Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu

Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu

When Hawaii Theatre first opened its doors in 1922, it earned the moniker "The Pride of the Pacific," placing it on par with theaters in San Francisco and New York. The architectural design of the building was the work of Honolulu-based architects Walter Emory and Marshall Webb. The exterior of the theater showcased elements of Neoclassical architecture, while the interior exuded Beaux-Arts aesthetics.

The theater's outer appearance showcased ornamental details inspired by Byzantine, Corinthian, and Moorish architectural styles. As you stepped inside, you'd be greeted by Corinthian columns, a stunning gilded dome, marble statues, luxurious carpets, silk wall decorations, and a mural created by the artist Lionel Walden, all enhancing the interior ambiance. One remarkable feature of the theater was its cooling system, cleverly designed with vents beneath the seats that circulated air from an ice storage area situated beneath the stage.

During its early years of operation, the theater presented silent films and Vaudeville performances, eventually transitioning into a movie theater that operated until the 1960s. However, as the entertainment hub of the island shifted from Honolulu to Waikiki, the theater fell into a state of neglect and eventually closed its doors in 1984. Determined to preserve this historic gem, citizens of Hawaii rallied together and established the nonprofit Hawaii Theatre Center to acquire the property and undertake extensive renovations. These efforts proved highly successful, leading to the Hawaii Theatre being honored with the title of the "Outstanding Historic Theatre in America" by the League of Historic America Theatres.

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Hawaii Theatre on Map

Sight Name: Hawaii Theatre
Sight Location: Honolulu, USA (See walking tours in Honolulu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Honolulu, Hawaii

Create Your Own Walk in Honolulu

Create Your Own Walk in Honolulu

Creating your own self-guided walk in Honolulu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour

Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour

Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii and the state's capital. Visitors flock here to enjoy the pristine beaches, beautiful scenery and unique culture. There is much to see and do in Honolulu.

The first residents of Honolulu were probably settled during the 11th century. These Polynesian migrants are thought to have come from Tahiti. King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu and claimed the area...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Pearl Harbor Walking Tour

Pearl Harbor Walking Tour

Pearl Harbor, a US deep-water naval base in Honolulu, made history in 1941 when it came under attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service prompting the United States to enter World War II. Since 1964, Pearl Harbor has been a National Historic Landmark, featuring a number of military objects and installations-turned-monuments.

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is at the heart of this...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Waikiki Beach Walk

Waikiki Beach Walk

Once the playground of Hawaiian aristocracy stretching along the southern coast of the island of Oahu, Waikiki, or Waikiki Beach, today greets visitors from all walks of life and corners of the globe. This iconic beachfront area of Honolulu, famed for its long rolling ocean break ideal for boarding and surfing, is also home to public places, high-end resort hotels, and an abundance of luxury brand...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Diamond Head Volcano Tour

Diamond Head Volcano Tour

Diamond Head Volcano, an iconic natural landmark, is perhaps one of the best-known attractions on the island of Oahu. While not a traditional volcano in the sense of actively erupting, Diamond Head is a dormant volcanic crater that offers a glimpse into the geological history of the Hawaiian Islands.

The volcano's rugged cone is seen from almost every part of the island. However, at its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Hawaiian Products To Bring Home from Honolulu

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