I was lucky enough to attend a Lei Day event at Waikiki Shell featuring live music and hula, and the setting could not have felt more perfect for it. The venue immediately reminded me a little of the Hollywood Bowl, but on a much smaller and somehow even more charming scale. With Diamond Head rising in the background, the views are absolutely spectacular and give the whole experience a distinctly Hawaiian sense of place. I was also impressed by how good the acoustics were, especially in an outdoor venue. It's very easy to access from the main Waikiki hotel area, which makes getting there surprisingly convenient. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the scenery, it ended up being one of those memorable Honolulu evenings that really sticks with you. read more

Waikiki Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Shelling out for an event... Honestly the last time that I've been back to the Waikiki Shell is my graduation o_O woah....though I could be wrong but sadly I don't get out very much but thanks to Nadine who asked if I was interested in a concert which I really was made me so happy to return and experience it all under the stars. Parking is always an issue but luckily we got there early...early enough to find one right away as it fills up quickly which you'll have to park at the next lot which can be a distance that we didn't want. What I wasn't prepared for was the wait as the time to enter was delayed by 30 minutes I did wished that I knew you could bring your own water just as long it's in a plastic bottle though there was lots of food options there it was spread out so far I wished there was just a single place to order but I was already exhausted from waiting that all I wanted to do was find our seats. Nadine selected great seats right in the center and close enough that we're able to see the concert well, bathrooms are at the front gate and I noticed there was another one on the opposite side as well, it's nice to have an open air atmosphere gave it a nice relaxing vibe. Thank you! read more

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I have always heard about this venue and was excited when I could finally check it out. I was suppose to have my college graduation here but was also pregnant with my daughter at the time and she decided she was ready to come out the day before we were set to graduate! Upon entry into this venue back in October 2025 for the Kolohe Kai concert I was very impressed overall with the organization and flow of foot traffic with all the vendors spread out, the bathrooms near the entrance and the food vendors all in the back by the lawn sitting area. The auditorium like venue was great in a sense that no matter where you sat (maybe save for the lawn location) you could get a good view. HPD was on site for the event and the sound quality was pretty good. Overall we had a wonderful experience here & even saw some friends along the way. Did I mention the beautiful view of Diamond head? read more

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The 2025 Juneteenth celebration was amazing. They had food vendors, business vendors, games, jumping castles, performers, DJ, several bars, a hard stand bathroom, and plenty seats in front of stage. The food and vendors all were great! I was able to get curb side parking. Someone was leaving when I arrived. I would recommend getting to any event here early for parking. A few of my friends weren't so lucky and had to park far. The parking inside was free. There is no shade here and depending of event it can be extremely hot. I arrived around 6pm and it was that hot and didn't rain. It's all open once inside shell gates. I recommend taking a fan, hand towel, and comfortable shoes (mainly grass area). The water was hard to find. I ended up getting water in the back corner and I brought 5 bottles because I wasn't going to walk back there again. Overall I would go again. read more

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Booked tickets online to see Teddy Swims and made sure we had seats n a good view. It is a small venue but quaint, and there is a lawn at the back for those who want to bring a blanket. Parking looks like a nightmare and our Uber got stuck in traffic trying to get close to the venue. Everyone walked out after the concert as it was gridlocked for Uber/Taxis. Food trucks were offering the usual fare n there were a few bars selling over priced mixer drinks if you had ID n a wristband. Toilets were clean early on. Security was 7ft Polynesians so there wasn't any stupidity in the crowd. The venue is open air with a beautiful view, wear insect spray at night and sunscreen during daylight. There were TV screens either side of the stage so you could watch up close and everyone had a good view in the semi circle seating. Good lighting and more importantly sound system. I really liked this venue and the crowd was great. read more

It was great! I like how they organized the event for Asobi Expo. I usually don't do outdoor events and tend to attend events at Blaisdell but I liked how spacious everything was. Seating area is a little cramped because I'm trying to dance my ass off but we make do with what we got. read more

