Hawaii Theatre Center

When first opening in 1922, the Hawaii Theatre was named "The Pride of the Pacific" for its magnificent exterior Neoclassical architecture and an interior reflecting the opulence of Byzantine, Corinthian and Beaux-Arts design that rivaled any theatre from San Francisco to New York. During the roaring twenties, the theatre showcased vaudeville and silent films, and with the evolution of the major motion picture film industry, was transformed into a deluxe movie theater in the 1960's.

Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the building fell into dilapidation and ultimately, was closed in 1984. Between 1984 and the mid-nineties, concerned citizens formed the non-profit organization now known as the Hawaii Theatre Center and rallied to save the theatre by raising $20 million and hiring a New York architectural firm to restore it. In 1996, it was reopened and today, this historic theatre is deservedly admired and appreciated for its luxurious, breathtaking beauty.

The venue now hosts a wide variety of entertainment from movies to film festivals, comedians, singers, songwriters, musicals, ballets, concerts and a rich assortment of casts and titles in the field of performing arts. As a multi-purpose center, the theatre not only offers patrons exciting experiences in the arena of current cultural arts, the elegant ambiance transports them back in time to an era when a night out at the theatre was a grand and extravagant event.

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Hawaii Theatre Center is an historic vaudeville show house listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. In 2005, it was named "The Outstanding Historic Theatre in America," by the League of Historic American Theatres and in 2006, the National Trust for Historic Preservation gave the theatre it's highest "Honor Award" as a national preservation project. The original pipe organ used to accompany silent films still remains.