Oahu
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Oahu - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Oahu - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Music lovers adore this intimate venue, which draws local and national acts throughout the year. Acoustics are fantastic, and seating is at tables, all with...
Music lovers adore this intimate venue, which draws local and national acts throughout the year. Acoustics are fantastic, and seating is at tables, all with excellent views. The atmosphere is sophisticated, and the food here is excellent, too, with small and large plates offered. It's worthwhile to find out who's performing while you’re in town so you can purchase tickets in advance, since the more popular acts sell out quickly. This 300-seat room is centrally located (at the Outrigger resort), so you can grab a drink at Duke’s before or after the show.
This group stages delightful productions, with creative props and engaging stories, August through May. Founded in 1955, it's one of the oldest children's theaters in...
This group stages delightful productions, with creative props and engaging stories, August through May. Founded in 1955, it's one of the oldest children's theaters in the country (it's the only professional troupe in Hawaii), offering drama-education programs as well as school and family performances.
The sleekly high-tech Majestic, designed to sail smoothly in rough waters, powers farther along Waikiki's coastline than its competitors. Enjoy seasonal whale-watching trips between January...
The sleekly high-tech Majestic, designed to sail smoothly in rough waters, powers farther along Waikiki's coastline than its competitors. Enjoy seasonal whale-watching trips between January and March during the day or year-round sunset cocktail and dinner cruises aboard the 400-passenger boat. (Atlantis is also known for its submarine tours off Waikiki.) The boat's dining room is elegantly laid out, and the standard Hawaiian buffet fare perfectly accompanies the tropical cocktails, Champagne, beer, or guava juice. Most passengers are honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries and birthdays—or even the occasional proposal—and this, plus the Hawaiian music, makes the atmosphere festive. For the best view of Waikiki and the sunset, head to the top deck.
Established in 1976, Ballet Hawaii is a local company that's active throughout the year. Its annual, Hawaii-theme The Nutcracker, usually held at the nearby Blaisdell Concert...
Established in 1976, Ballet Hawaii is a local company that's active throughout the year. Its annual, Hawaii-theme The Nutcracker, usually held at the nearby Blaisdell Concert Hall ( 777 Ward Ave.), is a local holiday tradition. Other shows take place at the Hawaii Theatre ( 1130 Bethel St.) in Chinatown and elsewhere.
This group, consisting of four ensembles, has been around for decades and performs at the Honolulu Museum of Art's Doris Duke Theatre ( 901...
This group, consisting of four ensembles, has been around for decades and performs at the Honolulu Museum of Art's Doris Duke Theatre ( 901 S. Beretania St., Honolulu), the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College ( 45-720 Keaahala Rd., Kaneohe), the University of Hawaii's West Oahu Library ( 1001 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei), and other locations around the island. The season runs from fall through spring.
Chief Sielu and his ohana (family) perform at Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii waterpark. It's a top-rated luau with everything you'd expect from this island tradition:...
Chief Sielu and his ohana (family) perform at Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii waterpark. It's a top-rated luau with everything you'd expect from this island tradition: good food, rhythmic music, and interactive performances. The show ends with a high-energy fire-knife dance. The chef also heads the Fia Fia Luau at the Marriott in Ko Olina.
As Hawaii's oldest performing arts center (and the third-oldest community theater in the United States), this venue offers a little of everything: musicals, dramas, and...
As Hawaii's oldest performing arts center (and the third-oldest community theater in the United States), this venue offers a little of everything: musicals, dramas, and experimental productions.
Art, international, classic, and silent films are screened at the intimate, 280-seat Doris Duke Theatre, which doubles as a concert venue. Many short film festivals...
Art, international, classic, and silent films are screened at the intimate, 280-seat Doris Duke Theatre, which doubles as a concert venue. Many short film festivals are scheduled throughout the year on regional and global themes. Although small, the theater is still classy and comfortable. It is known for its great sound system.
Rain or shine, on the first Friday of every month, the downtown Honolulu and Chinatown districts come alive. The more family-friendly early evening art tours...
Rain or shine, on the first Friday of every month, the downtown Honolulu and Chinatown districts come alive. The more family-friendly early evening art tours evolve into an adults-only club atmosphere. Art galleries and restaurants usually stay open late, and local musicians and DJs provide the sound track for the evening.
The Polynesian Cultural Center’s long-running nightly show, Ha: Breath of Life, is a story of love, respect, and responsibility. Ha, which means “breath” in Hawaiian,...
