. The center competes where U.S. convention space grew 37% between 2000-2016, while facing unique costs—from salt-air maintenance to energy expenses offsetting natural ventilation savings. The ongoing $95,000-square-foot rooftop renovation through 2027 reflects hidden costs of tropical architecture. The fabric canopy creating those dramatic shadows requires constant maintenance. The very openness making the building architecturally compelling creates logistical complexities—natural ventilation means less climate control for sensitive events. The Hawaii Convention Center succeeds brilliantly as architecture while struggling as economic infrastructure. Its naturally ventilated concourses remain relevant models for climate-responsive design. The fusion of steel engineering and Pacific culture creates spaces genuinely embodying place. But the building illustrates architecture's limits in reshaping market forces. No design excellence can overcome economic logic making Hawaii's paradise expensive for budget-conscious convention organizers. The center's beauty may be its burden—creating experiences so compelling they highlight cost barriers preventing broader access. In an era of sustainability mandates, the center's innovations feel prophetic. Yet its business challenges remind us architectural vision must reconcile with economic reality. The building endures as both inspiration and warning: a masterwork of place-based design shadowed by the persistent gap between what buildings aspire to achieve and what markets will support. The steel palms still reach skyward, filtering Pacific light through fabric canopies. Whether they'll continue hosting the world remains an open question—one architecture alone cannot answer.

Went to a 2 day national judo tournament. Big venue...good parking. Wish they set up risers instead of floor seating. Very difficult to watch a tournament with people standing in the way. Food prices are outrageous. $5 for a bottle of water...crazy! $15 for a very bad cheeseburger and fries...come on! Not sure why it has to be like that.

One of the coolest conference centers in the world. However, it seems that it hasn’t seen any major renovations in recent years, and there aren’t many restaurants/cafe options inside the center.

The building is beautiful and clean with lovely local interpretive art/multimedia displays. The rooms are spacious and well lit. The balance of conference rooms with natural spaces/light is extremely welcoming and peaceful. It is hot in this building. Some rooms are cooler. The internet is slow which caused problems for some presenters. Overall, great space with a few suggestions for attention. #iafor

Great convention center!! Love the open air areas. Plenty of space for a large event

We were here for the 13th Pacific Expo. It was very interesting to learn something new. I also liked handmade items, bags, and figurines. The parking lot was full, so we left the car at Ala Moana and walked.

the Okinawa festival is fun in the Hawaii at the convention center Okinawa shows food 🍲 craft food vendors fun with the whole family 👪

Hawaii Convention Center: A premier event venue in Honolulu with stunning ocean views, hosting conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.

I didn't realize how huge this place is. Our family was here this past weekend to check out AAU basketball. It was on the bottom floor. Half of the space was used for basketball. The other half had a girls volleyball tournament. There were women's and men's bathroom in the gigantic room and two concession stands. Both stands sell different items, so be sure to look at both before purchasing. We bought a chili bowl $12 and coconut flavored iced coffee $6. They put a lot of syrup in the coffee as we could definitely taste the coconut. We really liked the chili bowl. They sprinkled on some cheddar cheese and raw onions. It made all the difference.

I was here for The Institute of Violence and Trauma conference. I have been here on a few occasions for different events since I have moved here. I am always impressed with the ambience of the center and how it highlights pieces from Hawaiian culture. There are plenty of rooms for conferences to ha e multiple workshops. The bathrooms are well maintained. I love the cup holder feature in the door where I can set my hydroflask instead of on the floor or at the sink. My only gripe is the availability of food vendors inside. The ones available are pricey. I am unable to eat the food they have available due to multiple food allergies. Other than that, this is a great venue.

Attended the Pacific Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center. I love the Convention center venue but this time no one was helping to others to find the exhibit rooms. Nobody needed to register or get a QR code. Performances were an hour late, although very entertaining. The main exhibition hall was too dark and some people had a problem finding family members. Could not see the details in the crafts. Some participants left early and left their booths empty except for the area name on a banner. There was not a clear sign to refreshments to buy. Still I enjoyed the positive vibes from the whole time I was there.

This place is huge and great for events! We've been to a ton of things here (Made in Hawaii, Comicon, etc) but the most recent thing we went to was the Aloha Immersive Experience & my kids loved it. The staff was super friendly & everyone there showed amazing Christmas spirit. The parking is always kinda up there at $15 but definitely worth the convenience.

