Hawaii Theatre

We had a wonderful experience at the Hawai‘i Theatre. The venue is absolutely charming, and the special screening of The Princess Bride was a real treat—especially with Cary Elwes there, one of my all-time favorite actors. This movie is a beloved favorite of ours—I grew up watching it over and over again, and it’s always had a special charm that never fades. My wife and I actually flew in from Maryland, so we were really looking forward to the evening. Although we had to leave a bit early, the staff was incredibly understanding and even offered us a refund, which was so thoughtful. It really shows how much they care about their guests. We’ll definitely be back for future events. Huge thanks to the theater team for making it a memorable night!

Beautiful smaller theater. No matter where you sit in this theater it's still a great seat. They brought in one of my favorite Broadway stars: 2 time Tony award winner Sutton Foster. Need I say more? We need more professional acts here in Hawaiʻi. Such a lovely night!

I love the historical aspects of the theater and that it's a non-profit organization. It's a very unique place--gorgeous! Only a couple of issues needing attention... the bathroom needs more stalls and the seats do not accommodate long legs at all! Felt like I was in economy seating on an airplane!

Saw Phil Rosenthal and it was wonderful. Theatre is always beautiful. We got seats in the very last row on the top center..if you are 5'5" or under you will be comfortable, any taller then your knees are flushed/pushed against the seat infront of you. Seats in front have more leg room. Otherwise it is a beautiful venue.

Jefferson Starship Live at Hawai‘i Theatre – A VIP Experience Beyond the Stars This night had been planned for months—but for my family, it was a complete surprise. Somehow, I managed to keep it a secret until the very day, and let me tell you… it was worth every second of suspense. We had the VIP1 package, and yes—it was pricey, but it included everything a lifelong fan could dream of, and more. We arrived early and got to be part of Jefferson Starship’s soundcheck, followed by a family photo shoot with the band. It was surreal. I even got to shake hands with each member and show them my vintage ticket stub from Nov. 13, 1982, when I first saw them in my hometown. The look on their faces? Priceless. The VIP bundle was loaded with exclusive memorabilia: • Signed posters • A limited-edition enamel pin • A stylish tote bag • A VIP lanyard and backstage pass • Plus, the freedom to take photos and videos—a true fan’s dream We were seated in the second row—close enough to feel every chord, every drumbeat, every lyric. But before Jefferson Starship took the stage, we were treated to Dominic, a local up-and-coming artist from Honolulu. His performance was a great surprise—smooth, soulful, and the perfect way to open the night. Then came the main act—Jefferson Starship lit up the Hawai‘i Theatre. Their energy, connection with the crowd, and timeless music created a night that was nothing short of magical. Every note brought back memories and made new ones. And just when we thought it was over, the band came back out for an encore of two more songs, sending the entire crowd to their feet one last time. The Hawai‘i Theatre Center itself was the perfect venue—historic, intimate, and acoustically amazing. Add to that the warm aloha spirit from staff and fellow fans, and you’ve got a concert experience that’s hard to top. If you’re ever thinking of going VIP for a show—this is the way to do it. An unforgettable night of music, memories, and aloha.

Went to see the performance "Alice in Wonderland," and it was simply amazing! What a production quality in Hawaii! The theater is well kept, very luxurious, and clean. I loved the seats, wall decoration, the sound system, and most of all, the courteous staff. The bar was upstairs, and they had everything from hard liquors, beers, and soft drinks. The performance act was sooo good! Bravo to Papa Hawaii and team.

Over 100 years of history located in Chinatown, an amazing venue for national touring acts and local theater performances. Restaurants and Parking lots are in the immediate area

Beautiful historic venue with a wide range of productions both live (theatre, concerts) and recorded (special-interest films and more. For whatever reason, I quite fancy the décor in the ladies washrooms. So classic.

OVERALL SATISTFACTION: 10 of 10. 5 of 5 stars, Na ka oi...simply da bes! Keeping in mind that 1. I love live music, theater and big screen films. And 2. I haven't resided in the islands since the mid-90s. With that said, I have been here for several shows and I purposely flown in for some and other were just the lowest of consolation prizes for having to fly away from loved ones due to my job taking me to another "twist my arm" experience = Stay on Oahu. I joke of course, but in earnest, growing up with the lights of Broadway and hundreds of concert venues nearby, I take my theater experiences very seriously and the Hawaii Theater meets any and every want/need one could dream of. For me it exceeds most. Please allow me to define... MY EXPERIENCES: I have been to a Christmas show, on my birthday, featuring Amy Hanaiali'i and, the much beloved and missed, Willie K (R.I.P.), which included a wonderful meet and greet. On another visit to HNL I just happened to be around for a Beach Boys show and was fortunate enough to get a ticket for it. And most recently, I flew in for a showing of The Princess Bride which featured a meet and greet of Cary Elwes. AT THE TOP: The President of the Hawaii Theater, Gregory Dunn is super humble, very polite and amazingly professional in every aspect. Best of all, he gets involved in the pre-show activities be it guiding folks to where they need to be or ensuring we understand the process of a meet and greet. Ya gotta love when there is no job below those in charge. He sets an example that many could benefit from if their eyes are truly open. SECURITY: If you have been to downtown Honolulu, you know it hasn't been a place that gets touted around the globe for it's cleanliness or safety. HPD has had their hands full over the years. Stores may have closed and some issues still exist, but overall I feel that the area has been improving greatly and adding to the return of a safer feeling neighborhood is the Hawaii Theater's security team. Yes, they are the most amazing group of people that one could want to see at an event. These guys are the, literally, the muscle that keeps things in order and flowing, from bag checks to ensuring reentry folks have wristbands. They operate like a finely tuned engine. As a concert goer that has been to well over 500 shows globally, I recognize these folks as the best. I will even go as far as to say that actually recognize some of them since my last visit a couole years back, which means that the team is sticking together. With that stated, not once have I had any safety concerns with these guys on duty... and still downtown can be questionable at times. STAFF OF THE THEATER: From the box office staff to those assigned to scan your tickets and give out VIP wristbands, these folks know how to keep the lines moving. Once inside there are strategically placed individuals, as one would expect. Folks there to give you direction to restrooms or concessions and then you have the ushers, those folks who are much more than a uniformed someone with a flashlight who is unfamiliar with the venue layout. These folks are amazing, they will get you to your seat in a timely, professional manner. Last but not least, are the bartenders... the fashionable, handlebar mustachioed bartender I met a few shows back was here again... and I always find him to be a terrific conversationalist (when time allots), incredibly professional and truly represents the venue as best as any one could. Put all these compliments together under one roof and you get one of the best theater experiences you could hope to ever find. You should come to downtown and find out for yourself... and you'll be a repeat offender, like me, (END NOTE: I fly in from the mainland for touring shows I could easily opt to catch on the mainland, and for a cheaper overall hit to the wallet. The Hawaii Theater, as defined above, is truly the deciding factor).

