Hawai’i has a range of concert halls and other venues for hosting music performances, from local talent to national touring acts. In addition, you can enjoy original plays as well as Broadway musicals, intimate jazz shows to on-your-feet rock concerts, plus film festivals, sporting events, consumer expos, and more.
As you might suspect, Honolulu has the widest range of concert halls and performance venues, from the Blaisdell arena to the open-air Waikīkī Shell and cherished Historic Hawai’i theatre. The outer islands boast a surprising array of venues, many historic places lovingly restored and featuring state-of-the art sound and lighting. In the list below, we begin with concert venues on O’ahu, followed by those on the outer islands.
Finally, find our calendar listing upcoming events at these and other venues across the Hawaiian Islands.
Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu
Overlooking Blaisdell Center in downtown Honolulu, noticeable by the arena dome and to its right the blue-domed galleria entrance – Depositphotos.com
Blaisdell Center in Honolulu includes several venues: an Arena, Concert Hall, and Exhibition Hall. The center hosts music performances, including national touring acts and Broadway shows, sporting events, conventions, consumer shows, and graduation ceremonies, as well as other special events.
The original venue opened in 1964 as the Honolulu International Center. Neal S. Blaisdell was Mayor of Honolulu from 1955 to 1969 and oversaw the construction. His successor, Frank F. Fasi renamed the center in 1976, a year after Blaisdell’s death. The complex has been expanded and renovated several times.
The tranquil grounds around Blaisdell Center include remnants of the historic Ward Plantation estate and farmland on which the center was built: sweeping lawns, coconut tree groves, and artesian springs that serve as tropical fish ponds.
- Address: Blaisdell Center Box Office, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.
- Event Parking: Daily Rate $8.00. Public entrances during events are on King Street and Kapiolani Avenue.
- Website: https://blaisdellcenter.com/
Palm trees dot the lawn outside the Blaisdell concert hall – Depositphotos.com
Selected upcoming events at Blaisdell Center
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher on events featuring local culture and talent.
- August 18, 2022 from 7-10pm. Goodwill Goes GLAM! Fashion Show at the Exhibition Hall presented by Bank of Hawaii Foundation. Tickets: $25. A benefit to support Goodwill Hawaii’s mission. The 2022 Goodwill Goes GLAM! show is produced by native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and designer Kumu Micah Kamohoali‘i, owner of Dezigns by Kamohoalii. Kumu Micah is the first neighbor island designer to produce the show. Kumu will put the beauty and elegance of Hawaiian culture on full display with his show themed “The Art of the Holoku,” featuring Goodwill garments that have been upcycled and redesigned into the Hawaiian adaptation of formal American gowns. Live hula and a special performance by Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom will bring added entertainment value that you won’t want to miss. Following the show, you’ll receive exclusive access to the GLAM! Sale featuring designer fashions and goods and other hidden treasures at bargain prices. Revenue generated from this event will help Goodwill Hawaii provide critical job training and placement services to the community. Last year, Goodwill served over 10,000 individuals and placed more than 900 people into meaningful jobs across the Hawaiian Islands. More info: Goodwill Goes Glam Fashion Show
- August 19-20, 2022. Goodwill Goes GLAM! Sale at the Exhibition Hall featuring designer fashions and goods and other hidden treasures at bargain prices. Hours: Friday 9a-7p, Sat 9a-5p. Free admission. Free parking at McKinley HS. Revenue generated from this event will help Goodwill Hawaii provide critical job training and placement services to the community. Last year, Goodwill served over 10,000 individuals and placed more than 900 people into meaningful jobs across the Hawaiian Islands.