Live music in Waikiki, Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii... I can't remember the last time I went to a concert at the Waikiki Shell. I do remember going to my nephew's college graduation here a few years ago... The parking was free! There's a close lot and a newer lot right next to it. Parking is also free on Monsarrat Street and the residential neighborhood. The main thing to know about the old school Waikiki Shell is that it's an outdoor venue. Check the weather reports for the temperature and chance of rain. We went in late September when it was a comfortable 79°F and a super light, brief drizzle. No jacket was needed. There were several food trucks... because no outside food nor drinks are allowed into the venue. We stood in a super short line and got our food to take back to our seat. Note: Purses (if you bring one) should be less than 12 inches x 12 inches. I didn't want to sit on the lawn. Tickets cost less there, but no furniture nor beach mats/towels are available... just grass. Bring your own blanket to sit on... I wanted to sit on a chair in the Reserved area. Somehow, I got Section C, Row 8, where our tickets were verified. We received blue wristbands for entry. We had a great view of Henry Kapono, a local Superstar performer... singing songs such as "Lifetime Party", "Highway In The Sun", and "Gotta Get Away". After a quick equipment and instrument change, the main event arrived: Chicago They sang hits including "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "Old Days", and "You're The Inspiration". Even though they've been touring since 1967 and have had personnel changes, they still sounded fantastic! We had an enjoyable, memorable evening! read more

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First time at this venue and first time attending a concert in Hawaii at all! My favorite DJ Kaskade happened to be having a show while I was on my Honolulu vacation so I obviously had to go! The venue was very cool. With the tickets we got we were able to walk right up to the very front of the stage where it was platformed but could also go back into the further back areas that had grass. It was very open and not crowded so we spent most the time in the very front. After about 30ish Kaskade across the West Coast of the US, this was the first time I was able to see him so up close without paying an arm and leg for extra VIP tickets! The sound and visuals were great and overall a fantastic show! The only con was that getting in/out of the venue with lyfts was a nightmare and the bathroom/bar lines were horrific!! read more

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I almost can't express how grateful I am for the "Shell". I live in the area and am grateful for my closeness. I hear others in the Neiborhood complain re the concert noise level but I am grateful to have this snippet of joyous Hawaiian life in our Hawai'i nei. The food has been better in the past but I am grateful that some sort of food offering is there and the local vendors are fun loving and make the best of "fast food". I remember the last night the Cazimero Brothers played at the Shell. Everyone just stood there in the front and didn't leave. We were all sort of transfixed and couldn't move along. After about 20 years of premium entertainers and Robert and RolandmCazimero performing on clouds on some of tahe most beautiful Hawaiian nights to groups of approximately 10,000, it was truly over... But, I think Robert did perform one night again in particular with his lovely white piano! Robert announced that he is an "activist. We were all mesmerized. I used to check with Tom Moffat if I saw infractions in the neighborhood after a show and he would always put extra police on a trouble spot etc. Now they are all gone... But we are still here not to abuse our privilege to attend a concert at the "Shell" which is not in Waikiki BTW. The end of Waikiki Special District is at the corner of Monsarrat Av and Kalaukaua Av. by the "Wall". The City completed an upgrade of the Shell with new comfortable seats, a slimmer and higher reconfigured "stage" area, etc. and the local security get the long line thru in a hurry! When you go for an evening at the Shell, pls. don't parade back and forth on the WALKWAY in back of the "pool" (front) area and fronting the second set of seats, ESPECIALLY during a live performance! Everyone didn't attend to watch you blurring everyone's view So, the next time you are lucky enough to attend the Shell at night with hopefully a moon, it's beautiful swaying palm trees, stars, and Diamond Head in the background please count your blessings as the "Shell" is one of them! read more

I'm not sure why people give this place a bad review! We always have the best time. The summer concert series from the Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra is so lovely and relaxing. If you are visiting or a local, definitely attend one and support. We enjoyed the Music of Star Wars under the stars. The food is absolutely not great lol but you get what you get if you are hungry and didn't eat before. We had the teppan steak and an ahi poke, both cafeteria like and not worth it. Just make sure you see where the food line starts versus the drink line! The night we came they had two separate lines, they are different vendors it seems. We also watched Jack Johnson here last summer and it was a blast, come and enjoy the evening breeze. When the moon is out it's stunning. read more