Recently went to concert here and will focus only some of my comments for that. In general, this is a great venue for medium sized, for Hawai'i, events. Down side is the balcony angle to see the stage is not great but the seats are very comfortable. It's always too cold for most attendees so a jacket or other warm clothes are a must have. Restrooms are small and understandably out dated since it's a historical building not much can be done here. This means you also can't take food and Bev into the seating areas, but weirdly, drinks were allowed for this past concert. Upsides are it a cool venue and floor seats have good views. Plenty of parking options and pre event food & Bev option proving with China town's revitalization drawing more people to the area. Docents at the plenty to greet you and help you find your seat. We'll be back as this place is a good fit for the right sided attraction and there are upsides to what else is around the area you can enjoy in conjunction with attending an event here.

Walking into the Hawai'i Theatre, you're instantly transported into another era. An era of soft elegance and timeless artistry. From the moment you pass through the doors, you're surrounded by a blend of old-world elegance and Hawaiian warmth. Built in 1922, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and Broadway plays to concerts and Hula performances. Today it seats about 1,400 guests, offering an intimate experience where every seat feels close to the stage. The acoustics are excellent, the seats are comfortable, and the staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. There's also a small bar and lounge with high-tops, perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation before the show. Inside the theater, you see tall, fluted Corinthian-style columns that are richly detailed. The curved arch overhead is decorated with mosaic-style tiles in warm tones,and I absolutely LOVE the lush deep red velvet curtains that frame the stage. They add so much warmth and elegance. Having attended many shows throughout the years, I've always been mesmerized by the mural above the stage and decided to do some Googling while waiting for the show to begin. I learned it's Lionel Walden's Glorification of the Drama. The painting depicts a grand procession of mythic figures -- a golden-robed muse in her chariot, attendants, musicians, a lion handler -- all celebrating the power of theater. The central figure, often interpreted as the Personification of Drama, leads the way. Knowing that part of the mural was once lost to water damage and later painstakingly restored makes it even more meaningful. Parking is easy at the municipal garage on Bethel Street, just a block away. The short walk is now well-lit, a welcome improvement from years past when it was dark and sketchy. Entertaining audiences for over 100 years, the Hawaii Theater is a recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Attending a show here, you're not just watching a performance, you're also living and breathing a beautiful piece of Hawaii's historic culture.

It was a treat to watch Guy Hagi and Phil Rosenthal chat about the Somebody Feed Phil show. Will call opened early, was well staffed and efficient. Security did a nice job checking bags, and held my dinner leftovers on an entrance table, as food isn't allowed in the historic theater. It was easily retrieved after the show on the way out;) Restrooms were bright and lines moved quickly. Hot tip: fellow guests said that their $20 drinking glass in a safety cup is refillable at a discount on your next visit (they were enjoying wine, another had pineapple juice). If non alcoholic, that refill is free. Hmmm, we might have to try that next visit!

Attended the Hawaii Symphony Halloween show. Even the Concert master dressed up. A storyteller told spooky Hawaii experiences accompanied by instrumental music from Harry Potter and Willy Wonka movies. No food is allowed in the seating area just the water cartons. Convenient bathrooms on the first and second floors. There was an entertaining costume contest and people were very creative. I found free parking on Bethel street but there are many parking structures to use if needed. I prefer using Lyft because sometimes I like to be driven

We attended a concert here last night & the building was magnificent!! So much detail, the seats were extremely comfortable

Don't miss this ! while you are on Oahu if there is a play offered while you are there. This 100+ year old theater is a historic treasure. It is amazingly BEAUTIFUL and is still functional as a modern performance site. Well maintained. All the seats are excellent for viewing the stage and the acoustics are fine. The murals on the ceiling in the theater and in the upstairs refreshment room are not to be missed. It is now one of my favorite sites in Honolulu (Chinatown). Parking is easy in the nearby Marks garage-less than a block away. Personnel are helpful and friendly. Prices are reasonable, for Hawaii. Dress is business casual or casual.