We have attended a couple of events at the Convention Center and found it to be conveniently located. Parking was right there on site. Like the coffee and snack vender in lobby. The pickleball tournament we went to recently had a food vender inside the large room it was held in which was nice. The lighting was good for those competing. There were bathrooms located on either side of entry and vending machine. Nearby a walking distance there were food trucks and other restaurants.

An update: Here for another tournament and went to the concession for a cheeseburger and fries..the taste was not as flavorful as last time but still good and fries had a little seasoning that was tasty

Okinawan Festival has been at this location for several years. Plenty parking, AC, lots of great activities, delicious food, awesome members, volunteers and all located on one floor. Come and check it out!!!! Today is the first day, WOW lots of people. Pick up my favorite tofu from Aloha Tofu. Come down early to see the fabulous entertainment, eat delicious food and visit all the educational booth. Games for kids

The Hawaii Convention Center is really beautiful with lots of natural light and beautiful architecture. I remember when they were building it it was quite costly, but I must say it's quite a pretty building. Parking is $15 a day, and does not include In-N-Out privileges. From the parking garage, you can take an escalator down to the main lobby area on the first floor. They typically have an exhibit hall down here, as well as a café, with pastries and coffee. Another escalator takes you up to the third-floor where the majority of the rooms are for conferences /conventions. I recently had a convention here and I found out that the convention center was well designed, and very clean. There definitely was a lot of artistic effort that went into creating the architecture as you can tell there was an emphasis on allowing natural light into the convention center, and in the lobby area all the structures that hold up their roof are in the form of palm trees. They also have a waterfall in the lobby area as well as in the back of the building. Bathrooms are clean and spacious with plenty of stalls, and I thought it was pretty cool that on the back of the doors they have a little place where you can put your Hydroflask. I've actually never seen this before so that was interesting. I enjoyed having my conference here at the Hawaii Convention Center.

I have been here several times throughout the years. As we know Hawaii is hosting this year's FestPac. To be completely honest, this event has changed my perspective on the convention center. It can actually accommodate a lot of people. Usually when there have been events hosted here, I could neverrrrr get parking, so I'd park at Ala Moana and pay. The past 3 days I have visited even during the weekend, I was able to find parking in the garage. Parking here is $15. Thank you to all the workers!

My sister held events here and always a great outcome. I've also attended various events and never had any issues. I must share the excellent customer service and the Aloha felt when speaking with Mapuana today. The expressed empathy and compassion reminded me that during this holiday season and post pandemic lifestyle, Hawaii, my home, always gives that Spirit of the Islands that continue to make Hawaii great! Such a friendly voice from the beginning and quick resolution with care all the to the end. Mahalo Mapu!

Came here to attend the Okinawan festival. It is a lovely facility that has wonderful air conditioning. We arrived on foot so not sure about the parking situation. The side with windows can get hot so if you are inside rest away from the windows. Bathroom cleanliness: above average and plenty of stalls Cleanliness: above average

Good convention and events venue. Went to the Okinawan festival on September 3, 2023 Facilities are generally clean, plenty of restrooms, security guards on site, air conditioning generally works (except for the lobby area).

Been here a few times now for different events - Hawaii made festival, Okinawan Festival, Honolulu Marathon, etc. It's quite big and they have 2 (or more?) floors but I just always stayed on the ground floor. It's a big venue at a very convenient centered location, perfect for a convention, right between Waikiki and Ala Moana. The bathrooms rarely had lines, but I wish the signs were positioned a little higher since the stalls covered the signs and it took me so time to know which wall to walk to for bathrooms. Good AC, not too strong and never felt stuffy inside. Sometimes I'd rather shop here than at the farmers market. I don't know what the parking situation is like. I either walked from home since I live in Ala Moana, or I took the bus. Not having to deal with parking is a great plus. The bus stops right at the corner of the convention center and it costs only $3 if you don't live far from the bus line. A pretty decent convention center and always busy with different events. If you live here, you most likely will go there at least once for something!

The security staff was extremely argumentative and confrontational. There was no where to sit outside the lobby area and my husband and I found an area near an EMPTY bar where there was seating. After being there at a cheer competition all day we sat there and the security guard approached us VERY rudely and said, "you guys can't sit here, so move" there was also not enough seating inside the arena. We paid 50 dollars per person for the event. Terrible experience and the restrooms were disgustingly dirty and had no toilet paper.

