Arts & Theatre
The cultural scene in Hawaii is vibrant and full of exciting events, quality museums and spectacular live performances. For live theatre performances, check out the Hawaii Theatre in downtown Honolulu-Chinatown. Proclaimed as the "Pride of the Pacific", the Hawaii Theatre has been recognized as an "Outstanding Historic Theatre in America" by the League of Historic American Theatres and received an honor award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Another great Theatre is Diamond Head Theatre, known as the "Broadway of the Pacific". They offer six theatrical performances a season, five of which are major musicals that rival the performances on Broadway. The Manoa Valley Theatre has been in Hawaii for over 35 seasons and is one of Hawaii's most celebrated and exciting live theatres. They carefully select six performances a season from Broadway and off-Broadway productions that are entertaining as well as educational for the Hawaii theatrical community.
Movie buffs will enjoy the Doris Duke Theatre, located at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Tickets can be purchased right at the door for the showing of a wide variety of independent, foreign and short films that are shown. Those looking for a hidden treasure will find one in the Movie Museum, a small out of the way projection theatre located in Kaimuki. Relax in leather reclining chairs and enjoy independent, foreign, classic and contemporary films. A large collection of video rentals is also available.
You can also attend a pair of special art events at the beginning and end of every month. First Friday, appropriately on the first Friday of every month, takes place in downtown Honolulu (Chinatown). The restaurants, art galleries and shops along the street are open late and feature special exhibits, open house receptions and entertainment. ARTafterDARK is an event that falls on the last Friday of every month and features a collection of exhibits under a central theme at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.