Honolulu African-American Film Festival #HOMA February 15 - March 1, 2026 Honolulu Museum of Art #The Inquisitor Attended the Friday evening showing of an absolutely dynamic documentary about a woman who became the first African American senator in in Texas' Senate since the end of Reconstruction in 1883. In 1972 she became the first Southern Black woman to join Congress. Her strength were her words, and she knew the Constitution inside and out. To quote Beth Accomando's review about Jordan's speech during the Nixon impeachment, she quoted: "My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution." We really need our present members of Congress to speak so passionately and forcefully to show their respect for the Constitution. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - Poster advertising this must see documentary - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu African-American Film Festival #HOMA February 15 - March Honolulu Museum of Art On the first day of the festival, they honored The famous black Author,"Toni Morrison" a Noble prize winner. The evening started with live music, soul food, A few readings from Toni Morrison books/speeches. And then we watch the Toni Morrison documentary movie. The Documentary was beautifully put together, honoring this beautiful black women and mother who was an important black writer. She wrote to us in for us, including Our love, our history, our pain or sorrow in all of her books. And it made me want to read her books again. #Honorningblackauthors #Honoringblackwomen #blackwomen #blackisBeautiful #ToniMorrison #Honolulumuseum #Honolulu #hawaii #blackamerican #blackhistory #blackAuthor#filmfestival #blackwriter #Editor#africanamericanfilmfestivalHonolulu #blackhawaii #blacksinhawaii #blackfilms #blackhistorymonth #blacksisters #oahu #oahuhawaii #oahulife #istandwithblackwomen #blacksunite #blackoahu #africanamericansinhawaii #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonthhonoulu read more

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Terrific boutique theatre that plays non mainstream independent and foreign films. They also host events for local filmmakers and many local filmmakers will rent out this venue to showcase their work. The theatre itself is below ground and so you can forget about using your phone during a performance or event. They keep it very clean and well maintained. The seats are comfortable and in very good condition. Parking can be a little dicy. There's metered parking along Kinau and Victoria St. After 6 pm you can park for free and there's also free parking on the right side of Beretania St after 6 pm. You enter the theatre on the Kinau St side. Look for events there and support the local filmmakers. read more

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Went to Doris Duke for the first time to check out The Holy Mountain. Arrived right at the start of the film. Sound is great, aesthetics were great. The film tho, well, watch the trailer, which ever trailer you can find, and you'll get that in spades. Great place for art house, underground type films. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First time visiting this venue and it looks well maintained. No musty odors or peeling paint. Carpet looks new. Its located in the basement so there are stairs and an elevator. Outside is a ramp for wheelchairs. The entrance is on the Kina St side. Don't go through Art Academy main entrance doors as theater is on campus, but not connected to the Academy. What brought me here was the JOAN JETT biography movie. Just wanted to comment that she is a super-she and that the movie had great light hearted fun moments. There are a variety of movies from all genres and from around the world. Its up to you to look up their schedules because there doesn't seem much advertisements. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - ie. SUPER SHE - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I'm happy they offer foreign/independent films. The Bollywood festival is always fun! The theater is clean & well maintained with a comfortable, not too freezing, temperature. The seats are comfortable although too bad they are not stadium style for a shorty like me. Maybe I should invent an adult booster seat, lol! read more

What a pleasant surprise! This was our first time visiting the Doris Duke Theatre, attending an AARP Movie for Adults. The seating was great, it's a little smaller and more intimate than your average theater. The restrooms are sufficient and close by. I think under normal circumstances they have a snack shop area which is convenient. We had to park a little down the road per the instructions, but it wasn't too far of a walk and the parking was free. I'm excited to return to the Doris Duke Theatre. read more

Really nice theatre run by a fabulous museum! I would highly recommend visiting the Honolulu Museum of Arts and Culture any day!