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Been here a few times for concerts and the grounds/property is always clean. The restrooms were also clean, but I did go before the concert started. So not sure if they have cleaners working in there throughout the night. There always seems to be a rainbow whenever I'm here. It's a great location, but the parking is challenging. We ended up parking in the neighborhood up the street. So glad I wore sneakers and not heels!! They do a check of your bag at the gate. The website says you can have one bag per person, size limit is 12"x12". No food or drinks allowed past the gate. They had several food trucks. I like to call it carnival food.... Hotdogs, nachos, burgers, boba shakes etc. We found a Filipino Food Truck called The Pearl's LLC. We spent $75 for 3 lunch plates and 2 sodas. The food wasn't great, but we were hangry so it was the only decent meal we could get. I would give that food truck 2 stars. Also the photos of the food look nothing like what you get. We got "catfished" lol read more

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Sometimes you don't realize how great something is until you leave or even try other outdoor venues (like on the Mainland)... Waikiki Shell is as beautiful as it is nostalgic for me. I'd seen a lot of shows here, especially when I lived on island and it was always a good time! Most recently, my husband & I returned to Oahu to catch the Iration and L.A.B. concert here earlier this month, and the whole experience was pretty epic! We're still talking about it and looking back at all the photos/videos we took! Picture an evening in a beautiful outdoor music venue in the middle of a huge park (Kapiolani Park) with a dormant volcano and iconic natural landmark (Diamond Head) as your backdrop, and you're sitting back, relaxing or up on your feet dancing to a live performance by *insert favorite bands or artists here*... Sounds pretty awesome, right? Plus it's walking distance from Waikiki, so you're in the middle of all the nightlife action after the show, or can hit the beach right before! Also a huge shoutout and mahalos to the staff at the Waikiki Shell! Everyone we encountered and talked to from the entrance, security and ushers were so friendly and helpful, truly sharing that Aloha Spirit! Because we had 7th row seats, we were kindly escorted to our seats, which was totally unexpected and so nice (we felt like VIPs lol)! I don't think that's ever happened to us before, and we've been to an obscene amount of concerts! We'll definitely look to return soon and catch another great show at the Shell. read more

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I've been to a few concert venues in Hawaii, but Waikiki Shell is definitely my new favorite of them all! This outdoor spot rocks in acoustics and accessibility, being centrally located and including not only seats, but also a lawn in the back that is more affordable and promotes that community-style concert essence. The food/drink vendors are spot on and security does a great job keeping things in line while ensuring all have a safe and fun experience. I'll definitely be back to attend another concert here! read more

During my recent visit to O'ahu, Rebelution was performing at Waikīkī Shell on Sat, 3/11. Rebelution is a reggae band whose members are fr UCSB. After I gave my cuz my travel dates, he asked me to join him at the concert. He was already going w/ a former classmate fr UH, who was visiting fr AZ. It was easy to get tix via StubHub, and the price was reasonable. The Shell was built in the 1950's, and has approx 2,400 seats, and capacity for 6,000 more on the lawn. The crowd was chill, and everyone was dancing to the mellow music. They had food trucks avail, as well as stands for beer & alcohol. The restrooms were clean and the lines weren't long. Of course there was pakalolo (ganja) in the air, as there would be at any concert in Hawai'i - LOL. If you are in town looking for a chill venue for live music, check the Shell's schedule. It is easy to get to via taxi or rideshare, if you drive parking is free, and the amenities are very good. read more

Waikiki Shell - Rebelution 3/11/23 - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Waikiki shell is an outstanding venu to watch a concert. Especially if the weather is nice and not raining. We had great seats and watched Frankie Valle of the four seasons. At 88 he's to admire. He talked between sets and was clear and great. We enjoyed the venu and of course the concert and songs. To bad most modern artists rely on bad gimmicks to sell themselves vs honest great lyrics and music. No political stuff or things left for the bedroom. Probably his last tour. Parking was doable though we arrived about 2 hours ahead of the show. Plenty of facilities and the seats were ok to sit on. Definitely a great place to go. read more