I recently attended this venue as part of our several-day meetings/presentations with our organization. I'll say, the building itself is beautiful, in the middle of Waikiki; our rooms were well-appointed and tended to by the staff. We consistently had good food and drinks, and were always treated with respect and privacy with regards to our meetings. There was a nice Asian woman, I think her name was Amy? She frequently checked on us to make sure our needs were met. All of the other staff seemed friendly. Of course, nothing is perfect, there was a very brief period when our keurig didn't work, but someone came and fixed it right away. I don't think that's something to detract from 5 stars. I recommend this location for company retreats, meetings, etc. It's huge, and accommodated a large group of us with no problems. I think there were other groups present at the same time, but we were separated enough that it felt like our own personal space.

such a beautiful space to celebrate graduations for our Kids. like to comment, though on procedures for the graduates and their families coming from the Leeward area makes it extra stressful for the families. They arrive three and four hours ahead of time attention to how entering the event should be handled. You had people standing in line for three and four hours before the door even opened. such an enjoyable time, even if only standing in line to get in, as new friends are made from all of the other families. Let's organize how we get into the event fairly everyone in line was not valued as people coming in were able to get in because other doors were open first instead of the line that was made by the convention center what made it look like a great organized way to handle people entering but then after three minutes someone open all of the other doors and the people in line were not the first to enter and get the seats they deserved. Still had one hour before the venue started. It was no reason that the procedure of people standing in line should have been allowed to enter first. Please reconsider entering the venue procedure.

Beautiful job setting up the rooftop for the Sony Banquet. Andrew Le was the chef for the event. Wonderful wait staff. All in all great event

Nice convention center. Attended sneaker con 2023. Was a fun event, what I would expect from attending sneaker con

Can we just take a second to appreciate the architecture with the blue glass panels? So strikingly aesthetic and reminiscent of the turquoise waters surrounding Oahu!

Okinawa Festival at the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday & Sunday. This year I won't be going 2 days in a row because they are charging an Entrance Fee. Today's Early Bird fee was $15 General Admission & $10 Senior Citizen to enter at 9 am. It opened at 10 am $10 General Admission $5 for Senior citizens. It's faster to buy your tickets online & show your QR code at the door. It runs till 5 pm some food vendors may be opened but everything else shuts down. At 5:30 pm the Bon Dance starts. You need to buy Scrips for purchases. Each scrip sheet is $10 (10 on a sheet). Not realizing the scrip cost it can be quite expensive when using it. There are Children's games which ranged from $3- $4 to play. Everyone's a winner. There is a Plant booth. Bonsai booth. Food booths. It was 1 1/2 in line to get Yakisoba (fried noodles). The Andagi line was just as long. Very organized with ropes and a person standing with a sign with the name of the food so you know where the end of the line ends. Everything this year was on one floor. The Snacks, Country Store, etc. was next door in another area. There was Asato sherbet Green River or Strawberry. Butterfly lemonade. Maki Sushi. Sweetbread. Fresh produce More. On this side was the Cultural & History part. A fun day to learn about the Okinawan culture experience. Good food , Live Entertainment, culture & history. I would have gone back on Sunday to buy more scrips & spend more money to enjoy the food & entertainment on a lazy Sunday! But Not if there's an entrance fee this year sadly.!

Comic Con K-pop Concert Auto Show Meetings Graduation Okinawan Festival Van Gogh Experience What do these events have in common? They were all held at the Hawaii Convention Center! There are many more events held at this venue. These are just some examples of what has drawn me to this site. Opened in 1998 at a cost of $200 million, the Hawaii Convention Center is situated at the edge of Waikiki. PARKING: enter from Kalakaua Avenue in the Makai direction. On 7-1-21, the flat rate was $12 for covered parking in the structure. Some people have parked for free at the nearby shopping center and walked over... There are clear directional signs, good lighting, and adequate air conditioning. Temperature checks were done at the parking lot, before visitors entered the escalator to the ground level. This was my mom's first time at the Convention Center. Like me, she was amazed at the high ceilings, spacious interior, and striking architecture. The indoor waterfall and gigantic rotating ceiling fans are awesome! During my experiences here, I found the place to be safe, clean, and appropriate for all types of events! I just didn't like the parking fee. It's one of my pet peeves... Haha!

