'Auana by Cirque du Soleil was such an amazing experience!…read more As a mom, a lot of my planning revolves around finding experiences my seven-year-old daughter will enjoy, and this one was definitely worth it! The acrobatics, music, stunning costumes, humor, and Hawaiian storytelling all came together so beautifully. She was completely entertained from beginning to end! Seeing my daughter experience Cirque du Soleil for the first time made the evening even more special. She loved it, I loved it, and it's definitely one of my favorite memories from this summer.

Such a fun and entertaining show! I loved the combination of circus skills, music, dancing, and…read moreHawaiian influences. There was a really good variety throughout the performance, so it kept things interesting from start to finish. The aerial elements were definitely a highlight for me, and I loved seeing the different performers bring their own skills and personalities to the show. It felt like a fun mix of traditional Hawaiian inspiration and modern circus performance. We chose seats near the back corner and actually loved the view. You could see the entire stage really well from there, and I think being a little farther back gave us a great perspective on the larger group numbers and aerial performances. I don't think you necessarily need the most expensive seats to have a good experience here.

I've been to this beautifully restored building so many times for various events, and it's always a…read morejoy each and every time. This particular reason for attending was to see "A Taste of Ireland", which I had been looking forward to for awhile. The venue was about 2/3 full but there was definitely an air of anticipation when the house lights went down. Watching the footwork of the these amazingly talented dancers made Irish dancing an art form that few of us could ever attempt without tripping over ourselves. Then, a handsome young man came out and sang to a cheering audience while a lovely young woman with a fiddle dazzled us all with her talents throughout the show. We would have gladly sat through an encore but it obviously wasn't in the cards. Darn. Something I found out later after speaking to three of the dancers is that none of them are Irish, and the lead singer is a local boy‼

2026 Hawaii Rainbow Film Festival. Located in the heart of Honolulu, surrounded by the urban…read morerevival of Chinatown. 2nd floor bar and lounge area allows for drinks and food. Tons of parking in the surrounding public garages.

This was a reasonably fun experience at the Hilton Hawaiian village. We knew it would probably be a…read morebit of a tourist trap, but we figured that we had to try a luau in Hawaii. Book your tickets ahead of time particularly if you want the diamond premiere seating option which guarantees you a table in the first two rows for better entertainment viewing as well as express entry into the venue, first access to the buffet, and a welcome drink plus three cocktails per person. When you enter you are given a welcome Mai Tai and then have to take the obligatory souvenir photo which they will try to sell you later - I think it was $60. We were then shown to a table in the second row which had a great view of the entertainment. These are shared tables where you will likely sit with other families. There was a group "hula lesson" which was silly but sort of fun. They will then release each table to visit the buffet with the first two rows going first. They had a nice variety of hot and cold dishes of varying quality. The pulled pork was probably the best. The beef short ribs were the worst with some portions being almost entirely fat. A gross aspect - there were flies and bugs buzzing around the buffet with no covers on any of the food. Also, keep an eye on the buffet if you want to go back for seconds. At some point they just closed it down with no announcement before they admitted guests who had booked the entertainment only option which did not include the food. There are some restrooms a short walk away just outside the luau area. The bar seemed massively overwhelmed with a huge line the entire night except right after we hit the buffet the first time. I spent part of the night in the long line instead of having a closeup view of the entertainment. Maybe offer the first two diamond premiere rows table service so we wouldn't have to wait in the enormous line. The entertainment was the best part of the experience with some amazing performers including fire dancers. They charge more for the luau on nights when there are fireworks, but they did not seem to make any effort to help you view the fireworks and instead started clearing away all the tables which made us feel like they wanted us to leave before the fireworks even started. Overall, this was a fairly fun experience but I doubt we would visit again on future trips.

I don't recommend buying show only tickets, you won't be able to see much of anything. The show…read morewhile nice, is on the floor so you can't see much of it. The distance and stage height make it a challenge. I would recommend moving seats closer on sides. Making the dancers go to all areas not just food guests, have some entertainment, hula hoops, games, things for kids. Give more than a single .25 cent soda. They tried. The people putting on show did their best. But you can see the show for free if you walk by the lagoon 15-20 minutes after the show starts. Save your money.

Disclaimer; we only saw the show, we didn't participate in the pre-show activities or the Lu'au…read moredinner. The dancers, musicians host and fire dancers were so awesome. These folks are so great at what they do. I'll be honest I was really just waiting for the fire dancers...for me that was the highlight, but all the performers are great and did a great job of keeping the crowd engaged by participating. Only complaint is that a lady guest was standing up and taking videos and blocking everyone else's view behind her. Other than the inconsiderate guest, the show, venue and performers were fantastic. Also, couldn't have asked for more perfect weather!