You absolutely must become a member of the Honolulu Museum of Art! The benefits are endless. All year there are awesome events at the museum as well as the Doris Duke Theatre. Membership gives you a discount on your ticket. Film festivals are held throughout the year. We have attended some great autobiographical films here. Belly dancing and burlesque are also featured in annual shows with pre-show entertainment and drinks. Bring cash for the treats inside: chips, hot tea, ginger beer, red vines. Every time is a great time!! read more

As an attendee, I enjoy the Doris Duke Theatre. There is no need for binoculars or stress about front-row seating. In this intimate theatre, every seat is a good seat unless the performers lie down on the stage. So if you are there to see a show involving copious amounts of bodies-on-ground action, like a show about sleeping at camp, aim for the first few rows. I like their offerings and promotion of unusual films and performing arts to expand the mind. It's an interesting, artsy little place, logical as it is housed in an art museum. As for performing, not my favorite. The stage is not a large one. During my last performance, a back roll (that only the first few rows could see) resulted in my high-heeled right leg dangling sadly off the stage. Fortunately, I was able to prevent my entire body from inadvertently exiting the performance space, but having one's foot offstage mid-performance is discombobulating. A lack of wings and presence of one tiny little dressing room also makes for a lot of waiting-in-the-narrow-stairwell, which is not the ideal place to keep one's body warm. In conclusion, it is better to be a spectator than a performer in this particular venue. So try your best to only spectate. Though if you do perform it's really not that bad. I've had worse. read more

Went to see the movie Harriet at the Doris Duke Theatre. Movie was great but it felt like the a/c went off during the movie and it got kinda warm. Think they turned the a/c back on at the end. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - Card from AARP - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Doris Duke Theatre is located in the basement of the Honolulu Museum of Art and is a must-stop cultural stop for tourists and locals alike in the city. The entrance is opposite the main entrance to the museum and doesn't look like much if you aren't actively seeking it out. The box office is just a small desk, with friendly employees. At the bottom of the stairs is a small concessions stand with coffee, candy, and other snacks for movies. The main theatre is moderately sized, maybe for 200 people. There is a small stage for live performances and screen for movies. My first time here I saw the 2015 Oscar Nominated Short Films and loved the whole experience. It's easy to see from many seats. The restrooms are easily accessible during shows; and however dated, are very clean. The theatre is cozy, kept a nice temperature and very clean. Take a look at their website for upcoming shows and special engagements. Definitely join the museum! You get discounted tickets. read more

Wow! What a treat! I had no idea this place existed. What an intimate venue. I love that feeling. The seating is comfortable, the refreshments are not wallet-gouging, and hey! You can drink alcohol in the theater! This setting was perfect for the 3rd Sketch Comedy show. Parking was a breeze on Young street (we came late and all parking on Kinau was taken). And if you don't know it is on Kinau Street, I don't think you can get in through the museum of Art. As long as you don't mind some (a few flights) of stairs, this is a nice experience that shouldn't be missed should the chance arise. I look forward to the next opportunity to attend an event! read more

Cozy little art house screening room backside of the Museum of Art. Attended 6th annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival and this was a natural for this venue.. until they build out Kaka'ako beach park by the sea. The objective of the Doris Duke Theatre is to showcase small films, artists and directors in film. With state of the art projection and Sony Sound with comfy seats you could sleep in.. but should give away popcorn. With the advent of social media need for mobile programming independent film makers will be making full length films on their Macs. Digital artists can shoot, edit, title, score their own films and create channels on Youtube and use this kind of theatre to present and promote socially. it is a nature step for art and filmed entertainment to accept its role in the world to change peoples perception by sharing ones vision.. and impact lives around the world to live in first and formost in peace. A film like this does not get made in Bali at Uluwatu without peace. It was a surf film with long drawn out rides.. from a few nice places in South Pacific. Could have shown more of the food on Bali.. where was the water camera for underwater shots.. the music was indulgent and should have been more gamalan when in Bali .. why no visit temples.. Ubud.. other things than just riding the same wave all day.. can pay those kids $2 day. Did not talk about Jimbaron or nightclub bombing that killed many Aussies.. needed better use of music and editing to reflect surfing on mushrooms. I would suggest that one of the sponsors.. like Whole Foods takes a step further and sponsor a series.. like no GMO and then make their now famous $3 vegan tacos or vegan Pizza but have a $3 wine bar pre and post presentations. So people can mingle and talk film. What is wrong with using one of the outside courtyards in the Museum. Whole Foods will promote both in store and via social media. Need to have drinks before and after each event can make $5 a drink "donation". Meet and greets with the directors and also opportunity to mingle with others who like the Doris Duke. People want to socialize in an era of virtual connectivity and talking about film and having a few drinks without having to look for their cars and drive to a bar... IF during Dance week there should be films about dance.. and then theme dance nights in the courtyard of the museum to raise funds for the theatre... Disco film.. Disco.. ballroom, Country, Trance and the DJ's now are hitting the Goa trance and Bollywood dances a civilized way to enjoy a night at the Museum. read more