My friends and I went to the Be:First concert here at Hawaii Theatre! I wanna say this was my first time going to this theatre?! We arrived at around 6:30pm to stand in a very long line that wrapped the building on both sides! Doors opened at 7pm and concert started at 8pm. Right at 7pm, the line started moving slowly. Once you reach the doors, security does a quick bag check and if you happen to have any outside food/drinks, they take that away, so this is your heads up. Once you get inside, the ushers scan your tickets. They have more ushers inside the theatre to help you find your seats. Warning: it was FREEZING in the theatre!!! The concession stand sells water in cartons (not bottles, environmental friendly), alcohol, snacks, and a $30 scarf that my friend bought cause it was freezing!! Overall, the concert was awesome! :)

08/09/25 We went to the Saturday 2PM show of Prescription: Murder play with Joe Moore & Pat Sajak. Hadn't been here since before COVID so was looking forward to it & the first time seeing this duo in their yearly play. We got there a little early so we had to wait outside until the doors opened at 1PM. There was a short line. Once they opened, security does a quick bag check so women, best to open your bag as you approach security to make it a little easier & for the line to move along. Once that's done, we took a quick left to go to the Will Call window. All you need is your ID & credit card you used, quick & easy. Guy at the window was nice. Our tickets also included the vouchers for our concession order, which was only 2 cartons of water (16 oz, $5 each) that resembled milk cartons. Back in line we went and were greeted by the friendly ushers who handed us the playbill and directed us on where to go, which was up the short flight of stairs. Since it is a very old building, steps are everywhere as I don't recall seeing any elevators. Up to the 2nd floor we went where the concession stand is but we opted to wait until later to get our water. Across from the concessions there is a huge waiting area room with a few seats. The one end of this room is the Producer's Private lounge where there is a grand piano, the bigger room is for the common folk like us. The restrooms are on the same floor and were very clean. The ambiance of this theater is absolutely beautiful. There is beautiful artwork throughout the hallway and lounge rooms. One can certainly see the results of the restoration. You feel like you've stepped back in time In the actual theater, from the lighted sky dome, the seats, the mural above the stage, the architecture and even the stage. It's like living history that everyone should not miss. We went straight to our seats and were just seated for a few minutes when a security came over to a group in the row in front of us and us to let us know we weren't supposed to be in here yet, not until 1:30PM, half hour before the show. Say what?!? I didn't remember seeing anything online about this or were there signs on the entry doors. All I recall reading was the doors open 1 hr before show time. Why is this not mentioned online or on the reminder email we get? And, if we weren't supposed to be in there, then why were the doors not closed to prevent entry or have an usher directing people? At the designated time, I believe the lights flashed on/off, then we were allowed to re-enter. The seats are comfortable, our seats were great but it was freaking cold. I was forewarned by a friend of mind who saw the play the previous weekend, to bring a jacket, and I'm glad we did, brrrrr. We were in loge center left, row LB, seats 123 and 125, aisle & 2nd seat. Good view of the stage & sound system. Only part we couldn't see but leaned over to see, was the far left off the stage where Bryce Moore was seated at an office desk. It wasn't a long scene and he only popped up there twice. But other than that, both venue and play were great! I would highly recommend seeing any production here, if you have not done so. Don't miss a piece of Hawaii's history.

I've seen so many amazing concerts, comedy shows, and even movies here throughout the years! One of our favorite places to go experience the lovely culture, art, music Hawaii has to offer. I saw Ronny Chieng perform here a few months ago and that was a blast! I love all the symphony orchestra concerts they're had over the years as well - even had one covering Harry Potter & Studio Ghibli & Ghostbusters live film with concert. Today, however, was one of my favorite performances of the year. The Journey Through Hawaii - Mana Music Quartet. We had the most talented musicians across Hawaii perform alongside the quartet. And my favorite part was seeing a LIVE painting by Native Hawaiian artist - Solomon Enos - one of my favorite artists I've met! Beautiful, emotional, and absolutely moving. 11/24/24 Highly recommend seeing any performance here. Well maintained and beautiful inside. Concessions located on the second floor for drinks and pupus. If you sign up to be a member, there are exclusive discounts as well. Good way to support our local theatre!

It was very quick to get into the show as long as you have your ticket. The theater is small and in the ladies bathroom there were 4-5 stalls. The lines for drinks were long. They only allow a tumble Inside and that's $20. They do not allow drinks without the tumblers inside. Parking on the same Street within 30ft was about $5. I parked about 1/2 mile away and walked. The show I saw was Nurse John short staffed. A lot of the bits I've already seen on IG. But it was worth it. The seats were comfortable and easy to find. They also have staff helping people find their seats before the show.

Love, Love, Love, Love, LOVE this theater. What a beautiful, historic place! This truly feels like it belongs in New York City. I'd love to see a traveling Broadway production come here over the Blaisdell Center any day. Besides the theater itself being monumentally impressive, the ushers and bar staff were extremely nice and welcoming. There are cute reusable cups that they offer for you to bring into the house and even bring back for future shows and events at the theater. The drinks themselves come with the price of this convenient souvenir, which was a pleasant surprise. We thought we were paying for the cup plus the additional cost of the drinks. Very good deal. Yeah, I loved this place. Very fun way to spend the night!

Historic theatre with live music, movie and music performances and other visual and auditory performances. Beautiful interior architecture and design. Excellent sounds mixing for live concerts and for Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. Bring a light sweater or jacket as it can get cold in here if the place is not full of people as the AC works very well. One of the few places I wear pants or shoes to as it can get a bit chilly at times. Shout out to HI Bred security for keep the place secure and always being friendly for bag checks.

This past week my husband and I took my two granddaughters (13 & 16) to the Hawaii Theatre Kapuna monthly movie. This month they were featuring "The Sting "with Robert Redford and Paul Newman. This 1973 iconic movie won 9 Academy Awards and is rarely ever seen on TV or cable these days. It was wonderful to see it on the big screen after all these years and my granddaughters who are home schooled so they were able to attend a matinee, thoroughly enjoyed this movie as did my 43 year-old son. Kapuna movies are not just for Kapuna. They are for anyone who enjoys classic movies and where better to see one than in the beautiful 103 year old Hawaii theater. Coffee and donuts were provided by Kamehameha Bakery and parking was very reasonable at Harbor Court, a short walk from the theater ($3.50 for two hours). Be sure to check the Hawaii theater website for monthly movies as well as other evening venues. Thank you, Hawaii Theatre, and sponsors for offering Kapuna movies. Mahalo