Not sure if my expectations were too high, but after experiencing this luau, I'm not sure if I…read morewould want to experience another luau especially for the price that was paid. Performers: The performers did a wonderful job dancing and putting on different acts. They were entertaining. During one act, a man climbed a tree with his bare feet. All the dancers did great. Food: The food was a buffet style serving line with servers. The food was decent. It was nothing to rave about, but it also wasn't the worst. It pretty much did its job. Overall: Again, I don't know if my expectations were too high, but I honestly wanted to leave, but I paid so much so I wanted to stay to see if the experience would get better. I don't have any other luaus to compare this to, so it could have been great and just not for me. I did feel like it took a long time to get the show started. There was a little entertaining before the show started, but I felt like there was a lot of wasted time.

If you only see one show this season, make it this one. Diamond Head Theatre's production of…read moreFiddler on the Roof is a full-hearted, beautifully staged, and emotionally resonant triumph that lands every laugh, every tear, and every soaring note with remarkable precision. From the opening strains of "Tradition," the company establishes a warm, lived-in Anatevka that feels both timeless and immediate. The ensemble is tight, the staging is fluid and inventive without ever feeling gimmicky, and the direction keeps the story's delicate balance of humor and heartache perfectly weighted. You feel the weight of change pressing on Tevye's world, yet the evening never sinks under it--there is always light, always community, always song. The central performance is outstanding. Tevye is played with the exact mix of weary humor, stubborn pride, and genuine tenderness the role demands. His conversations with God feel spontaneous and personal; his internal tug-of-war over tradition versus his daughters' futures is both funny and quietly devastating. The daughters are equally strong--each distinct, each fully realized--so the family dynamics crackle with authenticity. Golde brings dry wit and deep feeling in equal measure, and the supporting roles (Lazar Wolf, Motel, Perchik, the matchmaker, the Rabbi) are all richly drawn and expertly timed. Musically the production is first-rate. The orchestra supports rather than overwhelms, the choral work is robust and clear, and the big numbers land with real impact. "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Anatevka" are all given their due--not as museum pieces, but as living, breathing moments. The choreography is energetic and character-driven; the bottle dance is executed with the right mixture of tension and joy, and the wedding sequence is genuinely moving. Diamond Head Theatre has long been a treasure for Honolulu audiences, and this Fiddler shows exactly why. The production values are polished, the pacing never flags, and the emotional through-line is handled with care and intelligence. It is funny without being broad, touching without being sentimental, and ultimately deeply human. You leave the theater humming, thinking, and a little more grateful for the traditions--and the people--that hold a community together.

What a beautiful local theater! We were in Oahu for Spring Break and traveling with our theater…read moreteen so thought to check the listing and luckily there was a show: West Side Story and it fit into our schedule. Easy parking, clean rest rooms, no frills concession, and cute merch. I got the reusable cup too. People were so nice and friendly. We sat at the very back of the theater and enjoyed it. The actors were so talented and so glad we were able to see it. My teen also got autographs and the actors were so happy and willing to sign her playbill. A couple were surprised that they were being asked for an autograph. When in Hawaii, after enjoying the beach and watching the sunset, why not catch a musical produced well run by the local community and supported and loved by the community.

A real Hāka, a lovely view of the island, decent drinks and food. Super knowledgeable staff, and…read morethe ohana there is amazing. Ai Our host -speaker was awesome. Great projection, we love the educational portions of this, and it was such an amazing experience. If you are a dairy sensitive individual, they got you covered. The tradition food they serve is lovely. It's hard to put into words. Just check it out.

Out of the whole experience, one of the best parts was our shuttle driver, RJ--or AJ, I apologize…read morebecause I can't remember exactly which one it was. From the minute we got on the shuttle, he started breaking down some of the history of the island and really set the tone for the night. He had everyone introduce themselves and share a little bit about who they were and where they were from. He was extremely friendly and funny, but what I really appreciated was that he didn't try to dictate the conversation. He let it happen naturally. Before long, everybody on the shuttle was talking with each other and sharing personal experiences--what brought them to the island, why they chose this luau instead of some of the others, and just life in general. It honestly felt less like a shuttle full of strangers and more like a group of people getting to know each other. He also recommended a drink to me. I cannot remember what the hell it was called--I just remember something like "AVI"--but it was GOOD. I had six of them, so apparently the recommendation worked. The cousin who helped host our event that night--I unfortunately forgot her name too--was also great. She was very interactive with everybody and made sure everyone felt included and participated instead of just sitting there watching a show. Overall, I definitely recommend the experience. One piece of advice: BRING A FREAKING HAT. It gets hot up there while the sun is setting, and depending on where you're seated, you may have that Hawaiian sun hitting you directly for a couple of hours. Bring a good pair of sunglasses, a hat, and some sunscreen. Great people, great atmosphere, and a really memorable experience. Sorry for the pictures I didn't take many I mostly took videos

There were only about 4-5 food trucks when I visited, and it felt small. Around 6 PM, the area had…read morevery few people. There was some live music, but it seemed more like a quick stop for tourists rather than a real night market. I didn't try any food because the atmosphere wasn't appealing, so I left quickly.