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Entrance into the Shell was a slow process. The guest before us couldn't find her electronic ticket and the person checking at the gate was trying his hardest to be patient. He finally told her to wait on the side so he could continue letting people in read more

The venue is small enough to make the concert or event intimate and not feel like you are a 100 miles away from the performer. Clean and well maintained. They had several food trucks in the lawn area so I think there was something for everyone. Nice and courteous staff there, very helpful. It is an open air venue so plan for whatever weather you're expecting. Recommend this place. read more

Waikiki Shell - Lauren Daigle concert - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Went to go see Na Leo in concert. Venue was very well organized. The layout allows everyone from every seat/lawn to see the performers equally. The sound isn't too loud and the quality of the sound is excellent. The parking is a little to be desired like most venues. Parking is located near the venue or at the Honolulu Zoo, so it does involve some walking if you don't get there early. Would definitely go back to an event at this venue. read more

I went to a cave concert with my partner, and this is a review of the facility not the concert. I think the show itself creates a very good stage for musicians to perform on the acoustics were above average to excellent. The view of diamond head on the side is beautiful and may even create an theater effect for the sound. . And treated the concert was relatively easy. The bathrooms are a bit below standard, but I'm OK with that. There were food trucks in the back. Some of the food trucks have noisy generators. They should not be allowed to operate. We could hear the generators when we were sitting on the wall overall I would say it's a good place to see a concert. Parking is limited but public transportation and taxis are. read more

Cyndy's Bottom Line: A wonderful hula show reminiscent of the nostalgic Kodak Hula Show. The Kilohana Hula Show (KHS) is presented by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. The KHS is modern reimagining of the classic hula shows of Waikīkī bringing authentic Hawaiian hula and culture for visitors and kama'āina to experience. KHS pays homage to King David Kalakaua who dedicated the public space around the Waikiki Shell to his beloved wife Queen Kapiolani. The show is decorated with more than 150 potted Native Hawaiian plants surrounding the amphitheater to educate attendees about the importance of the endemic natural species in Hawaii. The FREE show takes place every Sunday through Thursday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater. Highly recommend. read more

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Memories made here at the Waikiki Shell. My first time visiting, I had just finished running the Honolulu Marathon. The following year, I attended PRIDE. Next, Was able to treat my besties to a Kolohe Kai concert and had a blast. The Waikiki Shell reminds me of a mini a Hollywood Bowl, but on a more intimate level. Most of the food selection are limited and few, but security and the staff are always so helpful and friendly :) Excited for the next event that I attend at the Waikiki Shell. read more

Waikiki Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Always try to go to K-LOVE concerts held here. Amazing music and worship!! Just wish they would let you bring the beach chairs that are only 3-4" off the ground, but nope. read more

Smokey Robinson at the Waikiki Shell - great Saturday- cool breeze and no rain. I found street parking on Monsarrat Avenue which is about 3 blockks away from the Waikiki Shell. There were sooo many people. Yes - so glad to be at an outdoor event. I bought a large lemonade with li hing mui flavoring. There were no souvenirs available- I really wanted a Smokey tee. He sang many of his signature songs with his usual flair that reminded me of when I saw him on a Las Vegas stage. The crowd was singing along and we all had a great time. All of a sudden, Smokey said , thank you and gd night and left the stage. There was no encore. The concert was less than 2 hours. The facilities at the Waikiki Shell is basic with hard chairs and ancient rock structure bathrooms. Serves the purpose of holding concerts in an outdoor setting. It's not glamorous but the artists which perform there usually joke that its funny to be in a clam shell read more

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I enjoyed my second Jack Johnson concert on the lawn and it was fun. The only complaints about going to this venue is finding parking. It was crazy but we found some parking in a nice neighborhood. Lucky. Once in, we grabbed our big sheet and sat down until it was time to listen to the music. The restrooms are great and clean. The smell of pot wasn't too much but it was still pretty strong all around. However there were no complications, nobody got into fights even with alcohol being served and the concert was fantastic. Loved it all! read more