If you've never had the opportunity to visit the Hawaii Theatre for a play, concert, etc. you should do it! If you've visited before, you should do it again! The Hawaii Theatre is a beautiful venue full of history in downtown/chinatown. Seating: Having just seen a few shows at similarly older/historic theaters in New York, these seats felt roomy in comparison! The NY theater stairs were also much steeper. So no complaints with either here. Also, you get a good view of the stage no matter where you sit. Bar: Small bar on the second floor. It's always been crowded every event I've been to so I avoid it. I can wait until after the show to have a drink. Parking: Lots of options. Public garages, private garages and street parking. If you know which side streets to look at, you can almost always find a spot. Location: Chinatown. Honolulu is a big city and not immune to city crime and violence. Practice common sense and awareness. Support the local businesses surrounding the theater before or after your show! There are a number of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, etc. just a block or two away.

We went for one of their morning movies on a whim when we were visiting. We had spent many days outside in the sun and needed a break. We had a great time and watched a classic film (The Sting) in a historic theater. The inside is beautiful and the staff are welcoming!

There was a concert by the world-famous blind genius pianist "Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii". When making my reservation, the payment for the second row of seats from the front of the center of the first floor was confirmed, so I headed to the venue on the day with peace of mind. However, I was guided to the second floor seat. (Why??) When I asked the theater staff to reconfirm, but just they said "I don't know..." and so I stood there without any way to know what happened or what to do. At that time, I had the opportunity to talk to the Japanese staff of ANA, the sponsor of the concert, and I explained my situation. Then she reported to the theater and went to negotiate a change of seat and left. After waiting for a few minutes, she guided me from the front of the first floor to the seat on the left end of the fourth row. The top of the piano had an open high-pitched part, so I could see his right hand clearly. For me, as a piano player, I was very grateful to change to this seat. Moreover, she remade the ticket and brought it to me. I still don't know if it was a mistake on the theater side, or if I was not given a seat in the front row on the first floor for some unexpected reason. Of course, there was no explanation from anyone in the theater. Even so, there were quite a few empty seats around the seat I originally reserved, and I wonder why the audience was not allowed in those seats. Anyway, the concert was wonderful. The piano he played was a smooth and clear melody as if he was listening in a dream. I think the theater has a sound system that even a world-famous pianist like him could play comfortably. The seats on the first floor were cold enough to freeze for more than an hour, but Mr. Tsujii performed enthusiastically while sweating. My body was about to tremble with a sense of elation. I think my heartbeat drew the same vibration every time he put his emotions into the sound of the piano. During the intermission, I finally came to my senses, and left to go to the ladies' room before the second half. However, there was such a long line in the corridor that I didn't know where the end was. After thinking about whether to give up and go back to your seat, I decided to wait in line. I think the restroom is quite insufficient compared to the theater capacity. You can see why some of the spectators watching at the Hawaii Theater sneak out of the venue shortly before the interval. But personally, I didn't want to miss listening to the performance of a genius pianist like him even for a second. And it was on the day of the concert that I received a warning email from the venue about my belongings. So it seemed that many people didn't notice the email, and there were a lot of "no-to-bring" backpacks, large luggage, drinks, etc. on the table at the entrance. I felt like I could somehow nod and accept that my seat was different from what I wanted, but I wonder if that's Hawaii's looseness and charm? I felt that. After all, after listening to the wonderful music, my heart was washed clean and I felt like my anger and disappointment over the seat issue had completely disappeared! 世界的に有名な盲目の天才ピアニスト「Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii」のコンサートがありました。 予約段階で1階中央前から2列目の席の支払いも確定していたので、安心して当日会場に向かいました。ところが、案内されたのは2階席。 当然私は「？？」シアタースタッフに再確認を依頼しても「分からない」と言われなすすべもなく立ち尽くしていました。その時コンサートの主催スポンサーであるANAの日本人スタッフと話すチャンスがあり、私の状況を説明しました。すると彼女はシアター側に報告して席の変更を交渉すると行ってその場を立ち去りました。数分待っていると彼女は私を1階の前から4列目の左側の端の席に案内してくれました。ピアノの屋根は高音部が開いているので私は彼の右手がはっきり見る事が出来ます。ピアノ演奏家の私にとってはこちらの席の方への変更はとても有り難かったです。 しかも彼女はチケットを作り直して私に持って来てくれました。シアター側のミスだったのか、何か予期せぬ理由で1階前列の席を私に与えられなかったのか今も理由は分かりません。もちろんシアターの誰からも何の説明も有りませんでした。それにしても私が元々予約した席の周辺は結構空席があり、何故その席に観客を入れなかったのか不思議です。とにかくコンサートは素晴らしく彼の奏でるピアノはまるで夢の中で聴いている様な滑らかで清らかな旋律でした。彼の様な世界的に有名なピアニストも快適に演奏出来る音響システムだったと思います。1階席は1時間を超える頃は凍える程寒かったですが、Tsujii氏は汗をかきながらの熱演でした。私は高揚感で身体が震えそうでした。彼がピアノの音に感情をぶつけるたびに私の鼓動も同じ波動を描いていたと思います。インターバルの時間はようやく我にかえり、後半の為にレディースルームに行こうと席を立ちました。しかし廊下には最後尾が何処なのか分からないほどの長蛇の列が出来ていました。並ぶべきか諦めて席に戻るべきか考えた挙句、やはり並んで待つことにしました。収容人数に比べて必要な設備がかなり不足している様に思います。ハワイシアターで鑑賞している観客の中にインターバルの少し前に会場をこっそり抜け出す方が居る理由が分かります。でも私的には彼の様な天才ピアニストの演奏を1秒でも聴き逃したく無いと思いました。 それと会場側からの持ち物に関する注意喚起メールが届いたのがコンサート当日でした。だからメールに気付かなかった方が多かった様で入り口のテーブルの上には「持ち込み禁止」のバックパックや大きな荷物、飲み物などが山ほど置かれていました。 私の席が希望していた所と違った事も何となく頷ける気がしましたが、そこがハワイの緩さと愛嬌なのかな？と感じました。やはり素晴らしい音楽鑑賞の後は心が洗われて、怒りや失望の気持ちなんかはすっかり消えていた様に思いました！