Can't believe this is my first time checking in and reviewing now that I'm a dedicated Yelper! Been coming here for years, mostly as a pageant fanatic. Universal Showqueen is usually in May, Miss Hawaii (Scholarship) in June, and in November Miss HI USA (Beauty). 2019 was the last since I've stepped foot here for an event, now that large social events are returning. This month was Beyond Van Gogh the Immersive Experience! Excellent clean facility, huge and spacious parking, multiple floors with massive ballrooms, and the most convenient location for visitors when they're in Honolulu for conventions and other major events conveniently located near Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, and minutes from Honolulu International Airport!!

Beautiful and comfortable place for a seminar or large meeting. Various size meeting rooms, all sorts of catering is available. The center is very photogenic, it's nicer than having a convention in a hotel, no matter how nice the hotel is.

Pros: friendly service Clean Location Easily accessible by public transit

Post-COVID Review for Honolulu Marathon Expo 2021: I've been here plenty of times for the Kawaii Kon, Amazing Comic Con and Comic Con Honolulu before the pandemic. But only got to visit the Honolulu Marathon Expo in 2019 before it all changed. The Marathon Expo used to have lots of local running groups, shopping from various local running shops and your bib number packet pick up. I went and walked around the Expo in 2019, so I could somewhat experience the marathon. The Expo was held in the Kamehameha I or Kamehameha II Ballrooms on the first floor. In 2021, they check your COVID vaccination card and ID before entering the Convention Center. They have a body heat camera temperature check after checking your vaccination. You are required to have a face mask on in the convention center. They moved the Honolulu Marathon Expo to the 4th Floor Ballroom, where you have to take two escalators up after entering the Convention Center. The Convention Center staff will direct you to go to the longer elevators because the ones on the far right are for the parking garage. Then you have go up another smaller escalator before reaching the 4th floor Ballroom. There you will see in big signs for the Honolulu Marathon with the bib numbers. A clear bag area for your clothes that you can drop off to change into after the marathon. Then the Start to Park 10k with the logo and sign. Then the Kalakaua Merrie Mile with the logo and sign. Runners must show their bib numbers to get their race packets and shirts (Only Start to Park 10k and Kalakaua Merrie Mile recieve their shirts at the Expo). There's a few photo areas for you to take pictures and show your race bib numbers. People did take their masks off briefly for a quick picture with their bib numbers. The race bib numbers are widely space out, but it does get crowded at the Mizuno merchandise area especially for the shirts. Then you pass by all the Mizuno merchandise area for bags, race belt, shirts, face masks, towels, and socks. They have their running sneakers for purchase too. But never buy running shoes before a race that you haven't already broken in from previous races; it's more of a splurge to bring home to use for future races. They had cute reusable bags and a good luck cat charm that they gave at the register for the merchandise. There was two laptops on either side of the exit that you can use to check your bib number timing chip, if all the information is correct before leaving the ballroom. You just put the white timing chip over the red scanner to check your bib numbers are correct and working. All the volunteers were sweet and nice when getting the race packets. The volunteer's Mizuno orange volunteer shirts and hats are awesome! Thank you to all the volunteers and Honolulu Marathon Association staff for making this marathon happen! Thank you to the Hawaii Convention Center staff for making sure it all goes smoothly! Thank you for the Honolulu Marathon first in-person race that I'll get to do since King's Runner 10k in 2020! There are NO SHUTTLES from Waikiki to the Starting Line of the Honolulu Marathon and Start to Park 10k this year. The Marathon Staff said to walk, ride share/taxi and get dropped off on your own. More self serve water stations this year and less entertainment than in year's past is expected at the marathon. The finisher's certificate will be digital this year, you can download them after the race when you get your finisher's email.

Horrific food. Was there for a conference and they served the exact same horrible meal twice. It was bland undercooked chicken and overcooked vegetables. They also could not accommodate people with food sensitivities and could care less. Never again. Do not book an event that requires catering here.

Why is going out of the convention center hard? Maybe, study the flow of exiting cars and plan ways to alleviate traffic gridlock.

Pretty good size place. Came to see the Van Gogh exhibition. It was interesting, but may have over paid for the VIP tickets because it was not crowded. Moreover, the complimentary freebies only limited to posters and masks. Learned a lot about the artist and his works. Overall, it was one enjoyable outing with loved ones.