This is an amazing spot for a concert! So close to Waikiki beach so we just parked near the beach & walked across the field and into the Shell. Attendants walked us to our row (#'s on the chair sides). They sell drinks (alcohol too), snacks, bathrooms on both sides, and the seats are comfortable! Even the grassy area looked cozy (bring a blanket/chair) & maybe binoculars lol. I would definitely come back here for future concerts. read more

We're kama'aina who just attended the Waikiki Shell's new Kilohana Hula Show with our out-of-town guests. The production was very professional and engaging. Clearly an homage to the Kodak Hula Show that was in the same space 20 years ago, but with enough energy to make it appealing to younger audiences. We had a lot of fun. Our guests had an enjoyable and educational experience, and said it helped make this visit to Honolulu their best one yet. read more

Waikiki Shell - Hula featuring split bamboo during the Kilohana Hula Show at Waikiki Shell, 3/5/2025 - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

5 stars for the venue itself. When it's a beautiful night, the lawn seating is magical. Something needs to be done about the long lines, getting into Yo-Yo Ma was crazy! If they didn't need to check bags we would've gotten in super fast. Either allow bags or don't allow bags, that way everyone can get in quickly and not miss the whole concert. Chairs not allowed, just back rests. No food, drinks allowed. Concession stands there but the food is meh. read more

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The Waikiki Shell is the perfect place for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra to perform "The Planets", since we were under the stars. It was a lovely concert and the audience really enjoyed every minute of it. read more

Waikiki Shell - Waikiki Shell, with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Waikiki Shell is my new favorite outdoor concert venue. I see lots of reviews complaining about the line to enter and parking. I got there late and parking was full so I drove around and found street parking a few blocks away. After a short walk through a residential neighborhood (4-5 blocks) we found a long line to enter. An usher came by and told us they were opening another line so we were in after about a 5 minute wait, Once inside, the lines for food were pretty quick and we made our way to our seats. Another usher asked if we knew where our seats were then walked us over to them without us even asking. I'm used to this in theaters but not outdoor venues. Im not local, so this was my first time but I worried getting there late, parking would be impossible but compared to venues in California, the long walk to park was not very long (I've walked further in the venue parking lot), the entry was very easy and quick, and the staff were super friendly. Oh, also the sound was clear and loud (I brought and used earplugs but mostly to drown out people screaming). Sound system was great, easy to see the stage from where we sat with good sight lines. Brought a sweatshirt in case it got cold but didn't use it because it was a nice night out. Oh, also the crowd there was hyped up for the concert but still very friendly and mellow. If there's another concert, I will make a trip to see it at this venue. read more

Waikiki Shell - Section DD1, row 4, seat 11 (outside aisle seat). - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

What a fantastic venue! This was our first time here and we saw the Doobie Brothers. The lines to get in and out moved quickly. Parking was the only thing that was a bit challenging, so we parked at the Zoo and walked. While we had great (and pricey) seats, we enjoyed hanging with our friends on the lawn more. read more

Waikiki Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I have gone, it's an absolutely beautiful outdoor arena! Performed there during when I was young. I've always loved the May Day concerts, many local Hawaiian performers. Also, been there for the Kathy Griffin comedy show~great venue for all kinds of entertainment‼ read more

Went to the Jack Johnson concert. I was so impressed by the helpfulness of two on the ushers. They were so attentive in assisting my elderly mother to the ADA section of the seating area Security was also very good about moving people away from the walkway when people stood in front of the screen so that we could enjoy the concert. Awesome job! read more

Attended the YoYo Ma concert last night which was marvelous. What was NOT marvelous was the Shell's management who handled the ticketholders' entry so badly that well over a 1000 people did not get in for over a half hour or more. All because they checked bags so as to confiscate outside food & drink, even EMPTY water bottles. Hundreds of people were deprived of hearing the whole concert so that management could protect the concessions' business. Disgusting. Management only opened the entry lines about 70 minutes before the concert started -- way too little time to allow so many people already in line to make it to their seats, no matter where they were. If the Shell management insists on this treatment of patrons, they need to open the venue at least 2-3 hours before the show to allow everyone to get in before the show starts. read more