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The Doris Duke Theater is a small auditorium under the Honolulu Museum of Art. They specialize in art-house films and generally organize films into weekly collections. This week was dance, next week will be zombies, and the week after will include social justice. Movie schedules are listed on the museum website. I've never been in an audience of more than 25 people, and that audience included six of my own friends. That was for the film "Being Elmo," which was truly a joy to watch. The smallest group I've been in was all of four people, only one of whom had not arrived in my car. That was during a week of movies about the Blues, so we were not surprised to have the place to ourselves. The theater is also used for live music events from time to time and for panel discussions of the films they show. Ticket prices currently are eight dollars for members, and ten dollars for nonmembers. There's no concession stand just a quiet appreciation of the art of film. Show time is generally 1pm. There is metered parking just outside on Kinau Street. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Excellent place to enjoy a quiet evening with an affluent crowd. They are currently featuring Ballet shows, filmed in High Definition with an outstanding sound system. In some ways, this beats watching a live performance, since the cameras can zoom in and out, providing multiple perspectives of the dance. The ticket office is street level (off of Kinau Street), but the theater is a short walk downstairs. The theater is well maintained, despite being a part of an "older" building. Comfortable seating, clean, and all seats provided great viewing of the large screen. I also loved the fact that the restrooms were located right outside of the theater, and were also well maintained. There is no concession stand, and food and drinks are not allowed in the theater, so be sure to grab something to eat before the movie. Based on the condition of the place, they should continue this policy of no food and drink. We were treated to the highly viewed documentary, "First Position", which is documents the journey of several upcoming ballet youth performers in events leading up to the Ballet Grand Prix in New York City. This was comparable to the world championships for the most talented ballet dancers in the world. The top ballet artists were competing for scholarships to prestigious ballet schools, as well as professional contracts to the older dancers. This movie shares both the highs and lows of several world class ballet performers. I gained a new respect for the countless hours, injuries, and athleticism of these talented dancers. We loved every moment of this well coordinated documentary. 31 YELPS REVIEW CHALLENGE #20/31 read more

Nice small theatre located on the back side of the Honolulu Museum of Art (Kinau street). You can buy your tickets there or online. Their website is also very helpful in letting you know details such as parking. https://honolulumuseum.org/373-doris_duke_theatre About the venue: -Entrance is on Kinau St -No outside food allowed (but they have small concession like snacks and drinks) -Theater doesn't have much of a slant so if you are short (like me 4'11" inches) and if someone tall is in front your view is blocked. The style of the theater reminds like a lecture room at the University -No cupholders in seat -Bathroom inside the theater Other things to know: -If you are Honolulu Museum of Art member you get discounted rate (just log in on website to buy tickets..I was also able to buy member rate for my friend.. they didn't check ID at the box office) -I like being a member because I can go to the Museum of Art and Spalding House and its great if you go to the Art After Dark events -Matinee Rewards Card - don't forget if u watch -Matinee to request a card (buy 3 get one free for next show). They don't automatically give it to you. Got to ask. read more

Doris Duke Theatre - Picture of entrance on Kinau Street - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The only time I come to this theatre is to attend the Bollywood Film Festival, which happens once a year. So yes I do make an annual trek here and this review is based on my rare times I attend this theatre. The employees are nice and the theatre is clean. Parking kind of sucks in this area: there is street parking and they do have a parking lot 2 blocks away but forget that if you are going at night because it's in a shady area and it's not properly lite. My only grip is that the layout of the seating for movie time here. If you are showing foreign films (point in case is the bollywood film festival) where you know there are subtitles shown on the BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN why have the seating on relatively flat ground? (This is frustrating reading the subtitles if you have people sitting directly in front of you (regardless if they are tall or not), I am constantly leaning to the left and right to read the whole sentence. I know the theatre is not entirely at fault when this place was built, as I don't think it was intended for this sole purpose but must move with the times. It would be great if the seating area was done in stadium seating capacity. The upside this year for the bollywood film festival is now there is a concession stand on the bottom floor right before you enter the theatre. Coffee, cold drinks and snacks are served at a price. And you get to eat and drink in the theatre. Yay! read more