Public Parking was easy to find. Very clear signage off of Kalākaua. Structure is large. Parking stalls are a good size. The Convention Center is a nice, large, clean space. This was my first visit here so attending Van Gogh was a nice way to see the Center. I would definitely want to see other events, shows, expos and performances here. It's a beautiful space.

Opened in 1998, this is the largest exhibition space in the 808. What brought me here was the 2018 Okinawan Festival, its inaugural year at this new venue after years of being held at Kapiolani Park. From the outside, it's a window washer's dream and a bird's worst nightmare. Four levels of thick, blue-green glass acts as the building's facade. From inside on the third level, you can see out onto a flat roof surface just above the lobby that is sometimes littered with dead fowl. On the inside, I was impressed by its size especially since it sits on such a small parcel of land. LEVEL 1: The ground floor features a four level-high lobby with floor to ceiling glass, and the gargantuan Kamehameha Exhibit Hall, which at 204,000 SF, can be divided into thirds. Concession areas and restrooms line the backside of the room. PRO TIP: There are two escalators in the lobby. The left one side leads directly to the third level. The right side leads directly to the second level parking area. LEVEL 2: The parking garages is house on the second level. Parking is limited for a venue of this size, IMO. Luckily we were staying at the Ala Moana Hotel across the street and simply walked over. LEVEL 3: A plethora of meeting rooms in all sizes and two theaters with stages are housed on the third level. LEVEL 4: The top level of the complex sports the 35,000 SF Kalakaua Ballroom which can be divided into thirds. And, a super-cool rooftop garden with great views of the city is available for outdoor events. OVERALL: As far as the Okinawan Festival went, I feel they should've used larger meeting rooms on the third level to house the craft and snack vendors. While I haven't been to other convention centers for comparison, I think the HCC is a top-notch facility.

Came to pick up my marathon pack. Truly the event was well organized. The people where helpful but not too easy to spot. The front area is large so easy for large party group. Enjoy.

Although the outside of the center appears to be a bit dated, the inside is quite beautiful. The center is pretty easy to navigate and the accommodations (e.g. restrooms, dining areas, meeting rooms) were pretty clean. The food served was pretty much on par with other convention centers (i.e. nothing to really write about); however, I did notice more variety with meal selections. Although the convention center and the staff were nice, I found the convention center to be very warm. The conference I attended was held in Oct. Although Hawaii was not super hot, many of the men (including myself) were melting in our suits, especially in the large exhibition hall.

Its a really nice convention center that utilizes lots of open air spaces. They can house enormous events. Car shows, trade shows. lots of conference rooms, a room top space, banquet halls, views, comic conventions. They have community events like the Sunset Mele usually showing family movies and cartoon features on the top level with some vendors. the space is great the only thing i wish is that they diversified the type of events they have. I mean I can see the convention center a potentially a better event space than the Blaisdell. I mean the top level is big enough to house a full stage. I wish they would put on some concerts in the convention center. I mean the bottom level is like 4 stories tall. I feel like it could function like a city center gateway to Waikiki if they had like an on site restaurant or something. If the rail ever makes it to the convention center in one hundred years maybe it-ll be re-imagined. With the Mandarian Oriential being built across the street, there's is tremendous opportunity to develop the intersection. Hopefully they'll do it smart and thoughtful. But other than that its great.

The staff here is nice, food varieties are plentiful, prices in the concession is kind of high but it is a State building after all.

My second time here during the recent March 2022 Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show in which was the first since the Pandemic began with the last one being in July 2019 which I attended. The center from what I understand is smaller than the larger Blaisdell Center however feedback that I heard from participants who have been to trade shows at both said this location is more intimate and obviously newer. My only comment is that the public restrooms are outside the hall and a slight trek near the indoor parking garage area. Many trade shows that I have attended are inside the show area or closer once you exit the hall. Since the Pandemic requirements were lifted face masks were optional for attendees.

Attending the Sunset MELE on the Roof & it's a free event that starts at 5pm. Excited to see what this is all about. Will add more when we are finished or throughout the night. This time (09/15/2018) they have extra vendors they had to have it on the 3rd floor. And they had so much activities for the kids too. Mahalo nui!!!

