I attended a live concert at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center and sat toward the back of the venue. Even from that distance, the sound quality was surprisingly crisp and clean. The audio felt a little far away because of the seating location, but I was impressed that it still came through clearly. The seats were comfortable enough, though nothing particularly memorable. Ticket prices were higher than I expected, especially considering the concert was not very full, but one great perk is that they offer a student discount, which can make attending events much more affordable if you're young! The best part was the person introducing the pieces - he really got into character! read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - concert - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A friend of mine could not go to Tahiti Fete so I went instead with one of our other friends. It was a competition, and there was also a halau from San Diego competing, so I got to see one of the instructors I know perform and some of her students. The set up for the competition was interesting. Open seating, and families were really territorial about seats, especially the ones that faced straight on. The sides were decent, but most of the performances faced one way. Debs and I got the stink eye when we walked up into the first section...it was all very funny! The emcees were great, although, I do wish the guy would stop bringing religion into the program. You can love God, but don't force it on others. The intermission entertainment, Vaughn Henry "Kealohamele" Claude Kalawa, were really good! So good, they inspired some of the patrons to go out on the floor and hula. It was great! There were retail and food vendors in the other hall. It reminded me of a very small Made in Hawaii festival. I got some tasty lumpia and pancit from Aloha & Mabuhay, although the son working the register didn't seem very happy to be there...LOL! I also got the garlic chicken and fried noodles from Lee's Waipio, and their Spam musubi was the best I have eaten in a long time. Mainland people just don't know how to do it. They were sold out of Tahiti Fete t-shirts and I was bummed, but when we were back in our seats, and the entertainment was done, one of the emcees announced there were 30 shirts available. Debs and I literally ran to the table. Overall, it was a fun day to be inspired by the young people dancing. read more

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Went for the ADO concert and was impressed at the venue. They screened people throughly with bag checks before going in and they always check your tickets before you go in. Show was amazing and venue was great. I go to a lot of shows here, and it's always a great time. I think I only get scared if I'm sitting in the nosebleed section because the stairs give me stress. LOL read more

Went here for a pierce the veil concert and it was AMAZING!! Been an avid blaisdell goer for concerts like pitbull and I am so grateful we have this venue to host big artists. Even though the show was sold out everything moved very fast and the production was amazing. There was no issues and the medics were also very tentative to my friend and helped her a lot. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Pierce the veil concert - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was the venue used for the Hapalua Half Marathon race expo in 2026. It was easy to find near the intersection of Kapiolani Blvd and Ward Ave. If you want to walk, the distance from Waikiki is about 2 miles. If not, you can take either the #2 or #13 bus. The venue was clean, spacious, and more than adequate to handle the size of the race expo. However, it was definitely showing its age. read more

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May 1, 2026 The evening began with beauty-- with music that seemed to rise and breathe, wrapping the room in story and spirit. Kamalehua - The Sheltering Tree unfolded like a living memory, each note carrying emotion, each lyric rooted in something deeper than words. Inside the Blaisdell Concert Hall, I felt both present and carried-- drawn into a world shaped by voice, culture, and care. And yet, there was another kind of feeling-- a definite chill that settled in, unexpected, lingering in the balcony air where I sat. It pulled me slowly out of the moment, made distance where there had been connection. So I left at intermission-- not because the performance lacked beauty, but because my body could not stay where my heart wanted to be. Still, I carry what I witnessed: fragments of song, echoes of meaning, and the reminder that even a brief encounter with art can leave something lasting behind. NOTE: BUT, my personal experience was unfortunately cut short. I was seated in the balcony (Row H, the front row), and the AC was blowing cold!!! The temperature there was extremely cold--uncomfortable. I wasn't prepared for it, which made it difficult to stay focused and fully enjoy the performance. I ended up leaving during intermission, which was disappointing given how much I was enjoying the opera itself. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This has been my 2nd time here attending a major 2 day event sponsored by the Hawaii Restaurant and Lodging Association. The NBC is older and has seen better days and prefer the Convention Center but it was unavailable to host this year's event due to repairs. Hopefully the 2027 event will be there. read more