Looking for something to feed that artful soul in you? Or perhaps you're tired of going to the same place every weekend. Perhaps you're wanting to add a little twist into your free time and watching a nice Bollywood film or an independent film is more educational to your well being? I was happy to have purchased tickets for my very first Bollywood film festival at the Doris Duke theatre in Hawaii. Entrance to the Doris Duke Theatre is on Kinau St. (behind The Honolulu Museum of Art). An attendant had stated that the Doris Duke Theatre is a great addition to The Honolulu Museum of Art ohana nearly 25 years ago. The theatre use to be an additional gallery to The Honolulu Museum of Art prior to finally deciding that a 280 seat theatre would be a fundamental idea for many like you and I to enjoy countless independent films, international films, performances, concerts and lectures. The theatre is spacious and comfortable with navy blue cushioned seats in a non-stadium setting. If you're short like me, you might want to consider sitting on the sides of each aisle or bring a high chair. I'm kidding, but in all seriousness, you do want to prevent sitting at the center. You can either purchase tickets at the box office or online. I like my seats guaranteed and my tickets already in hand before any event. Thankfully, the tickets are easily purchased through https://honolulumuseum.org site. Museum movie tickets range from $10-$15, depending if you're a member. Since my companion and I frequent attending innumerable events at The Honolulu Museum of Art, we paid the $25 for a year membership for it's many perks like discounts on movie tickets and much more (https://honolulumuseum.org/316-general_membership). Should you want to bring your keiki, children age 17 and under get FREE admission to films and concerts. The concession stand is present immediately before entering the theatre room. Candy, nuts and drinks/alcoholic beverages are readily available for purchase. With that said, bring cash just incase they will not take your card. On another note their lavatories are immensely clean. We've enjoyed many Bollywood films at this theatre and they get pretty full. Recently, we enjoyed seeing a performance by Lopaka Kapanui of The Haunting of Nalani. We enjoyed getting our feet wet in seeing our first performance at this theatre. I love ghost stories and I am easily scared by anything. This set forth a nice beginning to the Halloween spirit. I highly recommend the Doris Duke Theatre for everyone. Since everyone questions parking the most. Let me give this to you verbatim from their website. * For weekday matinees, you may park in the lot behind the Honolulu Museum of Art School (1111 Victoria St., entrances on makai side of Beretania and Young streets) for $5 for up to five hours and $2 for each additional 30 minutes or fraction thereof. * For evening screenings, you can park free at the museum's lot at 1035 Kinau St., Diamond Head of Victoria Street. * Handicapped parking is available in the small Luce Pavilion lot on Victoria Street. Patrons using handicapped stalls should proceed to the main entrance on Kinau Street. For my review of The Honolulu Museum of Art: https://www.yelp.com/biz/honolulu-museum-of-art-honolulu-2?hrid=lGcpaMKsiqIxOhTIrcMfjg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) read more

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Wonderful legacy for the old girl Doris Duke. I think they need enhance the experience and sell wine and beer before events and have a little social space for discussing films and meeting nice people who support the film series. It's nice theatre I like the small aisle on edge of seats you know against the wall... for safety and comfort getting in and out. Yeah make a small cafe Bring your own wine and have pot luck in courtyard after read more

Doris Duke Theater reminds me so much of the small intimate theaters that I truly enjoyed visiting while I studied in Austria. Movie price tickets seem to be in the $8-10 range. There are flyers and different info pages about upcoming events. It is small compared to Dole or Ward stadium seating. But it really would not carry sound as well if it were huge. It is a small moderate theater meant for multipurpose not just film. there is a small stage that has just 1 real step to get up onto the stage. The seats are just normal small theater seats. Stay thin or there are normal chairs on the far wings sides that could be for plus size people. Otherwise - it could be uncomfortable. There are foreign films shown here often, German and French seem to be popular- some Asian films have been here. There are some film/ theater lectures here too. HIFF presented a few presentations events there too. No food in the theater- so be ready with a full tummy so that you don't appear grouse or anything. There is BK and McD if nothing else. If the Art Museum is still open they have a small café, but try to eat and drink beforehand. read more

