Waikiki Shell
Park · Honolulu, HI
About
You step into an open-air amphitheater set among the trees of Kapiolani Park. The Waikiki Shell seats 2,400 under cover, with lawn space for another 6,000. It's a cherished spot for balmy evening concerts, hosting everything from local acts to touring performers. Under the same management as the Neal S Blaisdell Center, this venue offers a classic outdoor concert experience. If you're after a bigger show, check the Blaisdell calendar too.
The crowd here leans casual, with plenty of people picnicking on the lawn before shows. Smoking is allowed in designated areas, which could affect where you sit. There's no dedicated parking lot, so plan to walk from nearby streets or take a rideshare. It's one of the more relaxed performance venues in Honolulu, perfect for unwinding with live music under the stars.
The Waikiki Shell is located in Kapiolani Park in the Waikiki neighborhood, between Paki Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue. It's a short walk from the beach and many Waikiki hotels.
Features
- ✓Open-air shows on balmy Hawaiian evenings
- ✓Lawn seating picnic friendly
- ✓Designated smoking areas available
- ✓Part of Blaisdell Center management
- ✓Casual laidback crowd
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 87 reviews. 3 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Multiple Venues for the arts”
The Neal S Blaisdell Center is downtown near Ward Avenue between King and Kapiolani streets. The Arena seats about 7,000 to 8,000 depending on the event, and the Concert Hall holds around 2,100. The Arena hosts concerts and sporting events, while the Concert Hall is home to the Symphony and Hawaii Opera. The Waikiki Shell, under the same management, is located in Kapiolani Park at 2805 Monsarrat Avenue and resembles the Hollywood Bowl, with stadium seating, a lawn, banquet tables, and a pool area that can hold about 9,000 people total. It's perfect for warm evening concerts. My first time seeing Donna Summer was at the Blaisdell Arena in 1979. It's a small arena compared to those in most big cities, but nowadays that feels intimate, and all seats have clear views.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of events are held at Waikiki Shell? +
It hosts outdoor concerts and large gatherings, from local acts to touring performers.
Is smoking allowed at the venue? +
Yes, there are designated smoking areas.
How many people can the venue hold? +
It seats 2,400 in the covered area, with an additional 6,000 on the lawn.
Is the venue LGBTQ+ friendly? +
Yes, it's a welcoming public venue in a city with a strong LGBTQ+ presence.
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