A Hidden Gem in Downtown! This art installation is a…read morefantastic gem in the heart of downtown. So many different artists showcasing their unique styles and creativity. The atmosphere was inspiring--I even had a great conversation with a houseless man who was simply enjoying the beauty and emotion that art brings. Truly a space where everyone feels welcome and connected through art.

Came to see a play (Titus Andronicus) here. There's a gallery which showcases local artwork, books…read more The stage area is small and cozy with tiered seating which makes for a more intimate setting. Acoustics are pretty good- no problem at all hearing the actors. There were drinks for sale as well. FYI-there's only 2 bathroom stalls which made for a long line during intermission. Really enjoyed the venue and play!

Capital Modern, Hawaii State Art Museum is a beautiful museum located downtown Honolulu surrounded…read moreby historical and modern buildings. Old and new Honolulu come together in this location. The grounds are scenic and lovely, really nice area to stroll and enjoy some of Hawaiian history and art. Lots of street parking and free parking after 6pm. I usually go on First Friday which is always a blast, they always have different local entertainment throughout the evening and sometimes the place really gets rocking from the music. The nice thing, kids are welcome as well so the whole family can attend. On the second floor there is two galleries that house the different art and artists. The wood floors are beautiful. Every month there is a different theme and the art work is rotated so it never gets old. Also on the second floor are different vendors that are selling food products or locally made products for sale. They also have beer and wine available for sale. The staff are great and very helpful. If you have a bag, the security outside the gallery will check it for you as well as any waterbottles. Admission is free but donations are accepted and really appreciated. Come check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

The Capitol Modern is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Honolulu. The Museum houses modern…read moreHawaiian art and is free to the public! The building and grounds are lovely and serene, a perfect place to relax and enjoy Hawaiian art. The building is a great example of classic Colonial Hawaiian architecture. I came to visit to my granddaughter's preschool painting, which was part of an exhibit in the lobby. I love that the museum encourages young artists. Upstairs, two galleries were filled with modern paintings and sculptures by Hawaiian artists. Don't miss the sculpture garden, with pieces by many renowned artists. While admission is free, donations are appreciated. We found metered parking a block away. A nice gift shop is located on the first floor. They will check big bags that are not allowed in the galleries. There is a cafe, but it was not open during my visit.

OVERALL SATISTFACTION: 10 of 10. 5 of 5 stars, Na ka…read moreoi...simply da bes! Keeping in mind that 1. I love live music, theater and big screen films. And 2. I haven't resided in the islands since the mid-90s. With that said, I have been here for several shows and I purposely flown in for some and other were just the lowest of consolation prizes for having to fly away from loved ones due to my job taking me to another "twist my arm" experience = Stay on Oahu. I joke of course, but in earnest, growing up with the lights of Broadway and hundreds of concert venues nearby, I take my theater experiences very seriously and the Hawaii Theater meets any and every want/need one could dream of. For me it exceeds most. Please allow me to define... MY EXPERIENCES: I have been to a Christmas show, on my birthday, featuring Amy Hanaiali'i and, the much beloved and missed, Willie K (R.I.P.), which included a wonderful meet and greet. On another visit to HNL I just happened to be around for a Beach Boys show and was fortunate enough to get a ticket for it. And most recently, I flew in for a showing of The Princess Bride which featured a meet and greet of Cary Elwes. AT THE TOP: The President of the Hawaii Theater, Gregory Dunn is super humble, very polite and amazingly professional in every aspect. Best of all, he gets involved in the pre-show activities be it guiding folks to where they need to be or ensuring we understand the process of a meet and greet. Ya gotta love when there is no job below those in charge. He sets an example that many could benefit from if their eyes are truly open. SECURITY: If you have been to downtown Honolulu, you know it hasn't been a place that gets touted around the globe for it's cleanliness or safety. HPD has had their hands full over the years. Stores may have closed and some issues still exist, but overall I feel that the area has been improving greatly and adding to the return of a safer feeling neighborhood is the Hawaii Theater's security team. Yes, they are the most amazing group of people that one could want to see at an event. These guys are the, literally, the muscle that keeps things in order and flowing, from bag checks to ensuring reentry folks have wristbands. They operate like a finely tuned engine. As a concert goer that has been to well over 500 shows globally, I recognize these folks as the best. I will even go as far as to say that actually recognize some of them since my last visit a couole years back, which means that the team is sticking together. With that stated, not once have I had any safety concerns with these guys on duty... and still downtown can be questionable at times. STAFF OF THE THEATER: From the box office staff to those assigned to scan your tickets and give out VIP wristbands, these folks know how to keep the lines moving. Once inside there are strategically placed individuals, as one would expect. Folks there to give you direction to restrooms or concessions and then you have the ushers, those folks who are much more than a uniformed someone with a flashlight who is unfamiliar with the venue layout. These folks are amazing, they will get you to your seat in a timely, professional manner. Last but not least, are the bartenders... the fashionable, handlebar mustachioed bartender I met a few shows back was here again... and I always find him to be a terrific conversationalist (when time allots), incredibly professional and truly represents the venue as best as any one could. Put all these compliments together under one roof and you get one of the best theater experiences you could hope to ever find. You should come to downtown and find out for yourself... and you'll be a repeat offender, like me, (END NOTE: I fly in from the mainland for touring shows I could easily opt to catch on the mainland, and for a cheaper overall hit to the wallet. The Hawaii Theater, as defined above, is truly the deciding factor).