The Doris Duke Theatre is a cinephiles delight and a much needed venue in Honolulu to watch foreign, independent, and arthouse cinema. Even in the age of Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon Prime, you can often screen hard to find documentaries and narratives at the DDT. Recently they have upgraded their projection system and installed a Barco DCP projector. Okay, Ill say it in standard English: their new projector is basically a step up into the modern age of digital theatrical projection. The theater is cozy and seats a little under 300 people and they now have a snack bar as well (cash only). Because the location of the DDT is underground, its also a dead zone for cell phones.. which I kind of like actually. Tickets can be ordered online or at the box office and if you join the Honolulu Museum of Art, youll get a discount. The coolest thing about the Doris Duke Theatre is that they have been supporters of many of the smaller niche film festivals in Hawaii. These include the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Ohina Short Film Showcase (local Hawaii filmmakers showcase), the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, the Jewish Film Festival, the Filipino Film Festival, and an upcoming workshop and screening by the Sundance Institute. Perhaps I will see you there in the dark! read more

Location: Behind the Honolulu Museum of Art (the back side of the museum). Parking: There's street parking nearby and parking at the Honolulu Museum of Art School for $5. Price: I believe children under the age of 18 years old gets in free. Honolulu Museum of Art members pay $8 while non-members pay $10. Staff members that work at the museum gets in free. They also show films sometimes for the Family Sunday at the Honolulu Museum of Art for free if you want to watch movies with your kids. The Family Sunday at the Honolulu Museum of Art is basically free admission to both the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Spalding House which occurs every third Sunday of each month. Film Review: I watched 3 movies there and it was pretty decent. They have quite a lot of seating, a huge screen and awesome speakers. They also sell snacks and drinks too at their concession stand. I really like how they have foreign films or film festivals. Like they showed Attack on Titan: Live Action (Part 1 and 2), a Surf Film Festival, and Korean film festival. Coming up, they have a Japanese film festival with anime and drama-like films starting October 1st. I recently went to the movie, Train to Busan which was a part of their Korean Film Festival and it was awesome. I truly recommend watching the films because it supports the Honolulu Museum of Art and their amazing programs. read more

I recently spent the last week here volunteering for the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (HRFF24). I cant believe its the 24th year. Let me say the staff at the Honolulu Museum of Art as well as the Doris Duke Theater were OUTSTANDING. I don't remember interacting with them very much in past years, but this year Abbie and Taylour were super and really took the time to interact with the volunteers, HRFF staff, and were accommodating and made sure to check in with us during our events. The theatre is a dead zone for cell phone reception and can be very chilly, but the fact that it is downstairs really helps to cut out the noise from upstairs. I believe the theatre seats approximately 300 people. The seats are comfortable, sound is great, and you can see great from all seats in the theatre except a few that are along the wall on the left side, but its easy enough to adjust. The projectionist are pleasant and quick to solve any issues that may arise. This is a great venue, and I look forward to many future events that may be part of HRFF or the Doris Duke Theatre. read more

I never knew there was a theatre here til I attended the Hawaii screening of Hafu! It's such a cozy theatre, perfect for watching non-mainstream movies. I love it. They even have a small snack shop where you can buy snacks to eat during the show! You can enter from Kinau street! read more

I have been to the Doris Duke Theatre (at the Honolulu Museum of Art) for many events, including movie screenings and musical programs. It's a great little theatre - intimate but not crowded, with friendly staff and comfortable accommodations. If you're interested in independent or foreign films especially you should definitely check it out! Also, check the schedule on the website regularly if that's your type of thing - usually each show is only shown a few times. I've definitely had the experience where I go to check out a movie here and realize that another one I would've loved to see was there the week before and I hadn't know. Learn from my mistakes! :) read more