Came here when it was less crowded the seating area is big wide open with chairs, tables, and a…read moregreen luscious outdoor view. There were only a few vendors like maybe 4 trucks at the time we got a plate from a vendor called "Wasabi Express by Tiger" the white woman who most likely also works with the main chef randomly approached us recommends it for my partner and I says it's going to taste great it's made fresh daily,, said why not we came for a trip but honestly it was mid and this is why I don't listen to people but realistically I should've just dogged it in my opinion; understand it's Hawaii we are in a touristy spot, but too overpriced for something that tastes like yoshinoya meat and rice that tastes just like fried rice from a regular Chinese takeout

Always a great experience. Jagged Little Pill was so amazing. Great music, story and dance. The…read moretheater setup even has a small bar area. Very fun. Park at the shopping center. Short walk.

What a performance…read more.. Thank you to Terry K for taking me on this journey to something that I've never tried personally is to see a play and Manoa Valley Theatre offers us some amazing performances that I've been lucky to see a play though it's never been at Manoa Valley venue itself and what a difference it is. The vibe here is full of energy as many start arriving and you need to check in and verify your seating which the staff does and also informed us that the air conditioning wasn't fully operational and provided us with a bottle water is a nice gesture though was slightly warm the cool Manoa air kept us decently cool. As we get to chill prior by getting a drink and/or snack is nice and there are great options available including some alcohol. Kim's Convenience is the play and from what we were told is once a series on Netflix which I don't have but I like that I have no idea as I can enjoy the play just as they visualize which was great and fun since it was a comedy, if anything the seating leaves no room for anyone to pass in front of you so I had leave the row and wait in the aisle for others to take their seat but in all comfortable and easy to view the play without being blocked from the previous row. Bravo to this creative and wonderful evening with a great friend as doing something unique like this was so much fun and a memorable experience. Thank you!

Improv Superette! Laughter is medicine and Improv Superette is the perfect venue for it!…read more Parking- Street parking is da bestest. Harbour Court for security.

Saw "A Holiday Themed Improv" tonight and was so heartened to watch the current generation take…read morehold of our attention and keep it for the entire evening!! Improv isn't an easy skill for the novice. You have to be quick on your feet to take whatever scenario is thrown at the actors, act it out on the spot, and interact with the other actors to expand on the situation. The audience ate it up and laughed so much (especially the local/non local clips). It was the fourth of four nights for this hardworking crew and they were exhausted at the end of the show. If this troupe of young people can successfully fill a community theatre for four nights, it gives me hope for this generation. Mahalo, kids!!

I enjoyed my one time I went there to see Johnny Valentine and am sad to hear they closed the venue…read morepart. I loved arriving at this shopping center and going through the music classrooms, almost like a speakeasy. Cute older couple that runs the place. Very...Italian decor? Moody, night club vibe on the upper level, older crowd mainly. The food and drink were not too bad. Would I go just for the food? No. But the ambiance was really cool to experience, I'll miss it!

Medici's is a special little gem in Mānoa transporting you to a magical space filled with music,…read morefood, and happiness. The club opened in April of 2014 and features jazz, blues, classical musicians in Hawaii. This was our second time here and loved it. Tim and Carolyn (owners) are very welcoming couple who work in tandem to operate this place. Tim is the chef, artist, and manages the music events upstairs. Carolyn is the musical director for the school downstairs. All proceeds from dinner/shows help support the Manoa School of Music and the Arts downstairs. The ambiance is beautiful and well-decorated with plants, art, paintings. Tim is an artist, so you will find his paintings for sale too. We took one home during the NYE event and admire it everyday. Your ticket includes live music and a tasty 4 course gourmet meal who is cooked by Chef Tim. Just a word of warning is that the meal is on the smaller side. The dishes are served on mostly paper plates but I assume that's how they also keep the costs lower. Most of the attendees seem to be 50+ so the food might be catering to those who are older and don't eat as much. Although we ended up being content by the end with drinks. You will likely end up sitting with strangers since the tables are large, circular, and can seat up to 6-8 people. This can be a good way to socialize and make some new friends. They also have a bar that has very reasonable prices. $25 wine bottles and only $7.50 for beer/wine glasses. Cocktails available too. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the beautiful tunes of jazz. Hard to find places like this anymore!