Walking into the Hawai'i Theatre, you're instantly transported into another era. An era of soft…read moreelegance and timeless artistry. From the moment you pass through the doors, you're surrounded by a blend of old-world elegance and Hawaiian warmth. Built in 1922, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and Broadway plays to concerts and Hula performances. Today it seats about 1,400 guests, offering an intimate experience where every seat feels close to the stage. The acoustics are excellent, the seats are comfortable, and the staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. There's also a small bar and lounge with high-tops, perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation before the show. Inside the theater, you see tall, fluted Corinthian-style columns that are richly detailed. The curved arch overhead is decorated with mosaic-style tiles in warm tones,and I absolutely LOVE the lush deep red velvet curtains that frame the stage. They add so much warmth and elegance. Having attended many shows throughout the years, I've always been mesmerized by the mural above the stage and decided to do some Googling while waiting for the show to begin. I learned it's Lionel Walden's Glorification of the Drama. The painting depicts a grand procession of mythic figures -- a golden-robed muse in her chariot, attendants, musicians, a lion handler -- all celebrating the power of theater. The central figure, often interpreted as the Personification of Drama, leads the way. Knowing that part of the mural was once lost to water damage and later painstakingly restored makes it even more meaningful. Parking is easy at the municipal garage on Bethel Street, just a block away. The short walk is now well-lit, a welcome improvement from years past when it was dark and sketchy. Entertaining audiences for over 100 years, the Hawaii Theater is a recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Attending a show here, you're not just watching a performance, you're also living and breathing a beautiful piece of Hawaii's historic culture.

We had a wonderful experience on the Jurassic tour with Wonka! He was knowledgeable, conversational…read moreand welcoming. Gave some great post tour food tips too! Mahalo Wonka!

Kualoa Ranch is gorgeous so be prepared to take lots of pics haha. The view of the mountain and…read moreoceans is amazing. The UTV Raptor tour was the highlight of my trip! Highly recommend visiting Kualoa Ranch and doing this popular tour! The land is ginormous and offer sooo many different tours. I'll def come back and book one of the tour activities for horseback riding and zip-lining. The UTV tour is two hours long and you can either self-drive the UTV or book one with the tour guide. Each UTV has enough room for up to 6 people I believe. We paid $162.79 per person. They make you arrive 45 min beforehand but we showed up 25 mins beforehand and it was fine. You check in with the folks behind the counter and then they'll lead you to the area with the numbered table benches. They still made us wait for the group before us to leave before we even could line up by those tables. Once you check in, they give you a neck scarf (which you can keep) and try on helmets and goggles. You can bring your own goggles or wear sunglasses too. They make you sign waivers and also check your IDs if you're driving. Each time slot has up to 10 groups and you drive in a line, stopping at about 3-4 stops. Our tour guides were awesome and very knowledgeable in telling us facts about the different film stops. I'm a big movie/ TV show fan so it was really cool seeing some of these places in person! They had infamous sets from Jurassic World, Jumanji, King Kong, etc. They gave us plenty of time to check out some of the stops and take pictures. They're also really nice and offered to take multiple pics for us, including one with a big dinosaur in the background (they carry a dinosaur toy for these pics lol). Make sure you book in advance because they fill up the time slots quick! You will get dirty from the UTV drive so I recommend wearing something that you don't mind getting messy. Also bring a mask or wear their neck scarf so you don't breathe in the dust. At the beginning of the tour, they take your picture and then sell printed copy as a souvenir at the end for $20. They have a food court, gift shop, and bathrooms inside. There's also plenty of parking which is a plus!

The front of this building is on Beretania. It is currently undergoing a little bit of construction…read moreon the entry/doors, but otherwise it's pretty cool. There are multiple floors and they are mostly state department offices that are using them. There, supposedly, according to John N, is a parking lot somewhere around there for this, but I've never been able to find it. I generally just park near the State Capitol, and Walk. Parking in downtown stinks, but that's just the way it is. Everyone I've talked to who works at this location has been extremely friendly. The first time that I went up to this building, I was, in my normal fashion, looking confused and taking pictures. I was asked multiple times if I needed help or knew where I was going. That's pretty cool. I've been going here recently to visit the satellite elections office, which the state or city or someone graciously opens so that we don't have to drive out to the middle of nowhere. Staff have been friendly and super helpful, including making me extra copies of things when they didn't have to. On the second floor, the handicap stall is out of order in the women's bathroom, but other than that it's pretty nice. My favorite thing is the beautiful mural inside. Step through the doors and you'll see it. Enjoy!