Have enjoyed our experiences at the Blaisdale Center. First of all it's easy to park, which is close to the concert hall. There are drink and food venders outside for pre show snacks. Seats are easy to find and comfortable. We've never had bad seats there for viewing the different shows whether it was a musical or performance by a bad or musician. The only fault I can find is they need more bathroom stalls for women. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Went to the Blaisdell tonight for the Tumua Chee Hoo stand up comedy show. I will say that we were a bit worried about parking, but the parking entry way was extremely organized and quick. Not a super long wait at all. I do wish the parking stalls were a little wider. I get that we're in Hawaii and space is limited but geez man it's like getting packed like sardines in that parking structure. Anyway security checkpoint and main entrance was quick and thorough. Just showed the ticket and we were on our way. Food options inside weren't bad. Idk if the burger was good or if I was starving but it is what it is. The Pancit was good, but that banana lumpia that the lady put on top threw everything off lol. It wasn't even sweet. Had a few blue waves and whatever beer the wife got the second round. Pretty sure it was a green bottle. Either which was we sat in lodge 3 row A.... Definitely good seat. Tumua's show was pretty good also wasn't sure what to expect because I wasn't a huge fan. But he's grown on me a bit. read more

Went to many events - latest one was Lifesurge. It was well organized. Good air conditioning. Busier than I expected but still got a good seat. Enjoyed the Benham brothers talk on their success. read more

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I attended Foodie Con 2024 and was so happy I did! I got to taste so many different places I did not know about on the island! It was crowded, but not so crowded that you were being pushed everywhere. People are very nice and accommodating! But lots of things that I probably didn't need lol! But enjoy the fair and probably will be back again next year. Would have really loved a map of the listing of vendors and where they were located! read more

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I went to the collectors show last night at Blaisdell and was impressed that with a women's convention going on at the same time at the arena and the show going on at the center, parking was a premium. They had worked out a deal with McKinley High School and we were able to park there and walk through the fence by the baseball field. When I got into the show, it was great. A great crowd and good vendors. I had a great time with my girlfriend. read more

I came here to watch Six with my friend last month. She had bought tickets a few months 8n advanced and they never were sent to her. I suggested that we still go and check im at the box office. When we did, we had found out she had been scammed and the vendor was not affiliated with them. I wish I remembered the lady"s name who had helped us out, she was wonderful and super helpful. They still had seats available and we were able to enjoy the show in better seats than what we had thought we had gotten. The whole experience was amazing and the rest of the staff was friendly and very helpful. I highly recommend! read more

Went to the Hawai'i Market Expo / trade show at the NBC. Long lines were kept organized with bordered and poled walk in ribbons barriers. Area was clean outside and inside. Lots of parking available but at a price $8.00. Security all over the event outside and inside. read more

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I've been here for the Tina Turner and SIX shows and enjoyed the venue. I never had issues getting street parking, and going through the bag check and getting tickets scanned were quick. Staff are always nice. read more

First of all my daughters are respectable,humble, quiet,honest ,hard working 19 and 25 year olds who went to the pierce the veil concert this past tuesday my daughter who was told by the security she asked where to stand for water was yelled at and when I say yelled at im saying it nicely ,the worker was a angry ,not happy worker who thought it was okay to scream at my daughter (i hope she sees this shes lucky i wasnt there,if shes so unhappy with her job dont work in the service business) my daughter was in so much shock she didnt say anything back,all she could say was Im just buying water and this lady continued to spew at her,then my other daughter who was 25 was also verbally attacked by a worker and talked to so mean,then they go inside and friends sitting behind them were verbally attacked by a drunk little man mind you these girls are not young immature little kids some of these girls have 2 jobs,work just as hard as the next person for the money they spent to go to this venue, this little drunk man was yelling at woman and young woman on top of guys that they were in his seat and if he had to stand through the concert he was gonna be banging (fighting) these people, mind you my daughters friends were escourted by your emplyees to the seats they purchased only for them to find out that you guys sold the same seats 2x ,smhyou charge an arm and a leg for tickets service fees and everything else and cant get it right ,maybe train your employees in customer service and where is security inside when people are being yelled at by people who cannot handle alcohol...just sad read more