We attended the Auto Show late Saturday afternoon since we had complimentary tickets. It was packed with people and vendors. We played a few "spin the wheel" prizes and won notepads/pens, bags and sunglasses. Also entered to win a few gift cards. We did a survey on Hawaii Water; Storm Water. Got a free oil change kit too. It was humid and so we entered the Car Show Room. Thank God for AC! ;p It was fun seeing all the different car brands and we enjoyed sitting in the many SUVs. My fav was the Acura SUV.

Workers here like securities parking tolls and such are the laziest people. They are rude and would give attitude and are the most entitled people. They like it when yu get upset they live off it.

I attended a week-long medical convention, and this convention center was beautiful architecturally and functional as it related to our convention event. The escalators were conveniently central to all parts of the facility. The natural light, greenery, and seamless indoor-outdoor concept made the space feel even bigger and brighter! It was a great choice for a large medical conference! We never felt boxed in or cramped in a dark windowless building. The facility is close (within 10 minute drive) to all the major hotels in Waikiki, and there are several restaurants in the surrounding area that you can walk to as well!

Came here for the first time to see the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit and has an amazing time. The building is beautiful and the staff were so kind the entire time. The exhibit was definitely worth the time and money, I hope to come back to the Convention Center again for another fun event!

This place is well organized, very spacious, easy to get to places and very centric. The conference has 5,000 attendees and this place is not pack so this will give you an idea of space.

I was there for the first time ever(!) for a conference and was pleasantly surprised at the whole experience. It was easy to pull into parking, stalls are right sized and angled for easy parking, and the elevators are the nicest I can recall ever. They have natural forest sounds and the whole elevator is a glass print of a native Hawaiian forest. The place us full of light and art. The staff serving us were courteous and a bit formal but better than sullen waiters. The sound and lighting was also good un the large room we were in...I'd guesstimate that around 300 seats? And a smaller room next door was set up for a small market and a bar when we were done at the end of the day. Waiters walked around with trays of pupus and it was pleasant from beginning to end. If I were planning an event I would seriously consider this place.

I have always loved big, open buildings like airports and convention centers. It's that feeling of huge rooms and high ceilings. It is also a nostalgia for fun conventions; how one minute these huge areas are bustling with happy people and the next they're empty and quiet. The Hawai'i Convention Center is one of the nicest and most beautiful I've ever been to. I love coming to conventions and trade shows here and sometimes just come in to explore. Conveniently located right outside of Waikiki, it's at the intersection of Kapiolani and Kalakaua Avenues making it easy to take countless bus lines from Waikiki or downtown. They offer ample parking, even in the large halls to easily accommodate as many cars as possible. The building is the perfect design. Seen from afar, the white roof represents sails and waves, two things important to Hawai'i's past. The lobby is all enclosed in glass windows, which show the flowing escalators and many levels. There is island art everywhere; paintings, murals, tile work, and children's paintings. The building is lusciously landscaped, both inside and out. There are lanais on all the upper levels, with seating both indoors and out. Tables, chairs, and sofas are scattered around the facility to offer a bit of relaxation during the hustle and bustle of a convention. The building is super organized, which signage everywhere. Elevators and escalators are centrally located, just make sure which one you're getting on goes to the right level. The main meeting rooms are huge, well lit areas. Each has restrooms and usually offer concessions during events. There are large and small restrooms all over the place; they are always clean and well stocked. The meeting rooms are carpeted and climate controlled, very comfortable areas in which to listen to speakers and events. The roof is gorgeous. Open to the sky, the rooftop functions as a lanai with a garden on the Ewa side. Water elements make everything so calm. For kama'aina, be sure to check out the Sunset Mele on the Rooftop Lanai, a free event by the Convention Center for families that include movies and for-purchase food and drinks. It's truly a world-class convention center right in the heart of Honolulu.

Jurassic World Tour -- MAJOR RIP-OFF!! MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!! Don't bother taking anyone over 4 years old, and even then it is a hugely over-hyped event!! We just spent $40 for my 8 year old grandson to get a VIP bracelet, only to find out that when he got inside, the VR rides that his age of kid would enjoy, cost extra but hey! He can ride all the little kiddy toys for "free" except of course, the ones he's too big for! And my husband had to buy a $30 ticket to just accompany him into this lame display!! Wow! YOU PEOPLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!! This isn't worth more then a $5 or $10 dollar entry fee and parents/guardians shouldn't be charged to supervise their children! I only gave it one star so I could write a review -- it deserves a negative amount of stars!