GREAT venue for showcasing art house type of films, documentaries and the like. Clean facilities. Check recent showings online. Sign up for email updates when a new film series opens. Venue is also used to hold special event screenings as well which can be pretty posh too so make sure you dress appropriately. On the flip side, during Bank of Hawaii's Family Free Sundays, the theater is open and showcases theme-based and age appropriate films. FYI-you won't find concession stands with hot dogs, nachos and popcorn. No eating inside the theater. Hard to find public street parking but just in case, don't forget to bring loose change unless it's after hours and off days then its free. Otherwise you can find paid public parking lot across off Victoria Street, on Young Street behind The Academy of Arts Center (at Linekona). read more

I watched Twenty Feet from Stardom last night at The Doris Duke. It was a fabulously fantastic documentary about background singers such as Darlene Love, Lisa Frasier, and Judith Hill (before The Voice) and that huge chasm that exists between the chorus and headliner. It conveyed some of the very rich history of American music since the 60's and was inspirational for anyone who has a dream. They highlighted the only reason I survived going to church, the music! The movie gave me numerous chicken skin moments with the incredible voices and harmonies. Watching former gospel singers rock out with top rockers (Rolling Stones, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, joe Cocker, David Bowie), in the world was awesome!!! The last showing is today at The Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Museum (formally the Academy of Arts). I hope you check out all of the amazing films they have to offer. From the fliers I saw last night there are some more great film coming up! read more

So many positive reviews. All justly deserved and well written. Truly the nicest and most pleasant venue to view non mainstream films. My favorite are the Bollywood series. But, I enjoy all films presented. When a food/beverage event is scheduled before a film viewing, it is always a nice event to attend. Well worth your time and money. Truly out of the ordinary, as at times you can experience exotic cuisine, like the Spanish tapas/essence themed dinner tasting with appropriate wine. There is no way you could experience such cuisine, tapas and tastes at Honolulu quality restaurants. It would be a trip if management hired worthy Asian restaurants to present their cuisine before perhaps Chinese, Japanese , Korean , Thai movies. Yeah, you would not please everyone, but I most certainly would attend for the food and flick. read more

A five minute walk downhill from my place to watch the latest independent/foreign movies? Yes, please. I've always known about the Honolulu Museum of Art (formerly the Honolulu Academy of Arts). But finding this cute, little theater was such a delight. The curated films run the gamut from from Bollywood to Bill Cunningham New York that you likely won't find at other theaters. If you're looking for something different from the usual blockbuster, come check out the selections here. They have a few small snacks available for purchase in the lobby so if you need something more substantive, make sure you grab a meal before coming. PS Check Groupon for the $10 deal for two! read more

I'm a huge fan of Doris Duke Theatre: from their curated film offerings and friendly staff, to the no-fuss, no-rush atmosphere (barring opening night of a film festival). I love seeing films I otherwise would never have heard of! (Which is pretty much everything on tap.) The prices are on par than regular theaters -- better, if you are a museum member or purchase the occasional group deal. Eat beforehand or afterward, as the concession sells mostly candy and drinks (cola, tea, coffee). We usually find street parking on Beretania, which is a short walk away. My husband and I often joke about our quasi-classy geriatric tastes, but the bourgie heart wants what the bourgie heart wants, and Doris Duke Theatre delivers. read more

I"ve been to many an art cinema... I've been watching the selections here for months and this place is a-ok. The "festivals" (film groupings) here are cultural and topical. The BAD: The selections here are definitely not as consistently awesome as some art cinemas'. The theatre is small (and flat, with a low screen). I'd love to see more French films (good ones), Korean and Chinese films, etc. Maybe some fun films... THE GOOD: There Asian "festivals" here are often great! The French selections--not so much. I can easily imagine introducing a newbie friend to cinema here and leaving quite embarrassed (and exhausted).. So I'd research any films beforehand. There is a nice selection of candy and chips, etc. read more