I was so excited and honored to attend the Hapa Holiday Extravaganza with Music Director Dane Lam and the Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra! This gorgeous theatre is over 100 years old and the ambience truly takes you back in time. They have drinks and light snacks to enjoy in the upper lobby before and during intermission. The staff is very friendly and attentive to help you with finding your seats and every seat in the house is a perfect place to enjoy the performance, sound and perfect experience of the performances. Parking is easy and there are places nearby for an after-show drinks, pizza etc! A cherished evening to remember!

Attended the Tom Papa comedy show. He did a great set, laughed so hard that tears rolled down my face. Definitely worth seeing him live. Very personable for pictures and after show interactions. So glad we went! The theater seating chart does not do it justice. It doesn't show the seat levels per sections since they differ quite drastically. Also, they should have listed their association with the AC hotel on their site instead of announcing it at the show. By then, it's too late to use. Major disappointment. Very nice theater with the old columns and red drapes maintaining its glory day. Their second floor bar area is quaint for a quick drink to socialize. Area is pretty small but quaint. Don't park at Marks garage. Poorly maintained and laid out. $10 for 2hours. Use other public parking locations only a few blocks away. Won't park there again. The show was great and that's all that matters!

Trompe l'oeil mosaics adorn this cute little theatre that is located in Chinatown, urban Honolulu. It's a little sketchy in Chinatown at night, especially a lone female attending a show (none of my friends are theater or comedy buffs, oddly enough)...luckily, there is parking close by and everyone attending the show fills the streets, so you feel safe(r). Parking can range from $9+ for a typical show depending on which lot you park in. The theater itself is clean and easy to navigate. I've always enjoyed shows here, except one star knocked off because it's hard to hear in the upper balcony (not just me, I've heard a couple people next to me say "what did they say" in different shows). The bouncers are always nice, same with the bartending staff, and ushers who are plentiful and helpful in finding your seat. I cannot comment on the food (which I think they offer more snack-type items) but just keep in mind that you cannot BYOD/BYOF, so plan ahead. Maybe come a bit earlier and have some JJ Dolans or the AC hotel for some pre-show foods.

We were here for the 1706 immersive play and it was so amazing! Great ushers, actors and support staff! Everyone was friendly, helpful and the walk through was so scary! The more open and interactive you are throughout the walk through the better the experience! This was an 18+ event with a bar available before heading in. Totally worth checking out during spooky season!

Love this theatre! Acoustics are good and the tradition and history add to the overall experience. I will say that it's always cold though. Don't get me wrong, I'll take too cool over stuffy and hot any day, but just keep in mind to toss a throw or light jacket over your shoulders and you'll be more comfortable while enjoying your evening.

This iconic theater has endless of paid parking options all around and takes you back to those days that transport you into a world of traditional and meaningful art from beautiful artists. When you can meet all your heroes under one roof is a big pinch me moment that might be found within these walls. The specific event I visited was a community based service with all familiar and friendly faces. Excited to go back for another event!

Got a chance to check out the Hawaii Theater Center in downtown Chinatown. The venue is amazing and definitely in the old school tradition of opulent venues. Located centrally in Chinatown, there are several world class eating venues literally a block or two away from the venue. One thing to note is that since this is an old venue, the lobby space is small, and if you have to get to the upper floors, you have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to your seat. The upper levels have a steep pitch so be careful. There is also a small bar area on the second floor for cocktails and refreshments, with a small lounge area directly across the isle. Sight lines were good from all seats and acoustics were as well. Looking forward to more shows from this venue in the future.

Our family tradition to attend Christmas performance with classic Hawaiian musicians and folklore. Na Leo, Robert Cazimero, Hawai'i symphony. Always Enjoyable. We love to support the ARTS. It would be wonderful to have performances like Broadway SF ( we are also members)

I came here to see Tracy Morgan Bday show. I took a Uber here. I did see limited street parking available on the way there. If there is designated parking I am not sure where it is. The Uber will let you out on the corner and you just walk a few feet down. We got our tickets checked and headed inside. I got there early to eat and have drinks. There is no food just light snacks. The bar is on 2nd floor along with lounge areas with limited seating. There are a few high tables. All drinks that leave 2nd floor must be finished before going in to see the show or going downstairs. You can purchase the adult sippy cups if you want to take your drink with you in the show. There is no food just light snacks. I sat in the orchestra center seating. Which is on first floor. If you are unsure of seating you can YouTube the seating chart. That is what I used to pick my seats. Prior to the show starting there are guest comedians that will open the show. The guest comedians started around 7/7:30. Tracy came out at 8pm on time and was finished by 9pm. I was a little disappointed. I thought he would tell jokes for 1hour and half to 2 hours. It was over by the time you were about to fall out of your seat. I'm glad he had new jokes and he still funny. Overall the show was good. I had a good time and I will be returning. I already brought my ticket to see Leslie Jones 23 Feb 2024.

Audience is buzzing with loud chatter preshow. It's now 7:30 pm and the show will begin in one minute. Congrats to Jake Shimabukuro for materializing this event as Hawaii Theater celebrates their 101 years. Seats for this special performance ran $85 - $150 per person. The stage is lit up in beautiful bright orange and yellow. The lighting was exceptional with changing colors and what appeared like smoke at the very top. Thankyou Doc for treating us. Very packed performance dedicated to Maui Strong and an outpouring of love and support for Maui. Talented and well known musicians with surprise appearance by Henry Kapono. Mic Fleetwood on drums also had an incredible voice and fantastic impromptu speaker. Well planned and executed. Part 2 tomorrow night with different performers. Ended after 11 pm, a night filled with heartfelt emotions entertained by truly remarkable musicians. Hana Hou Fest Truly amazing. Grateful is Jake's new CD.