I go to Hawaii convention center for special events like the Okinawan festival when I have family visiting from the mainland I kind of wish that the festival would be back a kapiolani park like before

Jurassic Tour for Honolulu. Or maybe i should call it the jurrassically priced toddler activity center. HUGE cost for virtually no excitement. Not to mention an atmosphere that more resembles that of a "guy down the street bought a bunch of stuff on e-bay and put it up in his old warehouse". They advertise dinosaur scooter rides...what you get is an angry bird, a fluorescent tiger, and a Pokémon looking Dino thing looks to have been discarded outside the local mall and picked up to use here. Animatronic dinosaurs are all squeaking as if they are actually a couple million years old...ironic as they fact that they need to use oil made from dinosaurs to make the fake dinosaurs not squeak. Let's talk about the "education" that the website claims is offered...none. Tiny signs that offer simple facts. Which, by the way, don't come in every dinosaur. In fact, less than half the exhibits have one. And the staff are all volunteers that have absolutely zero knowledge on the Jurassic period or the animals. Taken from a pool of volunteers from the local community so they don't have i be paid. Thanks to the volunteers, but the company really should've have provided someone that knows the subject matter. Not simply people to watch kids fall off bounce houses. This was overpriced and very underwhelming. Face painting looks to have been done by a 3 year old and it still costs an additional $5 per child. Attractions are all old and falling apart, Velcro wall is broke (they managed to break Velcro), and they charge you to blow up balloons...wow. But you can play jenga...did they have jenga in the Jurassic period? $140+ for a family of four, $10 for parking, another $20 for tickets to use the VR eggs....i could've gone to the actual Jurassic Park for the same cost. Save your money, go see the new movie and rent a bounce house. It will be a WAY better use of time and money. I now see why the manager chose to use a sad face stamp upon entry...

This review is strictly for the Jurassic Tour or shall I call it "horrific" tour that the family and I just went to. It is ridiculous for parents to pay $29 just to watch their kids play. Also, another $39 for the "VIP" bracelet that entitles you to all the rides. This was a waste of time and money. Waiting in line for over 2 1/2 hours to ride a 2 minute Dinosaur ride isn't exactly how you would like to spend your Saturday. Also, all the lines were super long and the equipment started to break down. This made waiting in line even longer and stressful. How awful to have something like this especially with all the promotion and media claiming how "fun" it is. I would never waste my time and money on this event if it should ever come back. I would have enjoyed taking my kid to the playground instead.

ADA National Convention is here! Comfortable rooms and the Lao Far the breakfast and lunch provided by the HCC caterer has been very good. Breakfast for the speakers and ADA members had a variety of pastry with local flavor jams which is really nice to showcase our local flavor, also included are these little Portuguese sausages that look like darker abariki sausages (it's a local thing) were very good! The scrambled eggs were fluffy and tasty not like the rubbery scrambled eggs you get at a typical buffet . The French toast selection was the typical type but I really liked the "good" maple syrup and coconut syrup. The lunch was a variety fare of sanwhiches and Mediterranean rolls. Nice and healthy. I was not dissatisfied or disappointed in the great service of the wait help, the service, and the food.

I've been to a handful of events held at the Hawaii Convention Center pre-Covid but have never written a review until now. I was here recently for the Van Gogh Exhibit and was shocked at how expensive the parking fee is. $12 seems a little steep to me, but that might just be because I hate paying for parking. On the positive side, there are plenty of parking stalls. The convention center is clean and spacious. The staff members I've interacted with were all friendly. The atrium is bright and well air-conditioned, especially for a place made out of glass walls. The restrooms are clean and well maintained. After parking my car, I walked to the entrance on the second floor where I encountered a lady sitting by the entrance with a camera who took a picture of me. Since I don't like pictures of me being circulated without my consent, I inquired as to what the pictures are being used for. It turns out, the camera scans retinas to determine if someone has a fever for Covid purposes. Ah, good to know. FYI, there's another camera by the downstairs entrance as well. It's comforting to learn they are taking Covid precautions seriously. I would have given more stars if parking wasn't so expensive. If it weren't so hot, I would have parked at Ala Moana Mall down the street instead.