Welcome to O'ahu, a Hawaiian island diverse in natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage and blessed by the warmth of a friendly people. From breathtaking scenery where mountain meets ocean, to rustic communities nestled along miles of coastline, to Honolulu, a cosmopolitan center filled with excitement and energy, O'ahu offers the best of many worlds.
Come and discover a side of O'ahu beyond the beach. Look, listen, touch, and learn about an island enriched by the arts and steeped in ancient culture. O'ahu is truly the heart of Hawai'i and the heart of Hawaii’s art, history, and cultural movements. It’s not only a place where age-old Hawaiian traditions are still perpetuated, but also where the multi-cultural heritage and ethnic diversity of the islands is evident in every gallery and performing arts theatre. In addition, Oahu’s venues regularly attract nationally and internationally recognized artists, exhibitions, and theatre productions that contribute a dynamic component to the vibrant arts scene. Like no other island, O'ahu delivers the historical and cultural perspective that lets you experience the soulfulness of Hawai'i. It provides a visitor experience that both enriches the intellect and rejuvenates the spirit. A hidden gem in the Pacific found nowhere else, Oahu’s arts and cultural venues are a great place to meet the people of O'ahu with similar interests. So, join us and explore the Arts with Aloha and the palette of senses that our arts and cultural community has to offer. When you experience the arts and culture of O'ahu, you touch the heart of its soul.
Arts with Aloha brings the best of O'ahu to our visitors. Eighteen Honolulu arts and cultural institutions come together to present an outstanding offering of art, music, theatre, history, and culture. Come and Look, Listen, & Learn, and discover Oahu’s cultural treasures
For a free copy of the full-color, 44-page Arts With Aloha brochure, send a 4 1/4 x 9-inch letter-sized envelope with $1.11 postage on it to:
Arts With Alohaor call the 24-hour hotline at (808) 532-8713 and leave your name and address on the recording.
C/O Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96822
The Army Community Theatre, serving the general public and the U.S. Army since 1942, has taken the production of musicals, new and classic, to great heights at Richardson Theatre, conveniently located at Ft. Shafter near the Honolulu International Airport. Military and civilian casts unite for the big names in entertainment, including recent season sell-outs that have included “West Side Story,” “The King and I,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Camelot,” and “The Secret Garden.” ACT soared to new heights by winning the first community theatre rights in Hawai'i to mega-musical hits: “Miss Saigon” in 2005 and “CATS” in 2006. With a full orchestra and majestic sets, ACT sets the standard for artistic excellence in Hawai'i. In addition, producer-director Vanita Rae Smith offers a popular “Readers Theatre” series on Sundays at 2 p.m. during the run of musicals. Smith adapts hit plays and chestnuts, and invites the audience to sit on stage as the actors re-create the show without benefit of costumes, sets or props. This “theatre of the mind” is reminiscent of live radio broadcasts in years gone by.
Address:
Richardson Theatre
Ft. Shafter, HI 96850
Performances:
Thursdays–Saturdays 7:30 p.m.,
Sundays 2:00 p.m. for Readers Theatre only
Admission:
$8.00–$25.00, with discounts for students,
seniors, military, groups
Contacts:
Box Office: (808) 438-4480
Administrative Office: (808) 438-1980
Fax: (808) 438-1287
Web Site: http://www.ArmyTheatre.com
The ARTS at Marks Garage is the key community project of the Hawai'i Alliance for Arts Education. This collaborative gallery, performance and office space for businesses and non-profit organizations is an arts incubator for start-up ventures, original new material and experimental programming. Marks builds community and awareness for visual and performing arts and has built a reputation for being edgy and adventurous with the additional mission to transform this downtown neighborhood with the positive impact of culture and the arts. The partners include Hawai'i Academy of Performing Arts, Hawai'i Craftsmen, Hawai'i Shakespeare Festival, Hawai'i Watercolor Society, Lizard Loft, and PHG Foundation, Orig Media LL, Meader Arts LLC, Smash Box Productions, Tim Bostock Productions and Upside Down Dance.
