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    Manoa Valley Theatre

    4.5 (151 reviews)
    Closed 2:30 pm - 4:00 PM

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    Mary S.

    Excellent ho'okipa from the small community theater, quality productions, but the parking situation sucks.

    At Manoa Valley theatre
    Lisa P.

    Manoa Valley theatre is a cute hidden away venue. You will need to find street parking. The most convenient area to park is on Woodlawn Drive behind the nearby CVS. The theatre gets a 5 star because now seats are reserved. It is great to know where you are seated before arriving. There are clean, convenient restrooms for patrons. The ushers were courteous and helped us to our seats. Will be attending more performances whenever possible

    Therese H.

    Lovely little theater that had surprisingly comfortable seats. Acoustics were great and there didn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. There's a small counter with snacks like chips and Manoa Chocolate - I saw a woman in front of me purchase a glass of wine so there's alcoholic options in addition to sodas. We parked at the Safeway shopping center and it was a short walk to the theater. Looking forward to seeing more performances here!

    Derek V.

    Saw my first production at Mānoa Valley Theatre and was tremendously excited to have had such an amazing experience. I originally thought it was pretty bold to claim to say you're the "Off-Broadway" of Honolulu, but their claim was well substantiated. The theatre is cozy and intimate, offering you a chance to really connect with the community and get lost in a show together. Tremendous performances, wonderful direction, incredible crew members, and accommodating wait staff! My husband and I had a blast and look forward to the next show we catch at this truly New York worthy venue.

    Kaimuki High School we're Once Upon One Time was performed
    Ross T.

    What a Great night with brings back a lot of the memories of local childhood days, using local humor and skits which would happen during growing up. The story of the different skits will bring enjoyment and laughter throughout the entire play it was well written and the cast and narrators converse with the audience and cast was unexpected. If you haven't seen Once Upon One Time it is a must to go see you will not be disappointed! Lots of parking at Kaimuki High School. Mask are required once you enter the auditorium and no eating.

    The Joy Luck Club
    Amy Y.

    First time watching a play at MVT and had an interesting experience. It's their first showing after reopening from COVID. Tickets were bought early and were selling fast. Ticket was $40 per person. Check in was quick with multiple workers assisting. The theater was almost full and pretty crowded. The theater was smaller than Diamond head theatre and seats were a bit less spacey. We were pretty much touching shoulders. Guess it wouldn't be a problem to me if it weren't COVID times. We watched the showing of The Joy Luck Club. Love the set up on stage. I was really interested since I read the book and watched the movie of it. The actors were all great. Had a 15 minute intermission for a 3 hour show. Bathrooms are available. Ample parking at the Manoa Marketplace which is a few minutes walk to the theatre.

    Hot Club of Hulaville
    Gerry L.

    A friend treated me to see Hot Club of Hulaville. I'd never seen this group live nor had I ever been to Manoa Valley Theatre. They had significantly limited the number of patrons and assigned seating to ensure that everyone was socially distanced; ushered in and masked throughout the event. Our seats were at the very top of the theatre but because the space is intimate, I liked sitting up there... the views were great! Hot Club of Hulaville was excellent ... they focused on Christmas music, jazzed up. The "star" for me was Kathryn Schulmeister on double bass; she made that instrument sing. Duane Padilla was excellent and even had a pedalboard (like a guitarist) and used a delay to great effect. All in all, I enjoyed the band and the venue. FYI, we parked in the Manoa Marketplace parking lot (and I'm really picky where I park); due to the pandemic, there was plenty of parking (and good spaces too).

    Jada C.

    First off, I love theater. When I lived in NYC, I made sure I went to a Broadway show once a month. Being a theater aficionado I wanted to take in all the arts and music. That said, Manoa Valley Theatre hosts some pretty good shows. The local productions showcase many local artists, singers, musicians and actors. They use this as a platform to hone and refine their talents. High schools, colleges and universities present these shows. The roles display the actors' range of talent, and vocal capacity. We saw shows such as "Rock of Ages", "Lysistrata Jones" and "Avenue Q". Originally, "Avenue Q" comes from New York City. What a surprised to see a show from my hometown! When we arrived at the theater we saw a beautiful cat. It looks like a stray. The local artisans support the theatre by donating items and services for the show. Being a local theater, the Manoa Valley Theatre relies on public support. The playbill lists the companies that donate annually. Come to one of the shows. You will not be disappointed.

    The Pageant
    Reuben L.

    Wow! Another incredible evening. It was a full house. Tonight an off-Broadway musical comedy. It's ,"The Pageant". It was a female contest where six contestants were competing for the Miss Glamouresse title played by an all male cast. There were 5 judges who were randomly chosen. At the end, they revealed the winner by adding up the score cards with highest amount of points. The seating arrangements for the audience was a little different from other plays I've been too. The stage extended out into a T shape towards the crowd as a runway for the contestants. I got to say each and every contestant did a good job. At first, I thought an all male cast? Is it going to funny? Did I come to the right play? Omg!.....It was extremely hilarious. Very entertaining and cramp cheek laughing till the end. Each character had their own personality which kept the show at a suspense. The host himself kept everyone on there toes and made the audience feel like they were part of the show. Everyone had a good part and did a terrific job. I don't want to give away to much of the play but the entire show was played out with only one background scene with the curtains opening and closing making it seem like it was changing scenes. MVT also did a good job planning the event making the play run flawless. During intermission, they had refreshments and snacks that were available for a little charge. Overall, it was a very entertaining evening. You could see that there was a lot of dedicated work involved. Hats off to all those who worked hard and made this play a success.

