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.
- Comedian Tumua Tuinei at Blaisdell Arena. November 12-13, 2022. Tickets: $32-$110. Punahou/UH Mānoa grad and former Rainbow Warrior, today Tumua is one of Hawaii’s top comedians, entertaining audiences for the past five years in mostly sold-out shows. More info: Comedian | Tumua Tuinei | Comedy (tumuacomedy.com) and Tumua: Time to Laugh Tickets Nov 12, 2022 Honolulu, HI | Ticketmaster
- Hawaiian-themed Nutcracker ballet at Blaisdell Concert Hall. December 2-4, 2022. Tickets: $40-$125. Celebrate the Holidays with Ballet Hawaii’s lavish Hawaiian-themed Nutcracker presented in the 1858 Kingdom of Hawaii. The production is choreographed by Septime Webre with guest artists from New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Carolina Ballet and accompanied by the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. More info: The Nutcracker 2022 – Ballet Hawaii and Ballet Hawaii presents The Nutcracker – Blaisdell Center
- Hamilton revolutionary musical at Blaisdell Concert Hall. December 7, 2022 – January 29, 2023. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre–a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. More info: Hamilton (Touring) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule | Ticketmaster.com
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
We focus on events with a regular admission price of $15 or less but sometimes edge higher, especially for events featuring local culture and talent.
- Bill Maher New Year’s Eve Special. December 31, 2022. 8pm. Tickets: $50.50-$200.50. Bill Maher returns for the 11th NYE Anniversary with special guests Jeff Ross & Wendy Liebman. More info:
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.
- KALAPANA: Remembering Founding Members DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu & Macke. November 8-9, 2022. Tickets $35-$45. Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the ’70s, producing a steady stream of hits. Their 1975 debut album was hailed as one of the best of the mid-70s Hawaiian renaissance. Tracks like “Naturally,” “Nightbird,” “The Hurt,” “You Make It Hard” and “When the Morning Comes” became household tunes and still enjoy frequent play on contemporary Hawaiian radio. Musical trends have come and gone, but Kalapana’s many hits have remained island classics. Kalapana still stands as a symbol of inspiration for contemporary Hawaiian music today. Kalapana returns to the Blue Note Hawaii stage for a special performance, remembering 3 of the 4 founding members DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu, Mackey Feary and their timeless hits: DJ Pratt, Malani Bilyeu & Mackey Feary. More info: Shows | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Internationally renowned Kealiʻi Reichel in concert. November 17-20, 2022. Tickets: $85-$125. Maui native Carleton Lewis Kealiʻinaniaimokuokalani Reichel, known worldwide as Kealiʻi Reichel, is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, chanter, kumu hula (hula teacher), entrepreneur, and scholar of Hawaiian culture. He will be joined by dancers from his Hālau Ke‘alaokamaile hula studio along with other guest artists. More info: Kealiʻi Reichel | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com) and Keali‘i Reichel (kealiireichel.com)
- Singer-songwriter Anuhea annual Thanksgiving Show in Waikīkī. November 25-27, 2022. Tickets $35-$45. Hawaiian born singer-songwriter Anuhea blends engaging lyrics, acoustic soul, pop, rap and reggae into a style that has earned her a reputation as Hawaii’s #1 female artist. The singer-songwriter returns to the Blue Note Hawaii for her annual Thanksgiving shows, celebrating the music of the ’80s, along with a mix of her own fan-favortie hits! More info: Anuhea & Friends | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- THE SONGS OF C&K with Henry Kapono. December 7-8, 2022. Tickets: $35-$45. VIP: $400. Grammy-nominated, twenty-one-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner Henry Kapono features the laid-back island rock of Cecilio & Kapono (affectionately known as C&K), the group that rocketed into fame in the ’70s. Henry will be performing the songs with Special Guests, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners; Alx Kawakami, Johnny Valentine, Gaylord Holomalia, and the Boys in the Band; Matt Krahula on Bass, Wendell Ching on Drums, and Lopaka Colon on Percussions. More info: Songs of C&K with Henry Kapono | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Holiday Brunch with comedian Frank DeLima. December 11, 2022. Tickets $35-$45. Frank DeLima is one of Hawaii’s most popular and beloved comedians. For more than 45 years, this award-winning comic has been entertaining local residents and tourists alike with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor, and spontaneous creativity. Frank’s specialty is translating issues – such as current events, fads, attitudes, and people – into fresh musical parodies. More info: Holiday Brunch with Frank DeLima | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Hoʻokena For the Holidays. December 11, 2022. Tickets $35-$45. Playing the Classics of Ho’okena & Mākena With Moon Kauakahi & Eric Lee and Kumu Hula Nani Dudoit with special guests Kala’e Parish and Kalenakū De Lima. More info: Hoʻokena For the Holidays | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Mike Lewis 6th Annual “A Charlie Brown Christmas“. December 25-26, 2022. Tickets $25-$35. For Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic holiday delight. A familiar face at the Blue Note Hawaii, Native New-Yorker and trumpeter Mike Lewis presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, featuring some of Hawaii’s best jazz musicians. The show will highlight selections from the soundtrack as written by legendary composer and pianist Vince Guaraldi. More info: Mike Lewis 6th Annual “A Charlie Brown Christmas” | Blue Note Hawaii (bluenotejazz.com)
- Ring in the New Year with The Green. December 27-28, 30-31, Jan 1, 2023. Tickets $65-$95. One of the first Hawaiian reggae bands to tour extensively on the mainland, as well as New Zealand and Japan, The Green have won multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, received a Best Reggae Album nod from iTunes and three #1 Billboard Reggae charts. Grab your friends and family and join the best party of the year! More info: NY with The Green | 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, especially for events featuring local culture and talent.
- Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol with live HSO concert. December 16-18, 2022. Tickets: $18-$68. The event includes screening of the complete film with Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra performing the musical score live. The concert will be led by conductor Ann Krinitsky.The Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Gonzo as the narrator Charles Dickens, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness. The original score was composed by Miles Goodman (“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Little Shop of Horrors”) with songs by Oscar®, Emmy® and Grammy®-winning songwriter Paul Williams (“Rainbow Connection,” “Evergreen”). More info: Tickets: HSO – THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (force.com)
- HSO HapaSymphony Concert Series at Hawaiʻi Theatre. Subscription (five-concerts) $120-$320. Individual concerts $18-$99. The series features local and Hawaiian talent in a unique cultural vantage point blending Hawaiian culture and symphonic music. The concert series combines the talents of yourHSO musicians, celebrated Hawaiian musicians, and world-renowned guest conductors to create a special musical journey only found in Hawai‘i. More info: https://www.myhso.org/hapasymphony
- Nov 5, 2022. HapaSymphony Featuring Lea Almanza, Starr Kalahiki, Miss Candi Shell, Lady Lartiza La Bouche.
- Dec 10, 2022. HapaSymphony Featuring Kimié Miner.
- Feb 4, 2023. HapaSymphony Featuring Keauhou.
- Apr 15, 2023. HapaSymphony Featuring Honolulu Jazz Quartet
- Apr 29, 2023. HapaSymphony Featuring Raiatea Helm
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. More info: Event calendar (mauiarts.org)
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. More info: EVENTS | PALACE THEATER (hilopalace.com)
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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