I'll come right out and say that before I went to see the screening of Chasing Ice at the Doris Duke Theater, I didn't know what to expect. Admittedly, my expectations were actually fairly low since I figured that because it's attached to a museum that shows mostly documentaries, indie & art-house films, that it wouldn't be spectacular. Don't get me wrong however, the venue is well suited for the types of films that are screened here so don't go in expecting an awesome & mind-blowing sound system with a screen showing crystal clear images. This isn't Regal Dole Cannery or Ward Theaters, but as mentioned earlier, this isn't the venue for those types of films that are about spectacle of the blockbuster nature. This isn't to say that the Doris Duke Theater isn't nice because it is. The seats are fairly new, the carpet is clean and the overall area is well kept. The screen & projection system do their job well too, so you won't have to worry about coming here and worrying that your eyes will bleed from a poorly projected film/video. As far as I can remember though, I've only seen one film here and I'm pretty impressed. Now that I know they play a wide variety of documentaries, art-house & indie films, I'll keep an eye on their schedule that is posted on their site in case something interesting comes around that I want to see. You should check it out too for an enlightening & entertaining experience beyond the usual mindless Hollywood blockbusters... Prepare for your mind to be engaged! read more

I came to this location for a Filipino Film Festival about two years ago. Was a little intimidated by the entrance as it was in the back of the Honolulu Academy of Arts. When I went down the stairs to the actual theater, I felt pretty excited about the space! It's relatively small compared to other theaters, almost like watching a movie in a university class of about 300. I'm sure this is more for the documentaries, indie films, and other such things. I was amazed at how they utilized the building to even fit something like this (and this is coming from someone who used to set his sights on architecture, what do I know) The movie ended up having a funky plot line, but that doesn't hinder the fact that I'd like to come here again to watch more! Tip: Hole-in-the-wall kind of deal. Street parking is available, and the entrance is right next to the road. read more

I'd say the theater itself is small and not really anything special but the stuff working there was so helpful so I'd like to give them 5 star!!! l. I went to a Cello recital on 11/18 which was really good and right before I get into the entrance I fell down the stairs..... I scratched my knee, leg and fingers and broke my IPhone screen :( It was bleeding badly and so painful but the 2 nice gentlemen helped me a lot. I believe their name was William and Conner and they gave me First Aid and helped me so good with the encouragement to deal with the pain when I clean the bleeding area. Thank you, William and Conner!!! I will be back for sure :) read more

I Love that theatre: It is the secret spot to go.If you do things that not everybody else does, go and enjoy that amazing entertainment and the unique feeling. Doris Duke is comparable small and has a very family like atmosphere. It makes you feel special when you visit. They have film festivals on a regular basis like the upcoming Jewish film festival and the recent African American film festival which got my attention. I watched the documentary "Elevation",a very sweet, entertaining and reality based sports documentary, even a guest speaker introduction was provided. Thumbs up! read more

The Doris Duke Theatre is part of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, but they're located behind the building with its own entrance. I went to watch the Bollywood Film Festival and had a great time, excellent selections of film, lots of seating, and even food/drinks on special opening and closing nights. Parking was easy as they have ample daytime parking for $3 every four hours w/ validation or free evenings and weekend parking at 1035 Kinau Street lot. Handicapped parking is available in the Luce Pavilion lot on Victoria Street. Check the website often as they constantly update their films and performances listing. If you're a Academy member, the movies are just $5, that's a great deal compared to the $10+ at the regular theatre. This is a great place to become educated, appreciative of culture and art. read more

What is there not to love about this theatre!? I have been here for a small handful of awesome international film screening, each time I had a great experience. Despite the lack of phone service available in the underground theater, it shouldn't matter because you'll get to live in the moment and soak up this little gem behind the honolulu arts museum building. (entrance on kinau street!) All I can say about the theatre is that....you just have to go and check it out! Every month there is something going on, concerts, film screenings or shows. Check out the website https://honolulumuseum.org/373-doris_duke_theatre or call for more info of up coming events. See you at the next screening! $10 GA or $8 for members :) read more

A great venue for some amazing films that you won't be able to see anywhere else. Everything from Bollywood to documentaries and lots of things in between. I'm consistently impressed with what they show and wish more people took advantage of this local gem! They have something for everyone. read more

Very nice spot very quaint lunch surrounded to buy amazing art. The food was delicious the service was good and the atmosphere is impeccable. The prices are very very high: just a warning. Parking is very difficult!!! read more