We love the Hawai'i Theatre and try to visit as often as possible! It's such a lovely venue, easy parking and great staff!

For my 660 review I wanted it to all end in zero's: 50 for BOC and 100 for Hawaii Theater Center. Blue Oyster Cult has been touring for 50 years so it was fitting that the concert was being played in a very old building that has been around for 100 years (built in 1922). It was saved from demolition by a group of dedicated volunteers back in the 80's and shut down for a decade or more until it was revived in the 90's and now fast-forward to 2022 and the building is in it's full glory, hosting a rock concert with screaming and whistling 70 year olds! The interior is a step back in time, with grand old stair cases, velvet theater seats, super old tile in the bathrooms, columns, lattice work and velvet curtains with REAL lighting a.k.a incandescent, not the LED crap. You would think this place would host an opera, or Madame Butterfly, not a rock concert, but it worked out very well with the super cool stage lighting, the sound system was loud but wasn't blow-out-your-eardrums kinda loud. It wasn't freezing in there either, which was a nice plus. The seats were velvet and very comfy. It was clean as well. I won't get into how AMAZING Blue Oyster Cult was in concert - they are a better live band than a studio band, but I was super glad I decided to go; they are living legends playing in a legendary place! For drinks before the show we went to Hank's ($5.00 drinks) and boozed up over there before heading over to the show. You can buy alcohol at the theater, but they won't let you take it inside to the seating area, which makes sense given those seats are all velvet and lovingly restored from a hundred years ago. For dinner we were going to eat at some of the Chinatown restaurants but all of the prices were ridiculous, and Olay Thai has a ridiculous app you have to reserve your seat and put your credit card on because if you cancel they will charge your card $25 a person and I read on Trustpilot that a lot of people were getting angry at resy.com that Olay Thai is now using, so we ate at home and saved even more $$$. We parked on the street to save some money but there's nearby municipal parking structures. RETURN FACTOR = totally yes, this is a classy place and I hope it stays around for another 100 years or more. I love this place.

My husband's first time to this theatre but not first time listening to Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. We knew it would be a great concert, so many great guests and the choir and halau also did a great job. The theater is old and elegant, acoustics were great, we sat at the balcony and had a great view of the stage. The only thing I wish was that it had been sold out. When a theater is this size, there is an intimacy to it, and it felt odd to see so many empty seats. Likewise there was very few people who came early enough to come in and enjoy a glass of wine and the live pianist before the start of the show. It was also the night of the tree lighting, first Friday, and lots of other events, or perhaps covid scared people away from mingling. But the music was top notch and we bought a Christmas CD. #makahasonsofniihau

Attended a film. While attendance was sparse, I'm not sure if the temperature was relative to lack of people. However, the theatre was way too cold which detracted from the experience. I brought a sweater and still felt like I was sitting in an icebox. Others in my party said same on temp. The theatre should indicate that it would be cold (in 50s/60s?) and dress appropriately as needed.

A Long Awaited Transformation Hawaii Theatre has played a significant role in Honolulu's cultural landscape since 1922. The mission of the non-profit Hawaii Theatre Center, established in 1984, is to provide a broad range of entertainment, cultural and educational experiences; promote redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Honolulu/Chinatown, and enhance the quality of life in Honolulu. The Hawaii Theatre continues to be a catalyst for the economic stability of the arts and culture sector throughout Hawaii. It plays host to the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the artistic partner and ensemble in residence at the theatre. Listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the restored Hawaii Theatre re-opened in 1996 and attracts nearly 100,000 patrons a year to its beautiful auditorium and over 3.000,000 digital viewers through its state-of-the-art box office and streaming platform. The first time I stepped foot on The Hawaii Theatre center stage was in July 2018 when I did my first Ikaika Classic Competition. My personal trainer, Alan Ichinose, is also the event promoter of his annual Ikaika Classic & Armed Forces Competition 2022. This past Sunday was the first in-person Ikaika Competition since covid shuttered contests, pageants, and other social events. There were at least a hundred spectators, not including vendors, sponsors, media, and dozens of men and woman athletes all competing for a local title and entrance to an NPC competition on the US Mainland. You can find more information about on Facebook, Instragram as well as www.ikaikaclassic.com/ikaikafitnessfactory Parking 1) Chinatown Gate Way 2) Marks Center Garage 3) Smith/Beretania Structure 4) Harbor Court 5) Executive Centre

Just saw Who's Bad there - the theater is beautiful and classic ! Wear layered clothing- the AC can get very cold - I was prepared with my jacket- restroom lines can be long as expected- try to use it before the show...

We went to see Jefferson Starship on Nov. 19 (rescheduled from earlier this year). I love seeing / hearing music at the Hawaii Theatre because it's a more intimate space and everyone has a great view. We tend to sit in the loge and look down upon the performers. The only nitpick I had was the sound system seemed oriented to those sitting in the orchestra level; it was hard to hear the vocals and early in the performance, the sound mix was not correct (at least to this ex-musician's ears). In any event, that's not on the theatre but on the support staff for the act. There are two places to get drinks before the show and there's an adequate area to sit to enjoy your libations because they're not allowed in the theater. There was someone selling memorabilia doing brisk business. All in all, we really enjoyed our time listening to the music I grew up with (being 70yrs old). More!