Address:
1159 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu HI 96817
Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Admission:
Exhibitions usually free
Prices vary for performances
Some student discounts
Contacts:
Office: (808) 521-2903
Fax: (808) 521-2923
Web Site: http://www.artsatmarks.com/
Email Address: info@artsatmarks.com
(On bus route)
Ballet Hawaii is the State’s largest producing and presenting dance company, performing in leading venues on O'ahu and Maui, as well as doing outer island tours. Featuring the live music of the Honolulu Symphony, its production of “Nutcracker” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall is a holiday sell-out, complete with international visiting stars, a large corps de ballet, and the most adorable “sugar plums” in the Pacific. Its summer intensive training program attracts students from across the United States and Asia, culminating in 2005 with a fully-produced production of “Coppelia” starring John Selya from Broadway and San Francisco Ballet’s Joan Boada and Amanda Schull. Artistic Director Pamela Taylor-Tongg, formerly of the Atlanta Ballet, leads the training school and hosts master classes by guest artists from “Lord of the Dance,” the American Ballet Theatre and other schools. Ballet Hawaii also presents acclaimed dance companies from around the globe including Paul Taylor, Mark Morris Dance Theatre, Pilobolus, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Stars of the San Francisco Ballet, and Stars of the Beijing Ballet.
Address:
650 Iwilei Road
Box 221
Honolulu, HI 96817
Performances:
Seasonal
Admission:
Depends upon production and venue
Contacts:
Administrative Office and Studio: (808) 521-8600
Fax: (808) 521-0383
Web Site: http://www.ballethawaii.org/
As the largest natural history museum in the Pacific, visitors can experience the natural and cultural history of Hawai´i like never before! Daily program offerings include live hula, planetarium shows, exhibit tours, lava melting presentations, dramatic storytelling, exhibit and garden tours, and more. Learn more about Hawaiian crafts and art through cultural demonstrations including lei making, Hawaiian quilting, and ´ie ´ie weaving. View rare and beautiful artifacts from the people of Hawai´i’s and its monarchy and other cultures throughout the Pacific. Discover contemporary Native Hawaiian Art and Artists through changing exhibits in the Vestibule Gallery. Experiment with Hawai´i’s unique natural environment in the Museum’s Science Adventure Center, which includes a 26 ft. tall erupting volcano and interactive exhibits that put you at the heart of creation. See the Hawai´i Sports Hall of Fame and exciting traveling exhibits from around the world. Discover the history of Hawai´i and the Pacific at world-renowned, Bishop Museum.
Address:
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Hours:
Daily except Christmas, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: $14.95
Seniors and Youth 4-12: $11.95
Children 3 and under are free
Free parking
Contacts:
General Information: (808) 847-3511
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
Web Site: http://www.bishopmuseum.org/
In Japanese: http://www.bishopmuseum.jp/
The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, is the only museum in the state of Hawai'i devoted exclusively to contemporary art. Changing exhibitions feature works by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The galleries, gift shop, and awardwinning gardens and café are located at the renovated historic Spalding estate, set in a lush, intimate garden environment overlooking Honolulu. The 3.5 acres include terraced meditation gardens with walking paths. The Contemporary Museum’s downtown galleries at First Hawaiian Center present changing exhibitions of artworks by Hawai'i artists.
Address:
2411 Makiki Heights Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays
Café Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: $5.00
Seniors and Students: $3.00
Free to children 12 and under.
Free to the public on the third Thursday of each month.
Free admission to The Contemporary Museum Café
Downtown Galleries at First Hawaiian Center:
999 Bishop Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and banking holidays
Admission: Free to the public; validated parking for TCM members
(On bus route)
Contacts:
Exhibitions and events (808) 526-0232
Web Site: http://www.tcmhi.org/
Diamond Head Theatre, the “Broadway of the Pacific,” has produced quality live community theatre entertainment since 1915. As the third oldest continually operating theatre in the nation, Diamond Head Theatre presents six theatrical productions each season, featuring the latest musicals, plays and traditional favorites. With its large stage, yet intimate seating, Diamond Head Theatre is the perfect place for locals and tourists alike to have an up-close and personal experience of live theatre. Diamond Head Theatre also offers performing arts classes in acting, voice and dance for children and adults, and is the home of the youth performing troupe, the Diamond Head Theatre “Shooting Stars.”
Address:
520 Makapu'u Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
Performances:
Thursday & Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m.
