Best Places to See Live Theater in Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is a cultural hub with a variety of theaters offering diverse performances. Here are ten of the best places to see live theater in the area.

1. Hawaii Theatre Center

The Hawaii Theatre Center is a beautifully restored historic theater that hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to concerts and local productions. It’s the premier venue for live entertainment in Honolulu. 

Hawaii Theatre Center

2. Diamond Head Theatre

Known as the Broadway of the Pacific, Diamond Head Theatre offers a variety of musicals, plays, and theatrical performances. It’s a community-based theater that has been entertaining audiences for over a century.

 Diamond Head Theatre

3. Kumu Kahua Theatre

Kumu Kahua Theatre specializes in producing plays written by local playwrights, focusing on stories about Hawaii’s people, history, and culture. It’s an intimate venue that provides a unique theatrical experience.

 Kumu Kahua Theatre

4. Manoa Valley Theatre

As Hawaii’s oldest community theater, Manoa Valley Theatre offers an eclectic mix of productions, from contemporary plays to musicals. The cozy venue and passionate performances make it a must-visit for theater lovers. 

Manoa Valley Theatre

5. TAG – The Actors’ Group

TAG is a small, non-profit theater that focuses on thought-provoking plays and powerful performances. It’s known for its commitment to high-quality productions and its intimate setting. 

TAG – The Actors’ Group

6. Kennedy Theatre

Located on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, Kennedy Theatre showcases student and faculty productions, ranging from traditional Hawaiian performances to modern plays and musicals.

 Kennedy Theatre

7. Paliku Theatre

Paliku Theatre, situated at Windward Community College, offers a variety of theatrical performances, including plays, musicals, and cultural presentations. It’s known for its excellent acoustics and stunning setting. 

Paliku Theatre

8. Honolulu Museum of Art Doris Duke Theatre

Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art offers an array of performances, including independent films, cultural performances, and lectures. It’s a great place to enjoy unique and artistic presentations. 

Honolulu Museum of Art Doris Duke Theatre

9. The Dinner Detective

Experience a unique form of live theater with The Dinner Detective, where you’ll engage in a true crime mystery show while enjoying a gourmet dinner. It’s an interactive and entertaining experience unlike any other. 

The Dinner Detective

10. Hawaii Opera Theatre

For lovers of opera, the Hawaii Opera Theatre offers world-class productions with stunning performances and beautiful music. It’s a cultural treasure in Honolulu. 

Hawaii Opera Theatre