No April fool's joke as my work bestie and I share the same horoscope this was ours today: "You have been too involved in your professional life. But now, you must consider relaxing a bit. Avoid unwanted complications by staying aloof from the negativity around. You are a social butterfly and love to meet new people and make friends. Take out some quality time and meet new people as this may give you an insight into life in general. Don't over-burden yourself and take a detox from your hectic work schedule." POOF! Yelp Hawai'i partnered along with Hawaii Theatre, I was blessed with one of very selective tickets to Devon Allman Project and I was shocked! Devon Allman's music is amazing and I just love concerts and live music nothing more calming than an evening to relax and be entertained. Born and raised here in Honolulu, yes I'm ashamed how culturally ignorant of the arts and surrounding historical value it provides as this theatre is stunning!! Due to Covid all shows were obviously been postponed and now everything is back and it was so exciting to experience all this in the historic Hawii Theatre Center which was my very very first time here so I was nervous and excited and it just made me feel like royalty. Arriving after I parked nearby you can see the area is all lit up and full of life that's just a spectacular sight. After our vaccination check we head inside and scan our QR code with one of many wonderful and friendly staff to help you guide you to your seat and inform you the bar upstairs....oohhh!! What a delightful bar with a little bit of everything and with a purchase of what a gentleman next to me says "sippy cup" we're able to bring our drink into the show and what an adorable cup with the wine glass shape inside lol! As the show promptly started we were first treated to Jackson Stokes performance who just killed it! This singer/songwriter is from St. Louis just lit up the stage performing his music was so relaxing. Soon after a brief intermission came Devon Allman Project and woah!!!!! I just can't remember the last live music I've seen since it's been SO long and it was electric!! Along with Donavon Frankenreiter doing a few songs as well the night was just incredible!! Thank you thank you Yelp Hawaii and Hawaii Theatre Center for making all this happen as it was tremendously magic!! Across the bar upstairs also was a small section that was selling DAP CD's and shirts so of course I got a shirt as well because this certainly was a night to remember!! There's nothing like supporting live music and the arts. Thank you!!

Gorgeous vintage theater right here in the heart of Honolulu! Who knew? I love the original decor, paintings and box seats and orchestra pit. Location in Chinatown is near many fabulous restaurants including The Pig & the Lady, Lucky Belly, and Olay Thai, making it a perfect night out.

I came to the Hawaii Theatre last night with my mom to see The Sunshine Boys. What a fantastic play! My mom and I both enjoyed ourselves. The staff were friendly and helpful from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. The place looked amazing. I enjoyed the piano playing in the gathering room upstairs while we waited for the show to start and during intermission. I felt like I was transported back in time my entire time there. If you like to see plays, I highly recommend coming here!

We have gone several times to the Hawaii theatre, and both equally amazing. Several with school groups, and my favorite...date nights with my husband. TIP: Make sure to dress warmly or wear a jacket/sweater, since it was freezing inside. Parking is close by and quite reasonable. There are also eateries surrounding the theatre, if you need a bite prior to going in.

I'm only giving five stars for all the beautiful entertainers especially Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm Their voices are so angelic and beautiful. They worked so hard for this moment with the symphony as they wrote a song and won the Mana up award to play with the symphony. This was their moment to shine but conductor Dane Lam rushed them off stage by saying " No Hanahou" as the people in the audience were asking Music and Rhythm to sing one more song. A tradition in Hawaii to bring back to the stage the entertainers to perform one more song! As that wasnt bad enough why would conductor Lam say " it's her show" meaning Timanes show. We all know that, but to say it where these up and coming artist can hear! I don't get it, especially from someone who I assume loves music! Even the $900 that I paid for 5 seats didn't matter. I was so happy to be there but not so sure now if that's how it's done in this business ⁉

Not designed for fat people. I understand that the theater was built in 1922 and people were probably much smaller 100 years ago but MAN! We could have used some warning as to just how tight the seats are. I don't mean in the typical fat person way of width either, I mean the distance between the seats. Honestly, the individual next to me was a very skinny gentleman but he was also like 6 foot 2 and he was dealing with the same issue that Iwas dealing with where our shins were just DIGGING into the seat infront of us. I was folding up paperwork and my mask and everything and jamming it between my shin and the seat because it was painful! So just be aware, if you are up in the nose bleeds (JJ 105 and JJ109 in this case) and you are a tall person you might want to aim for JJ 103 and JJ 101 which are on the staircase with no seats in front of them. I hope all of the seats in the theater aren't like that and it's just a "cheap seats"issue. The other reason why I need to take a star away is because when we went, and I do not know if this is typical so someone chime in, the bathroom was absolutly disgusting. It had such a strong pee smell that I almost walked right back out. A heavy, stale, you can almost taste it, pee smell. Waianae public bathr. . . Waikiki public bathroom pee smell. Waikiki public bathroom that doesn't have a gate so they can't close it at night and people take advantage of it. . .pee smell. . . Aside from those two small issues that together delete one star from my rating we loved our experiance! The website was very informative as to the parking situation and we found parking for $3 at the Chinatown Gateway location (Cash Only). The staff was great and the theater is beautiful, I 100% intend to recommend the theater to my friends. . . my skinny friends. . .my skinny short friends. . .

Too bad you ran out of charcuterie boards. I was ready to buy 2. Had to settle for pretzels and Kit Kats.