    Tanyce W.

    We had a great night attending "Pageant" Parked and walked over to the theatre. It was a cool and breezy evening. The stage theme was designed as a beauty pageant. 6 all-male contestants dressed as women, played hilarious roles! The male emcee was also very charismatic and jolly. His outfits were shiny with sequence which matched his personality. It was filled with music and comedy. Costumes were also colorful and bright. Lots of local humor mixed in with worldly flare. Judges were randomly chosen from the crowd which made the show interactive and fun! You never know who will win! A must-see for yourself! Mahalo Yelp & MVT!

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    Manoa Valley Theatre Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Manoa Valley Theatre

    We are visiting next month. Where to park? Is there a disabled person drop off area?

    Manoa Valley Theatre patrons ARE allowed to park at the Manoa Shopping Center. The theatre has an agreement with the property owners. Please park there and walk over, it's very close. The theatre also encourages you to shop at the center and enjoy… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Manoa Valley Theatre

    Thank you Yelp for the opportunity to attend the production of "Shipment Day" at Manoa Valley Theater ...

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    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana

    4.7(131 reviews)
    2.4 miWaikiki
    Large group friendly
    Discounts available

    What a great show!…read more Love the way they incorporated the Hawaiian culture to Cirque du Soleil. I don't want to spoil the experience so I will refrain from details, just know that you will not be bored and keep your eyes open to everything around you! It truly is a beautiful and amazing show. Would I go back? Yes, as I am sure I may have missed something.

    So glad I finally got to see 'Auana in February 2026 after they were dark when I was last in O'ahu…read morein August 2025. Just know that the theater is by far the smallest Cirque theater I've been in, and I've seen all of their shows in Las Vegas and a few of their travelling shows in San Francisco and Dallas. As far as the show... I will say that Hawai'i in general leans HARD into the "wise indigenous / magical Native" trope to the point it feels self-stereotyping. (See @Itzeaglee on Instagram where he calls out people expecting Native people to act "indigenously.") This trope is central to the show which can feel a bit silly. This Cirque production also seems to lean into the "mystical kūpuna" (which is the Hawaiian version of the "noble savage") stereotype. The show begins with a fake, clueless tourist (actor) who is put to sleep by a native musician (in traditional clothes.) The wise, mystical musician has no need for the tourist's money that he tried to hand him during the show. The tourist actor is awoken and surrounded by smoke as dancers encircle him as the female kūpuna does a Hawaiian chant. He's frightened and tries to flee as the dancers boldly, but free from emotion, spin a canoe paddle during their dance. It segues into a scene where what I assume is Maui's Manaiakalani is thrown into water and as it's pulled up, a curtain drops and shows the Polynesians boating to Hawai'i. The subsequent scenes are centered around different aspects of Hawaiian history, from pre-contact, to the touristy tiki luau influx, to modern beach & street culture. Overall, I think it's most comparable to the Cirque show Mad Apple, which has a New York City theme and plays in Las Vegas. I like the cohesive theme and the clear narrative throughout the performance. The costuming and live music make the show extra special. My favorite part was the woman who made sand painting art. Visited: February 2026

    Photos
    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana
    Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana - Two gymnasts

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    Two gymnasts

    Hawaii Theatre Center - The stage awaits the arrival of the performers....

    Hawaii Theatre Center

    4.3(259 reviews)
    3.2 miDowntown
    $$
    100 years in business
    Not-for-profit

    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.

    It was a treat to watch Guy Hagi and Phil Rosenthal chat about the Somebody Feed Phil show…read more Will call opened early, was well staffed and efficient. Security did a nice job checking bags, and held my dinner leftovers on an entrance table, as food isn't allowed in the historic theater. It was easily retrieved after the show on the way out;) Restrooms were bright and lines moved quickly. Hot tip: fellow guests said that their $20 drinking glass in a safety cup is refillable at a discount on your next visit (they were enjoying wine, another had pineapple juice). If non alcoholic, that refill is free. Hmmm, we might have to try that next visit!

    Photos
    Hawaii Theatre Center - How's my sippy cup!

    How's my sippy cup!

    Hawaii Theatre Center - Kung Hei Fat Choy!

    Kung Hei Fat Choy!