Admission:
Tickets: $12.00, $22.00, $32.00, $42.00
Contacts:
Box Office: (808) 733-0274
Administration: (808) 733-0277
Fax: (808) 735-1250
(On bus route)
Web Site: http://www.diamondheadtheatre.com/
Email Address: dht@diamondheadtheatre.com
Learn more about Hawaii’s maritime history, from its discovery by Polynesian navigators more than 1500 years ago, to contact with Western cultures, through whaling, and up to the present day. Located in historic Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii Maritime Center allows visitors to view exhibits on the history of surfing, canoe racing, and the natural world that are all part of Hawaii’s maritime history. Visit two famous ships from two very different periods of Hawaii’s history: Ho¯ku¯le'a and The Falls of Clyde. In the whaling exhibit you’ll see a rare humpback whale skeleton and learn about the evolution of human’s relationship with whales from the 19th century to the whale watchers of today. At Pier 7 Gifts you’ll find handmade treasures and nautical souvenirs from scrimshaw, brass and t-shirts to jewelry, books, and more.
Address:
Pier 7
Honolulu, HI 96813
Hours:
Daily except Christmas 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: $7.50
Seniors: $6.00
Youth 6-17: $4.50
Children 5 and under are free
Free parking
Contacts:
General Information: (808) 536-6373
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
The Hawai'i State Art Museum (HiSAM) is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting the art and culture of Hawai'i. Through Enriched by Diversity, a semi-permanent installation reflecting Hawaii’s rich ethnic and cultural traditions, as well as a dynamic changing exhibition program, the museum honors and inspires artistic excellence and promotes educational enrichment. Located in the historic No. 1 Capitol District Building, a Spanish-Mission style structure built in 1928, the museum is comprised of three spacious galleries, an outdoor tiled lanai, a 70-seat multi-purpose room and a volunteer resource center. A new café, gift shop and information kiosk to enhance the visitor’s experience is scheduled to open in the near future.
Address:
No. 1 Capitol District Building
250 South Hotel Street, 2nd Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and all state holidays
Admission:
Free admission to the galleries
Contacts:
General information: (808) 586-0304
Recorded exhibition information: (808) 586-0900
Web Site: http://www.hawaii.gov/sfca/
Email Address: ken.hamilton@hawaii.gov
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
The majestically-restored Hawaii Theatre is a jewel that was dubbed “The Pride of the Pacific” when it was built in 1922. Now beautifully restored, including the installation of a new neon marquee and historic vertical sign, the Hawaii Theatre operates a premier performance facility for theatre, music, dance, cultural festivals, community activities, business meetings, and programs. It has hosted everything from Broadway’s “A Chorus Line” to off-Broadway hits such as “Stomp” to performances by Paul Taylor Dance Company, Mel Torme, and the big names in Hawaiian entertainment—The Brothers Cazimero, Keali’i Reichel, Makana and many more. Its annual “A Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors” starring Jim Nabors is a holiday sell-out. The Hawaii Theatre also is home to the annual Hawaii International Jazz Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. Its auditorium and well-appointed Weyand Banquet Room, with full catering kitchen, are available for rentals by groups, conventions and other meetings. Learn more about the historic Hawaii Theatre, the centerpiece of downtown’s revitalization, on a docent-led tour as the 1922 Robert Morton Theatre Organ and the anecdotes bring Honolulu’s history to life.
Address:
1130 Bethel Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Contacts:
Box Office: (808) 528-0506
Administration for rental and production information: (808) 791-1306
(On bus route)
Web Site: http://www.hawaiitheatre.com/
Hawaii’s only comprehensive fine arts museum, the Honolulu
Academy of Arts houses one of the finest collections of Asian art outside
of Asia in a historic building noted for its beauty and architectural
distinction. The Academy is internationally recognized for the excellence
and diversity of its holdings that include masterpieces of European, Asian,
and American art, including works by Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, and Cézanne.
Traveling exhibitions and the permanent collection are presented in 32
galleries that surround six exquisite garden courtyards. Outdoor dining
at the Pavilion Café and shopping at the Academy Shop complete
the visitor experience.
Address:
900 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.;
Sunday 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays and all federal holidays.
Admission:
Adults: $7.00
Students, Seniors, and Military: $4.00
Audio Tour: $5.00
Academy Members and Children 12 and under are free
First Wednesdays are free.