The Polynesian Cultural Center’s long-running nightly show, Ha: Breath of Life, is a story of love, respect, and responsibility. Ha, which means “breath” in Hawaiian, follows the central character of Mana from his birth to the birth of his own child. The performances highlight ancient Hawaiian, Polynesian, Samoan, and Tahitian culture, music, and dance, including fire-knife dancers, and with more than 100 performers. Performances are Monday–Saturday at 7:30 pm.
One of the biggest film events in the state, the annual fall festival showcases top films from all over the world, as well as some...
One of the biggest film events in the state, the annual fall festival showcases top films from all over the world, as well as some by local filmmakers (many are Hawaii premieres; a few are world premieres) screened day and night to packed crowds—it's a must-see for film adventurers. A majority of films are screened at the Regal Dole Cannery Theaters, but festival organizers have recently branched out to other venues as well. There's also a smaller spring showcase of films. Check the official HIFF website for updated locations and dates.
Locals refer to it as "HOT," probably because the Hawaii Opera Theatre has been turning the opera-challenged into opera lovers since 1961. All operas are...
Locals refer to it as "HOT," probably because the Hawaii Opera Theatre has been turning the opera-challenged into opera lovers since 1961. All operas are sung in their original language, with a projected English translation.
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is the latest incarnation of the now-defunct, century-old Honolulu Symphony, with a mission to bring international talent to Hawaiian audiences of...
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is the latest incarnation of the now-defunct, century-old Honolulu Symphony, with a mission to bring international talent to Hawaiian audiences of all ages. The orchestra performs at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall and the Waikiki Shell. Ticket prices vary.
This beautifully restored theater, built in the 1920s in a Beaux Arts style, hosts a wide variety of events, including international theatrical productions and touring...
This beautifully restored theater, built in the 1920s in a Beaux Arts style, hosts a wide variety of events, including international theatrical productions and touring acts, festivals, and films. It's easily the loveliest theater in Hawaii. Tours cost $10 and are offered every first Tuesday of the month at 11 am (same-day tickets only). Admission for performances varies.
Since the early 1980s, the Honolulu Zoo Society has sponsored hour-long evening concerts branded the "Wildest Show in Town." They're held at 6 pm on...
Since the early 1980s, the Honolulu Zoo Society has sponsored hour-long evening concerts branded the "Wildest Show in Town." They're held at 6 pm on Wednesday, June–August. Listen to local legends play everything from Hawaiian to jazz to Latin music. Take a brisk walk through the zoo, or join in the family activities. This is an alcohol-free event, and there's food for those who haven't brought their own picnic supplies. Gates open at 4:35. This is one of the best deals in town.
Every other Thursday evening June–August, the Waikiki Aquarium holds an ocean-side concert series called Ke Kani O Ke Kai. You can listen to top performers...
Every other Thursday evening June–August, the Waikiki Aquarium holds an ocean-side concert series called Ke Kani O Ke Kai. You can listen to top performers while enjoying food from local restaurants. The aquarium stays open throughout the night, so you can see the marine life in a new light. Bring your own beach chairs or blankets. Proceeds support the aquarium, the third-oldest in the United States. Doors open at 5:30 pm; concerts start at 7 pm.
Eclectic programs—everything from Hawaiian language to musical theater to Bollywood—are offered at this space on the Manoa campus of the University of Hawaii. The theater,...
Eclectic programs—everything from Hawaiian language to musical theater to Bollywood—are offered at this space on the Manoa campus of the University of Hawaii. The theater, which opened in 1963, was designed by internationally renowned architect I. M. Pei.
Focusing on plays written by local playwrights about Island life and Hawaiian experiences, this troupe stages five or six productions a year in an intimate,...
Focusing on plays written by local playwrights about Island life and Hawaiian experiences, this troupe stages five or six productions a year in an intimate, 100-seat auditorium.
Hawaii's top illusionist, John Hirokawa, displays mystifying sleight of hand in this highly entertaining show, which incorporates contemporary hula and Islands music into its acts....
Hawaii's top illusionist, John Hirokawa, displays mystifying sleight of hand in this highly entertaining show, which incorporates contemporary hula and Islands music into its acts. It's held in the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger's showroom, and reservations are required for dinner (nightly at 5:45) and the show (at 7). Menu choices range from ginger-sesame–glazed chicken to a deluxe steak-and-lobster combo. Walk-ins are permitted if you just want the entertainment. The box office is open daily from noon to 9 pm.
Wonderful performances grace this intimate community theater in lush Manoa Valley....
Wonderful performances grace this intimate community theater in lush Manoa Valley.
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