Luck was on my side when I got the email that I was a winner of the Drew Lynch concert ticket giveaway! Drew was an America's Got Talent finalist back in 2015 and is very funny. My friend and I wanted to go, so along with my ticket from Yelp we also purchased another for my friend, and the theatre arranged to have us seated together in the Yelp section. Earlier, COVID-19 caused the Drew Lynch concert to be postponed twice and last night, he finally got to perform to a packed and appreciative audience at the beautifully restored and historic Hawaii Theatre which every year attracts 80,000-100,000 patrons to its many cultural, educational, musical, stage, and entertainment events. One of his most hilarious set of jokes was in the beginning of his set when he made fun of how slow Hawaii drivers are compared to those on the mainland. In fact, he observed that everything is slower in Hawaii--perhaps we are only in our "first" wave of COVID now (when everyone else on the mainland is on their "6th" subvariant) and how it feels likes he's been on Oahu for a week (when it's been only 2 days). His self-deprecating jokes about his trademark stutter, especially the story of how his stutter triggered a dance by his fiance, was particularly entertaining. I could definitely tell the crowd had a great time. There was a woman--seated toward the middle section who seemed a step behind on the jokes--because her laughs were a little off-timed, which Drew picked up on. But when she did laugh, it was that infectious and contagious laugh that made everyone else laugh harder. It was hysterical. Justin Foster, a Texas stand-up comedian who lives in Los Angeles, opened for Drew and set the stage by riling and warming up the crowd. The concert was very enjoyable especially taking place at the epic Hawaii Theatre. Thank you again, Yelp!

Good venue for comedy shows and specialty music performances. Wherever you sit, seating close or far... still able to have a descent view f'real!

We were told the line for the bar went up the stairwell behind us. So we got it in. 20min later as we're getting closer I realize there are actually three lines. The one HUGE line and two super short lines. Two bartenders only behind the bar and one worked on small line while the other bounced between the short line and the super long line. Instead of realizing what was going on they just continued with their horrible service methods. Then when I finally got to the front of the line I come to find out it was going to cost me $20 just to get a coke. It doesn't even cost $20 for a coke at the Super Bowl. But the reason for that was because they force everyone getting any kind of beverage and going in to watch the show to purchase some ugly souvenir cup. That souvenir cup held approximately 8oz of liquid. So I wouldn't even have gotten a full coke for $20. And why can't they just sell cokes with a screw on cap. They make aluminum canned beer with screw on caps too. So instead of using their brains they attempt to force the public to buy something they don't need or probably want. Big fail. I'll only return if someone invites me to go there.

The holidays can be a lot....what starts out as holiday cheer, quickly becomes a grinchy grind.... Have no fear...you deserve a break. Relax and enjoy the Hawaii Theater! Located in between downtown and Chinatown, this theater is in close proximity to many restaurants and bars. There are also many locations for parking nearby as well. This iconic theater is as amazing during the day as it is when lit up at night. Walking by, you may see many visiting couples getting their pictures taken in front of this theater...commemorating their wedding. A beautiful venue with lots of history, you feel better when you walk through the doors. The vintage architecture and tiered seating allow for a great view anywhere in the house. On this particular occasion, we scored tickets through Yelp to see Naleo Pilimehana in their Christmas concert! Definitely my favorite Hawaiian group of all time! If you have never seen them perform, you are missing out. Not only are they one of the most award winning musical groups in the islands, but the blend of their voices is literally butter. Yes. Vocal butter. They have been singing together since high school and truly are entertainers. Their concerts blend upbeat songs, traditional Hawaiian music, ballads, love songs, and humor. So much fun! So when the holidays get you down, take time for yourself and have a seat in the Hawaii Theater. You will feel better for sure!

I love this theatre. But we went to Kids Aladdin and it was so loud, we covered our ears with ear muffs and still had to leave. We then warned our friends who went to ghostbusters recently about how loud it is and dark! Then they left ghostbusters after 45 minutes because it's so loud! Ear damage loud! How many decibels are you trying to hit??? Are you trying to make sure people age 90 are able to hear every note in case they forgot their hearing aid?

The Hawaii Theatre, the grand dame of theatres in Hawaii, first opened its doors in 1922. It had closed for quite awhile while monies were raised and plans were made for a full renovation and refurbishing. When the Hawaii Theatre did reopen was happy to see, they kept the marquee, the giant lit up signs outside of the theatre. The inside brought back to its grandeur of yesteryears houses many types of events, concerts, movies live shows today. The second floor mezzanine provides an intimate space for intermissions, refreshments, and meet and greet events with the artists. Have had the privilege, and I consider it a privilege to attend here, numerous concerts and plays at the Hawaii Theatre. Some of my favorites include: Naleo Pilimehana, The Brothers Cazimero, Jim Brickman, Willie K and Amy Hanaiali'i, Christmas concerts, and most recently the Three Maui Divas. The acoustics are wonderful. The location convenient. If arriving early, love gathering with friends at close by venues such as Encore, Rangoon, JJ's Pizzeria (home of the best fried chicken wings too) and bar, Brick Fire Tavern. Parking is easy and inexpensive with multiple municipal parking lots in the area. Street parking also available and free after 6pm and on Sundays. Love the Hawaii Theatre and can't wait for my next excuse to visit the grand dame!

The Hawaii Theatre Centers' ushers are very helpful and informed. I always loved seeing shows at the Hawaii Theatre: from Annie DeFranco, Chinese Acrobats Circus, Amy Grant, There seems to always be an intermission at the wide range of amazing entertainment presentations. At intermission there are drinks and light foods. You can pre-pay and pre-order your food via their website. There is street parking all around. And public and private parking garages. The Hawaii Theatre Center is currently celebrating its {100th} Hundred Year Anniversary, The Renovations look great,

This theater is located in Chinatown. They don't have their own structure which means that you need to find either street parking or look for one of the parking structures. That structure right across by the water fountain is only $3. Real small parking structure and I felt like I was going to hit the top of my car. Since the theater is located in China town, there are lots of interesting people out. The show I went to watch was during the night and I had two little girls with me. So please be extra cautious of your surroundings. The staff running the theater were amazing! So friendly and kind people. They don't check bags which I wish they would just for safety purposes. The theater is beautiful. No food or drinks just water. They have a concession stand up stairs which I believe is run by whoever is performing that night. You need to eat all food and drinks before entering back into the theater unless it's water.