Free Admission on third Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guided Tours:
Tuesday–Saturday at 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and
1:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:15 p.m.; Japanese Language Tours:
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Contacts:
General Information: (808) 532-8700
Recorded Exhibition Information: (808) 532-8701
Recorded Theatre Schedule: (808) 532-8768
Fax: (808) 532-8787
Web Site: http://www.honoluluacademy.org
Email Address: academypr@honoluluacademy.org
The Honolulu Symphony, founded in 1900, is the oldest orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains and has been committed to artistic excellence for more than 100 years. The Honolulu Symphony has established a legacy as one of Hawaii’s great cultural and educational resources, deeply committed to exploring the challenges of cultural diversity in a community that has rapidly become a crossroads for the world. The Honolulu Symphony presents two major concert series each year, the Halekulani MasterWorks and the Grammy-nominated Honolulu Symphony Pops. No matter what concert you go to, you will be offered a world-class musical experience in paradise. The Symphony proudly presents some of the world’s finest artists throughout the year. Be sure to visit our website at www.honolulusymphony.com for a complete schedule and ticket information.
Address:
650 Iwilei Road, Suite 202
Honolulu, HI 96817
Concert Venue:
Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall
Corner of King Street and Ward Avenue
Contacts:
Box Office (808) 792-2000
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
Web Site: http://www.honolulusymphony.com/
Honolulu Theatre for Youth produces original and classic theatre for kids and families to enjoy. HTY is Hawaii’s only non-profit professional theatre company. Founded in 1955, it is recognized the world over as one of America’s most honored theatres, in particular for its commitment to bringing original, locally-authored works about Hawai'i to the stage. From the annual holiday extravaganza “Christmas Talk Story” to the myriad other themes explored throughout the season, visiting families find HTY performances a thrilling and enjoyable way to immerse themselves in the culture of Hawai'i.
Address
Tenney Theatre
St. Andrew's Cathedral
Queen Emma Square
Honolulu, HI 96813
Performances:
Varying days and times
Admission:
Tickets $16 adults, $8 children, seniors and
military
Contacts:
Box office (808) 839-9885
Fax: (808) 839-7018
Website: http://www.htyweb.org/
(On bus route)
Hawaii’s Royal Palace is the official residence of the last monarchs of Hawai'i, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Lili'uokalani. For a thousand years the islands of Hawai'i were divided by small kingdoms, but in 1810 were unified under Kamehameha I. Hawaiian kings and queens ruled their united kingdom for almost a century. Trace the footsteps of royalty with your docent as you take a historic journey from the completion of King Kalakaua’s new palace in 1882 to the dethronement of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893. Visit the Palace Shop for an array of books and gift specialities relating to 'Iolani Palace and the monarchy period.
Address:
King and Richards Streets
Honolulu, HI 96813
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2259
Honolulu, HI 96804
Tour Days:
Tuesday–Saturday
Admission:
Call (808) 522-0832 for Tour Menu, Schedule & Prices
Children under age 5 are not admitted on the Grand Tour.
Reservations strongly recommended.
Limited meter parking is available on the grounds, or on King and Richards
streets.
Vehicular entry on Likelike Mall.
Contacts:
Reservations: (808) 522-0832
Fax: (808) 532-1051
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
Web Site: http://www.iolanipalace.org/
Since its inception in 1969, Manoa Valley Theatre has cemented its reputation as one of Hawaii’s most celebrated and exciting producing theatres. It offers contemporary, mainstream Broadway and Off-Broadway entertainment by some of Hawaii’s finest local talent. Located in lush Manöa Valley just minutes from Waikïkï, MVT is an intimate, 150-seat venue that attracts local residents and visiting patrons year-round. Its flexible space allows the theatre to be reconfigured in exciting new ways for each production. Each season, MVT presents six mainstage plays and musicals. A new play is staged approximately every two months for a three- to six-week run.
Address:
2833 East Manoa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Performances:
Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m.
Admission:
Tickets $25.00, $30.00
Discounts for seniors, military, and patrons 25 and under
Contacts:
Box office: (808) 988-6131
Fax: (808) 988-3179
(On bus route)
Website: http://www.manoavalleytheatre.com/
Visitors are welcome to tour the Mission Houses Museum in downtown Honolulu. The original headquarters of the Sandwich Islands Mission, it was established in 1820 by New England Protestant missionaries sent from Boston. Three historic houses from that era, the Frame House, the Printing Office and the Chamberlain House are brought to life through guided tours, cultural exhibitions and educational programs. The Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society Library is a rare book, manuscript and special collections library. Located on the Museum grounds, it is open to the public. Visit the Museum Shop, which specializes in island-inspired crafts, Hawaiian quilts and related items, and books on Hawaiian language, culture and history. Please call for information about tours, Kama`aina days, classes, educational programs and special events. The Mission Houses Museum is a registered National Historic Landmark.
