7 Best Performing Arts Venues in Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu Theatre for Youth

Downtown Fodor's choice

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.

Diamond Head Theatre

Diamond Head

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.

Ha: Breath of Life

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.
Theater
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie, Hawaii, 96762, USA
800-367--7060
www.habreathoflife.com
performing-arts Details
Rate Includes: From $89.95

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Kennedy Theatre

Manoa

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.

Kumu Kahua Theatre

Downtown

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.

Manoa Valley Theatre

Manoa

Wonderful performances grace this intimate community theater in lush Manoa Valley.

Paliku Theatre

On the campus of Windward Community College, the 300-seat Paliku Theatre features everything from dramatic productions to chamber music concerts to hula and dance performances. The sound system is exceptional.