- October 29-30, 2022. Live concert score to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ film on 40-foot screen. Sat 7pm, Sun 4pm. Tickets: $27-$82. Shih-Hung Young will conduct your Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra in the magical score live while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen. More info: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert — HSO (myhso.org)
More info: Blaisdell Calendar – Blaisdell Center
Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell
Twilight Waikiki Shell concert performance – Depositphotos.com
The Waikīkī Shell hosts concerts in every genre, including local, national, and international stars performing Hawaiian, Reggae, jazz, R&B, rock, country, contemporary, and classical music. The Shell is also the scene for music festivals, hula shows, fundraising events, and other entertainment.
The state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater sits on the grounds of Kapiʻolani Park at the eastern edge of Waikīkī, in the shadow of Diamond Head Crater. The venue lawn is used for concert general admission, as well as other events including festival booths and outdoor yoga.
The outdoor venue was built in 1956 on the grounds that were once the site of King Kalākauaʻs horse race track. In 2018, it was named for Tom Moffatt, who passed away in 2016. The beloved concert promoter got his start as the first rock DJ in Hawaii.
“Uncle Tom” became a local record producer and concert promoter, booking big name acts at the Blaisdell Center and Waikīkī Shell, including Elvis Presley, Jimmy Hendrix, Elton John, Bruno Mars, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and the Rolling Stones.
- Address: Waikīkī Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. The Waikiki Shell is a Blaisdell Center venue. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Blaisdell box office.
- Event parking: Waikiki Shell parking lot is free; entrance on Monsarrat Avenue. Additional free and metered parking is available around Kapiolani Park on Monsarrat, Paki, and Kalakaua Avenues.
- Website: https://blaisdellcenter.com/venues/waikiki-shell/
Selected upcoming events at Waikīkī Shell
- August 26, 2022 @ 6:00pm. HI Finest Ohana Music Festival at Waikīkī Shell. Advance tickets: Single day $25-$80, 2-day pass $35-$140. Price increases day of. More info: HI Finest Ohana Music Festival
Blue Note Waikīkī
Intimate setting of the Blue Note stage in Waikīkī – Depositphotos.com
Located inside the Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii features local, national, and international performers in jazz, reggae, rock, pop, and Hawaiian music, as well as comedy acts.
Extensively renovated in 2016, Blue Note showcases nightly performances in an intimate club setting with a full-service restaurant and bar. In addition to a show ticket, there is a $10 food and beverage minimum.
- Address: Blue Note Hawaii, 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
- Event parking: Self-park at Ohana East Hotel, 150 Kaʻiulani Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Enter on the makai (ocean) side of Kuhio Ave. Valet parking at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
- Website: https://bluenotehawaii.com/
Selected upcoming shows at Blue Note Waikīkī
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher on events featuring local culture and talent.
Note: In addition to tickets, Blue Note has a $10 Food or Beverage Minimum Per Person. Full Bar & Full Dinner Menu Available. Seating is First Come, First Served.
- Uniquely local BEAT-LELE ʻukulele concert. Aug 12-13, 2022 (2 shows nightly). Tickets: $25-$35. More info: BEAT-LELE concerst | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Sunday Comedy Brunch showcases Hawaii’s local comics. Aug 21, 2022, 10:00 AM. Tickets $10/advance, $15/day of show. More info: 8-21 Sunday Comedy Show (bluenotejazz.com)
- Comedy U Showcase featuring Hawaii’s local comics. Aug 24, 2022, 7:00 PM. Tickets: $10-$15/advance, $5 increase day of show. More info: 8-24 Comedy U showcase | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Honolulu Jazz Quartet post-bop jazz. Sun, Sep 4, 2022 (2 shows). Tickets: $15-$35. HJQ recently celebrated their 20th anniversary with the release of their new CD, “Straight Ahead.” More info: 9-4 Honolulu Jazz Quartet (bluenotejazz.com)