The Shell is an institution in Waikiki for concerts and live shows. However, parking is a nightmare when anything is occurring there. The facilities themselves are well kept and clean. The lawn was in good shape. The restrooms were surprisingly clean and stocked. It seemed well staffed. I was there for the Lana Del Rey concert 4/28/18. Their sales tent of merchandise was majorly blocking ingress to the restrooms and lawn area upon arrival.... fire hazard style blocking. And upon exit, it was surprisingly still there and also very much still blocking egress to patrons trying to get back to the parking lot. This would have killed many people had there been any sort of emergency where people had to make a fast exit. It halted leaving the lawn area and people were cutting around and over the landscaping because movement was so jammed up. This should be addressed by the Shell administration. read more

The Yo-Yo Ma concert was not the most organized concert! We were stuck in traffic for 20 minutes trying to inch out way into the parking lot. We stood in line for 15 minutes and it was 45 minutes after the concert started! They were no signs or employees showing us where the lines to the entrance was. The concert with Yo-Yo Ma was amazing. But I must say the hula dancers/chants and poets did not seem to mesh with the overall mood abd tone. Come on management from the city and county- please plan and improve the quality of the service abd please don't disappoint the paying public!!!! read more

Peoples blankets overlap in to your stuff. People are rude don't say excuse me. People stand up and dance so when the concert begins there is no sitting at all or you cannot see. . The big screens are really little hard to read from the lawn area. Way to many people in the lawn I wasted my money on this concert would never go back to this artist or the shell. Very disappointed. read more

I see myself as a child with the salt air in my face, sitting in my daddy's car listening to Olomana. Kuu home o Kahaluu sung by Jerry Santos always makes me think of my dad, warm afternoons, the smell of the ocean and being together with him. Music brings back so many memories of those days. The Henry Kapono concert tonight to benefit his foundation was just truly mind blowing. So good. SO much talent on one stage. My faves--Kalapana, Amy Hanaialii Gilliom whew! she is captivating on stage, Jerry Santos of Olomana, Josh Tatofi -voice like liquid buttah, Kalani Pe'a, Paula Fuga, Keola Beamer and Mr. Sun Cho Lee got plenty lychee..... So many good happy memories. Should've brought an umbrella! Still sucks when it rains! Parking is still tough. But can't beat the Waikiki Shell on a warm summer night under the stars with good music "....It's been a good time together...and the best is yet to come". read more

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Waikiki Shell's open air venue is my favorite, if the rain and the heat of the afternoon sun doesn't spoil the fun that is. Although I've only been to the Shell once which was to see SOJA this past weekend, I thoroughly enjoyed the lawn seating option. When the main act of the night came out on stage, crowds started to form at the barriers, forcing my significant other & I to sit further back of the lawn with our handy multifunctional jacket (we didn't know we could bring blankets.) Nevertheless, the superb sound quality made up for not being able to see the sweat drip down Jacob Hemphill's face, but no matter how far back we sat, his voice was easily soothing.   There's band merchandise, pricey food, organic smoothies & multiple alcohol tents to satisfy the crowds. As for parking, I didn't bother with venue parking. I tried my luck at the Honolulu Zoo parking lot.   I would definitely come back again & buy assigned seat tickets so I can jump on stage more easily if the band permits. read more

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There is virtually no parking for many blocks or miles of walking. After a performance walking is in the extreme darkness and on uneven terrain. The city has ignored this important need for decades and is a disgrace as it is detrimental and a disservice to performers and ticket payers. read more

Attended the Pearl City class of 2022 high school graduation last night at the Waikiki Shell. Parking was horrendous even if we had an early start. HPD was ticketing vehicles not parked in a marked stall. No organization what so ever as where the graduates were to be lei'd. Seems like lei-ing was in the parking lot. No letters to signify graduates last name. Very chaotic and unorganized event for post graduation ceremony. Saw parents and family going back to the car to get their leis, signs, etc and was not let back into the gate so lei-ing was pretty much done at the parking lot. Sad for the guests, family and friends. Event workers didn't seem to know what they were doing, manning, or any information. Hopefully in the future they will plan or organize better. read more