    Hawaii Theatre Center - Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

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    Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

    Waikiki Starlight Luau

    Waikiki Starlight Luau

    2.9(287 reviews)
    2.4 miWaikiki
    Free parking
    Outdoor seating

    Amazing show, so fun, great talent. Emcee, dancers, band and fire dancers…read more Ambiance is outside but on a rooftop. So if the weather does not cooperate, it could be dicey. We didn't get a few drops but not too bad. Food was ok, salads, sides were very good. The meats not so much. The only thing was really good was the barbecue pork. The kalua pork was dry and tasteless. The fish was inedible and so dry. No seasonings on the kalua pork. Desserts were ok, a pineapple cake, coconut pannacotta and mini Malasaga donuts. Mai tais were good, not a lot of liquor but good. You come for the show and was the best. See my pics.

    My brother secured reservations for our family at the Hilton's Friday Fireworks Luau on the Great…read moreLawn ($249 each). Since my family was already staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, my husband and I trekked it over to their part of Waikiki. We had Golden Circle seating which was not VIP but we had 3 drink tickets each along with a welcome drink upon entering. We were seated with an okay view of the stage. It was warm and it was nice to be dining al fresco. They had live music and we were called up to the buffet table-by-table. The food was so-so but we found things to eat. There was Kahlua pork, roasted chicken, fish, salad, bread, etc. For the drink tickets, it's easier to go up to the bartender and order rather than wait for a server. Drinks that were available to us included: soft drinks, POG, beer, wine, and premixed cocktails. Needless to say, we did not use up our tickets but my husband tried and he even tried giving a few away. While dining, they started the show on the stage. The talented performers put on a great show and even my dad got in on the fun. Once the performance ended and the dining concluded, we were directed towards the lagoon where we would have a great view of the fireworks. The staff was on top of clearing plates and helping guests. The fireworks show lasted about 10 minutes or so but it was a lovely way to spend an evening with family.

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    Waikiki Starlight Luau - Fireworks Luau Every Friday

    Fireworks Luau Every Friday

    Waikiki Starlight Luau
    Waikiki Starlight Luau

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    Ka Moana Luau - Making flower bracelets

    Ka Moana Luau

    4.4(491 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$$$

    Cordero was our server... bravo Cordero, I had to hunt you down to thank you and give you a tip…read moreafter the show! The show was AMAZING and we have seen 25 + luau shows over the past 30 years! Check in fast and efficient! Loved loved loved the interactive activities before dinner! Tip - do the bamboo headband activity first not the flower wrist band as it takes a long time to make the head band and it's great in photos! Don't forget to get a temporary tattoo! Bar service is fast! Most people didn't tip but I did and no acknowledgement so probably won't tip in the future! Celebrity seating is worth it! Host was uber funny and extremely talented! So was every performer and band member!!! Loved the tree climber he was hilarious! Order uber 5 minutes before the fire dance ends and stand in the back and watch! It will save you a lot of money! Bravo Ka Moana Luau!! PS Use less salt on the pulled pork please PSSS - Loved the older fire dance performer who started the fire dance show!!!!!!

    Is this touristy? Yes!! Are we tourists?? Also, yes!!…read more We had a great time at this luau. We got the higher of the mid package, Splash premium. The classic package includes a shell lei and one cocktail and seating along the edge. Our package gets a fresh flower lei, 2 cocktails and better seating. There is a celebrity package with has a separate check-in line, 2 cocktails and servers bring you your food, while everyone else goes through the buffet line. We were lucky and were seated in the celebrity package seating. We had a great view of the dancers. After you've checked in, they place a lei around your neck--fresh flower lei or shell lei, depending on your package. Then they take a picture of your party with people in traditional Hawaiian costume. You can purchase the picture later if you would like. You are given your drink tickets to use at the bar. There are activities this do before the show starts--lei making, passion friend crown making, and dancing lesson. There was a Polynesian band playing in stage the entire time. The tickets get you either a basic cocktail --i got two mai tais decorated with flowers--or you can upgrade for premium cocktails. We went through the buffet, which was really good. There was salad and kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, mahi mahi, poy, rice, chow mein noodles, great pineapple, veggies, rolls, and dessert if chocolate cake and coconut gelatin. While we were eating, a man climbed up the coconut tree, which was fun to watch. As we finished dinner, the traditional dancers performed with traditional drummers. It was all great, especially the fire dancers. It's really was a fun night. Who cares if it is touristy?

    Photos
    Ka Moana Luau - This is my table.

    This is my table.

    Ka Moana Luau - Dinner buffet

    Dinner buffet

    Ka Moana Luau - View from the Splash seating

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    View from the Splash seating

    Medici's - Basket of mixed bread

    Medici's

    4.2(39 reviews)
    0.0 miManoa
    $$

    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!

    Photos
    Medici's - Dessert of the night - Mochi icecream, macaron, edible flowers, fruits, whipped cream, dark chocolate ganache syrup

    Dessert of the night - Mochi icecream, macaron, edible flowers, fruits, whipped cream, dark chocolate ganache syrup

    Medici's
    Medici's - Rachel Gonzales and Honolulu Jazz Quartet

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    Rachel Gonzales and Honolulu Jazz Quartet

    Manoa Valley Theatre - theater - Updated June 2026

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