- American Idol siblings Ammon & Liahona. Mon, Aug 29 7:00 PM. Tickets: $25-$35. Olayan siblings debuted on American Idol to critical acclaim in their first concert appearance in Hawaiʻi. Their colorful R&B, pop, hip-soul style is a mashup of dynamic grooves. More info: Ammon & Liahona | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- The Honolulu Jazz Quartet. Sun, Sep 4 (two shows). Tickets $15-$35. The post-bop jazz quartet recently celebrated their 20th anniversary and the release of their new CD, “Straight Ahead.” More info: Honolulu Jazz Quartet | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Tavana & Friends island-inspired rock and blues. Thu, Sep 8 (two shows). Tickets $15-$25. Tavana is a multi-instrumentalist from Honolulu who uses electronic drum triggers to lay down a variety of grooves with his feet while simultaneously playing guitar, banjo, lap steel, or ʻukulele while singing soulful, island-inspired rock and blues. More info: Tavana & Friends | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist Makana. September 24-25, 2022. Tickets $25-$35. Makana is a singer, composer and master of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar tradition. Slack Key dates back to the mid-1800s Hawaiʻi. The guitar strings are “slacked” into beautiful chordal tunings. The player performs alternating bass patterns, complex rhythms, and lead melodies simultaneously to create a sound that evokes “three guitars in one,” resulting in a lush acoustic soundscape that summons the dramatic imagery of Hawaiʻi. The varied tunings are handed down through generations. More info: Makana | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
More info: Shows | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
Hawai’i Theatre in Honolulu
Art Deco exterior of the renovated historic Hawaiʻi Theatre in Honolulu – DepositPhotos.com
Historic Hawaii Theatre “Pride of the Pacific” hosts a broad range of entertainment and cultural performances. Located in downtown Honolulu and Chinatown, the non-profit Hawaii Theatre is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Built in 1922, the theatre has been home to vaudevilles, silent films, theatrical performances, musicals, ballets, concerts, and films. Renovated in 1996 and 2004, including a newly manufactured replica of the art deco marquee with computerized LED signage and the hallmark “HAWAII” vertical neon sign.
- Address: Hawai’i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Parking: For Select Performances, pre-paid parking at Mark’s Garage, 22 N Pauahi St. Other lots nearby on King St and Beretania: https://www.hawaiitheatre.com/parking/
- Website: https://www.hawaiitheatre.com/
Selected upcoming shows at Hawaiʻi Theatre
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher, espeically for events featuring local culture and talent.
- “Joey Cabell: The Legend of Surf” screening & talk story. WED, AUG 24, 2022 – 5:00PM. Tickets: $25. Legendary champion Joey Cabell helped revolutionize the sport in the 1960s in Hawaii, while becoming the ultimate renaissance man as a world-class sailor, skier, and entrepreneur who launched the famous “Chart House” restaurant brand. tonight’s event will open with a Talk Story session with members of the Duke Kahanamoku Surf Team in partnership with Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest. Followed by a screening of the documentary film “BEYOND THE SPORT | Joey Cabell: The Legend of Surf”. More info: JOEY CABELL: A LEGEND OF SURF (force.com)
- 100th anniversary Aloha Mele at Hawaiʻi Theatre. August 26 – 27, 2022. Tickets: single day $50, two-day $75. In celebration of the Theatre’s 100th anniversary, local entertainers are coming together for two nights of mele. Two nights, two different lineups of entertainment, and one reason to celebrate – our own Pride of the Pacific, The Historic Hawaii Theatre! More info: ALOHA MELE – Hawaii Theatre Center
- Don Tiki and The Waitiki 7. AUG 28, 2022 – 7:00 PM. Tickets: $25-$45. Honolulu’s legendary Don Tiki is a collaborative of stellar musicians, vocalists, and dancers that reinvented the jungle jazzy sounds of exotica. Conceived in the 1950s, the music was intentionally inauthentic and fun, at times cheesy and contrived. The easy-listening lounge music evokes images of exotic tourist destinations. Usually performed by orchestras with instrumentation and percussion added according to the location being evoked. The Pacific, the Caribbean, Latin America, Brazil, and Africa are among exotica’s regional musical sources. The 1990s-2000s elicited several exotica revival efforts, including Hawaii-based Don Tiki. Today, many festivals worldwide celebrate exotica music and the tiki culture. More info: DON TIKI AND THE WAITIKI 7 (force.com)
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Maui Arts & Cultural Center is located across from UH Maui College – Depositphotos.com
Maui Arts & Cultural Center (“The MACC”) in Kahului is a state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center. The MACC hosts concerts and performances in the pavilion, two indoor theaters, and an outdoor amphitheater. The MACC galleries and studios offer art exhibitions and arts education classes for all ages.