Address:
553 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Museum & Shop Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Library Hours:
Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Admission:
Please call for tour times and prices.
Contacts:
General Information: (808) 531-0481
Fax: (808) 545-2280
(On bus and Waikïkï Trolley routes)
Web Site: http://www.missionhouses.org/
Email Address: info@missionhouses.org
The historic Queen Emma Summer Palace is situated in lush Nu'uanu Valley on the island of O'ahu. It is located five miles from Downtown Honolulu and ten miles from Waikïkï. This New England-style house was constructed on the East Coast, transported around Cape Horn by ship, and assembled in its present location in 1848 for Queen Emma, consort of King Kamehameha IV. The verdant garden of tropical flowers and trees, both native and introduced, are typical of the 19th century era when Queen Emma used the home to escape the hot and dusty climate of Honolulu. On display are artifacts, furnishings and personal items of the royal families of Hawai'i. The Summer Palace was saved from demolition by the nonprofit organization Daughters of Hawai'i. Today, the Daughters preserve and maintain this residence and the Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona as museums open to the public.
Address:
2913 Pali Highway
Honolulu, HI 96817
Hours:
Daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Half Day Christmas
Eve, Christmas Day, Half Day New Year’s Eve,
New Year’s Day, March 26, Easter, Memorial
Day, June 11, July 4, Labor Day
Admission:
Adults $6, Seniors $4, Youth 5–17 $1, children under 5 are free
Free Parking
Contact:
Phone: (808) 595-3167
Web Site: http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org/
Email Address: doh1903@hawaii.rr.com
(On bus route)
In the late 1930s, heiress Doris Duke built Shangri La on five acres of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Inspired by travels through the Islamic world and her love of Hawai'i, Duke designed her home to evoke the beauty and character of each. Shangri La features an extensive collection of Islamic art and architectural elements from many regions in the Islamic world blended with Hawaii’s sweeping ocean views, exotic gardens and water features. Today, Shangri La offers small, guided tours that give visitors a glimpse of the beauty and diversity of the arts of the Islamic world and the dynamic exchange of cultural influences and traditions. Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
Address:
Tours originate at the Honolulu Academy of Arts
900 South Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96814
Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday by guided tour.
Advance reservations required; same day
reservations may be available
Closed Sunday–Tuesday; on New Year’s Day,
Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Day; and every September
Admission:
Adults and children ages 12–17, $25.00;
Hawai'i residents with identification, $20.00;
not appropriate for children under 12.
Transportation to Shangri La via mini-coaches is
included in admission fee.
Contacts:
Reservations and ticketing:
Toll Free (866) DUKE TIX
Local Calls 532 DUKE
Website: http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/
Email Address: shangrilatickets@honoluluacademy.org
Nestled in a courtyard of bamboo and irises, the University of Hawai'i Art Gallery presents a changing program of historical and contemporary exhibitions including the ever popular International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition. Consisting of over 4000 square feet of versatile exhibition space, the Gallery has developed an international reputation for the quality of its exhibitions and publications both in content and design. Exhibits in the Commons Gallery feature the work of students and visiting artists. Other campus galleries include the John Young Museum of Art and the School of Architecture Gallery. A selfguided tour of art on campus is available. The East-West Center Gallery and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i are nearby.
Address:
Department of Art & Art History
2535 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Hours:
Late August through mid-May;
Monday–Friday 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.,
Sunday 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.,
Closed Saturdays and holidays
Admission:
Admission to campus galleries is free
Parking fees may apply
Contacts:
Call for exhibition schedules: (808) 956-6888
Fax: (808) 956-9659
Web Site: http://www.hawaii.edu/artgallery/
Email Address: gallery@hawaii.edu
Other Exhibition Sites:
East-West Center Gallery: (808) 944-7111
John
Young Museum of Art: (808) 956-3634
School of Architecture Gallery: (808) 956-7225
(On bus route)