For State of Hawaii employees…read more.. This is your Retirement System! Most of my working career was with The State Government. I started out as a Student Helper with the Employees Retirement System (in the file room), Department of Transportation (at the airport), and Department of Health (at Leahi Hospital). I also worked at the State Capitol in the Legislative Reference Bureau Library. After I got my first college degree, I worked full time with the Department of Human Services as an Income Maintenance Worker, and then, with the Prosecutor's Office as a Legal Clerk. I'm now ending my stint with the State of Hawaii as a Professional Registered Nurse at the Hawaii State Hospital. Yes - I've had a variety of jobs as a Civil Servant and I couldn't be any happier. I feel like I've served my State well and now... I'm ready to leave and enjoy my life! Note: my parents, paternal grandparents, and baby sister are all State Employees The first step was to obtain the forms. I called and asked for a packet because I'm old school like that. Other people might want to get their forms online. Next, I called several times to make an appointment to turn in my forms. No answer... I left several messages and decided to walk in because the deadline was soon approaching. Employees may retire on the first of every month and on December 31st. The forms are due at the end of the month, two months before retirement. Later, I should be getting a phone call to verify my information. Phew! I'm all set to start my retirement life... Vacation every day!!! Woot woot! So excited!!!

Another joke state agency/department. They rarely answer their phone. They gave me the wrong and…read moreincomplete information on what forms need to be completed. They have not sent ANY letter confirming application for retiree medical, but sent information on Cobra. The most expensive plan they offer.

I had a great experience at KraftStories! It's such a cute place that will immediately make you…read morewant to take more classes there! The class is so organized--the materials are also prepped for you, so no time is wasted--you can begin creating right away! We had Ava as an instructor and she is a wonderful instructor! I took her for Turkish candle holders and she is so inspiring, patient, and kind. It was like creating art with a friend! I would highly recommend class here!!

Amazing DIY kits and classes held here! My eyes were drawn to the beautiful display window at 15 N…read morePauahi Street. I met Nur who informed us of the great workshops/ classes offered here. Including Hawaiian themed classes, Sea Glass frame art, Turkish Mosaic Lamps, Soy Candle making, Plant Terrarium, Moss Wall Art, Turkish Coffee Tasting, Artist collaborations and more! You may book individual classes, Birthday Parties, Date crafts, Baby Shower, Bachelorette parties, Team Building, Family events and YELP get togethers! It is a little warm inside when we visited in the afternoon. Nur assured us that there is air conditioning. Really great examples are shown inside the workshop. Stop by soon. Telephone number (650) 200-3809 Instagram @kraftstoriesofficial Free Honolulu group craft class promotion going on now!

This past weekend, I went out with my co-workers to your neighboring club. After a few drinks and…read morestepping away a couple of times for restroom and smoke breaks, I unfortunately misplaced my phone. At the end of the night, while I was clearly distressed searching for it, a gentleman introduced himself as the janitor and kindly offered to help by arranging an Uber for us to get home safely. Thankfully, my phone was found by the time the ride arrived, but his kindness and willingness to help left a lasting impression on me. If anyone knows who this kind person is, I would truly appreciate the chance to personally thank him. His thoughtful gesture spoke volumes about the care your staff shows toward your patrons. Because of this experience, my company would be honored to consider using your facility for an upcoming event. Thank you again for fostering such a caring and professional environment

Great music and had a great time dancing at Latin night with classic reggaeton, a bit of salsa,…read morebachata and merengue, there were some splash of hip hop and pop as well. The venue is definitely small and unfortunately the a/c was nonexistent. My friends and I had to step out couple of times to take a refresher outside. The bartender was great, the girl that made the drinks for me was super nice and enjoyed my drinks! The rest of the staffs were a little rude and not too friendly. Also the area is in Chinatown and didn't feel too safe. Make sure you have Uber ready to go cause they were kicking people out from the streets.

Review #1,800 "Some…read morepeople unpack when they first arrive in a city. Me, I look for Chinatown." ― Bonnie Tsui, from American Chinatown I wasn't originally going to review Chinatown but I saw my review count and I couldn't resist. I want the milestone 1,800th to be about Chinatown, Honolulu edition. Did you know that Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States, having been established in the 1840s to accommodate whaling ships docking at Honolulu Harbor? Today, it spans 25 acres and is renowned as a vibrant, multicultural hub featuring fresh markets, eclectic Pan-Asian eateries, and a thriving arts district. From hidden gems to delicious eateries, stopping by Chinatown is an adventure. Clothing boutiques, lei shops, and bakeries with freshly baked goods, you can find a little bit of everything here. Come with your paycheck and leave with a lighter wallet. "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown." ― Walsh, from the 1974 film Chinatown

I went to Chinatown in the afternoon, it was so quiet and many stores were closed. I saw lots of…read morehomeless lay down on the sidewalk. It was nice to visit anyway to see how the culture and the town look like even I didn't have a chance to buy some fresh food and vegetables over there.