Hula is performed in the pā hula (a performance space dedicated to hula). The pā is one of only four in the state and was created under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula and cultural specialists, Hōkūlani Holt, Keali‘i Reichel, AI Lagunero, and Bert Sakata.
- Address: Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way (off Wahinepi‘o Road), Kahului, HI 96732
- Parking: in the MACC lot and across the street at UH Maui College.
- Website: https://www.mauiarts.org/
Selected upcoming shows at The MACC
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher on events featuring local culture and talent.
- ****Schedule change*** An Evening of Aloha Concert & Film.
Aug 13, 2022, 7:00 PM.Aug 12, 2022, 7:00 PM. Due to air conditioning issues in the McCoy Studio Theater, this concert, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 13, will now take place Friday, August 12 in Castle Theater. Tickets will indicate McCoy Studio Theater as the venue, but all patrons will be seated in comparable locations in Castle Theater. There is no need for ticket exchanges for those who have already purchased tickets. Tickets: $30. With Keola & Moana Beamer, Jeff Peterson, and special guest Tom Lunneberg in concert followed by the Oscar-nominated film LUNANA: a Yak In The Classroom (filmed in Bhutan). The event honors Aunty Nona Beamer. This a fundraiser to spread “aloha” around the world. All proceeds go to the Mohala Hou Foundation to help teach children in Bhutan how to play the ‘ukulele. More info: AN EVENING OF ALOHA (mauiarts.org) - Brother Noland and Tavana McMoore in concert. Aug 27 2022, 7:30 PM. Tickets: $35-$65. Oʻahu native and multi Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Brother Noland is one of Hawai’i’s most respected artists, filling the airwaves with original compositions that have become local classics and island treasures. Tavana is a multi-instrumentalist from Honolulu who uses his feet to lay down a variety of grooves while simultaneously playing guitar, banjo, lap steel, or ‘ukulele while singing soulful, island-inspired rock and blues.
- “The Green” Hawaiian reggae band. Sep 24 2022, 7:00 PM. Tickets: $39.50, $69.50. The Green blends dub-heavy roots reggae, smooth lovers’ rock, contemporary pop, and rock with indigenous Hawaiian musical/lyrical references. The band has received three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards and topped the “Billboard” Reggae Album chart multiple times. The Green’s self-titled debut was recognized by iTunes as the Best Reggae Album of 2010. The band’s most recent album, “Brand New Eyes” was a 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano award nominee for Best Reggae Album.
Hawai’i Island Palace Theater
Historic Palace theater in Hilo Hawaii 2021 photo by wwing – iStockphoto by Getty Images
Hiloʻs Palace Theater opened in 1925 as a silent movie house. Since then the Palace has hosted film festivals, concerts, and many cultural performances, including Hawaiian music, classical ballet, live theater, and hula, as well as Lei Day, Lunar New Years, and other special events.
Since 2004, the non-profit Friends of the Palace Theater has raised funds to restore and upgrade the historic building and to keep it operational well into the future. The Palace Pipe Organ has also been restored. Donors and volunteers are always appreciated to support the historic theater’s operation.
- Address: Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
- Parking: street parking
- Website: http://hilopalace.com/
Selected upcoming shows at Palace Theater
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher on events featuring local culture and talent.
- Comedy film “WAIKIKI PD Part 2” (NR). August 19th @ 7:00pm. Tickets: $10 General Admission. In the second installment of the cult comedy, Waikiki PD, Captain Keawe is sent back to retrain in her police department. She seeks justice against the deputy Mayor who is her own sister. The hilarious cast will be in attendance to present the film & will be handing out prizes and T-shirts. More info: Waikiki PD PtII raids the Palace Big Screen for a night of local comedy (hilopalace.com)
- Silent Movie Night “Metropolis” sci-fi epic with live organ. August 20th @ 7:00pm. Tickets: General Admission $12/advance, $15/DOS. Silent Movie Night returns to the Palace big screen with a special presentation of the iconic sci-fi epic: Metropolis, accompanied by a live score performed on the Mighty Palace Pipe Organ. Benefits the continued maintenance of the Mighty Palace Pipe Organ. More info: Silent Movie Night (hilopalace.com)
- Documentary film “Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song” (PG-13). August 21-23. Tickets: $10 General Admission. A definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah”. More info: Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song documentary film plays the Hilo Palace Theater
- Kris Fuchigami & special guest Mark Yamanaka live in concert. September 10th @ 7:00pm. Tickets: $25-$35/advance, $30-$40/DOS. Part of the Palace Spotlight concert series showcasing Hawai’i Island performers dedicated to elevating the creative arts community. This intimate concert features 2x Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winning Artist & ʻukulele virtuoso Kris Fuchigami accompanied by Keiko Fuchigami on keys, with special guest 14-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner Mark Yamanaka. More info: Kris Fuchigami and special guest Mark Yamanaka live in concert at the Hilo Palace Theater
UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Hilo Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the major arts education and cultural center on the Big Island for University students as well as community events. The UH Hilo Performing Arts Center hosts diverse local, regional, national, and international performing arts events.
A typical year includes over 150 performances of dance, drama, music, mime, children’s shows, lectures, and special events. In addition, the UH Hilo Performing Arts Department produces two to six plays, concerts, musicals, and dance performances each season.
- Address: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, 200 W Kāwili St, Hilo, HI 96720
- Parking: paid parking on campus.
- Website: http://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
Selected upcoming shows at UH Hilo PAC
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher on events featuring local culture and talent.
- The Performing Arts Center expects to return with live performances in Fall 2022.
Taro fields in Hanalei Valley on Kaua’i in Hawaii – DepositPhotos.com
Hanalei Cultural Community Center (Hale Halawai ‘Ohana)
Locally referenced as Hanalei’s Cultural Community Center, Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei was founded by community members in 1993. The name translates to, “A house for the coming together of the extended family of Hanalei.”
The gathering place on the Kauaʻi North Shore, is the first privately funded community center in the state of Hawai’i. It is used for cultural education, social gatherings, recreation, and civic events that perpetuate the value of aloha. The programs perpetuate traditional Hawaiian culture.
- Address: Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei, 5299C Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
- Parking: unknown
- Website: https://halehalawai.org/
Historic Waimea Theater
Kaua’iʻs Theater for Movies, Film Festivals, LIVE Performances, Music Concerts, and a gathering place for the community. Opened in 1938 and restored in 1999 after Hurricane Iniki. Screens first-run movies on a regular basis.
- Address: Waimea Theater, 9691 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796 US
- Parking: unknown
- Website: http://www.waimeatheater.com/
Kaua’i Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Kaua’i Community College is the entertainment centerpiece of the Garden Isle. The state-of-the-art facility offers world-class lighting and sound.
The PAC celebrates the culture of Kauai and the world. The spirit of Aloha resonates with heartfelt joy in this gathering place.
- Address: Kauaʻi Community College, 3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
- Parking: campus parking lot
- Website: https://www.kauai.hawaii.edu/performing-arts-center
Upcoming events in Hawai’i
The following calendar lists music and performance arts events in these and other locations across the Hawaiian Islands.
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