What a difference a year makes!! A year ago my review was for my COVID vaccine!! Now I'm here for Foodie Con gathering all vendors food and food related lovers unite together in one roof with no restrictions for all to feast and support local. Here with my bestie we ate at Island Sausage she loved it so much had four this day lol!, French Macarons from Nature Macarons, Strawberry Lemonade and Matcha Lemonade at I "heart" Buns, Vegan Tofu Katsu at Peace Cafe, I spun the wheel and got a tote from Costco while she purchased a bamboo cutting board and did a load of shopping it was a retail therapy day and beyond. Normalcy is something we did take for granted and supporting local here is a great feeling, thank you to everyone that made it so much fun!! Thank you! read more

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AMERICA! My husband bought us tickets so yes I'll go! Little did I know pitbull was performing same night one door over! Ahhhh it's ok I still enjoyed myself. Sitting next to someone who smelled like a brewery. He was toasted before America came on. I had water my husband.had a cup of beer. Overall the concert hall was alright. Seats are like the old theater seats. 1 thing I would tell them to improve is the temperature. As more people entered you can feel the cold air getting warm, warmer and just not cool enough. It got better towards the end of the night 4 stars for it was ok but I think I would've enjoyed pitbull!!! Lol read more

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The Circus at the Blaisedell is amazing and always fun Popcorn is delicious The circus acts are "Worldclass" read more

I just want to give a HUGE shout out to the ladies directing traffic in the women's restroom! They keep the line going and flowing. There is no guessing if the stall is in use or if you're about to miss the end of intermission. THANK YOUUUUUUUUU!! read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Resting Dancer by Tuck Langland - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

They had a function for Great Aloha Run and A seniors fair which was very interesting and informative with lots of company selling running shoe to hydration products pretty much everything a runner could be looking for. They also had some items for seniors needing Medicare information and some health products. They have an Area area at that time the Greatest Circus was going on. The convention center was for the Great Aloha Run and Senior fair. The concert hall did not have anything going on good thing or parking would have been a problem. The ponds outside is brackish water so there were some large ulua and parrot fish and mullets and a huge barracuda and lots of tilapia. read more

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The Neal S. Blaisdell Center ("Blaisdell" or "NBC") built before I was born, was formally known as Honolulu International Center ("HIC"), located next to McKinley High School, before both the school and Ala Moana Shopping Center going eastward. I have a lot of memories of this multi-purpose arena, going to various concerts, graduations, expos farmer's markets and shows, and still making memories going to many events this year. Lots of parking, but it is currently $8 for each event, or you can be lucky and find metered parking on the street. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Show this coupon to get $1 off entry fee - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I was gifted tickets for Tumua Tuinei (12:27/25)! I was a little nervous bc I'm getting older and was afraid it might be difficult to manage. It wasn't! Walked right in and there were a lot of staff helping everyone enter and they were pleasant and helpful. Very well organized! The show was fantastic! We laughed so hard! Tumua is gifted and makes me laugh to the point of tears! I watch the YouTube and FB reels as well.Takes me back to Rap Riplinger days portraying Island life so respectfully and realistically! When he returns home after Cheehoo concerts I will definitely be in the audience! Thanks for the laughter that we need these days! Mahalo read more

Went and saw cascade last night on Thanksgiving 2023. Holy crap - for Hawaii. It was simply amazing. No it's not Vegas. It's not Miami. It's not Los Angeles but for this island to get that venue here and to set it up with lights and lasers, and all the accoutrements and an artist of that level was freaking fetch. It was it well run smooth operation parking was a bear and the concert was just about amazing. read more

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Concert Hall has comfortable seating and acoustics are fine. Operation not so much. Arrived right as doors opened only to be jostled through throngs of people (a true fire hazzard, in the inside entrance way to get to steps for access to balcony seats. As we approached, steps were roped off with stewards to enforce closure. I approached and asked politely when the steps would be open and was told when they announce they are open. I then suggested strongly that in the future don't open the doors until seating is ready. Angered a bit standing with my artificial hips and knee already in pain for another 5-10 min. I waited, finally opened I went to my nice comfortable seat. All I can hope is that Tina concert is fantastic. If so I may raise the stars. Concert was good, not great. Ensemble songs were very good. Choreography lacked sync and seamless transitions. Did not look like a top level professional performance. Dialog was difficult for front row balcony to understand (discussed with another patron). Attempted comedic moments not well timed. "Tina's" performance shined in last 10 minutes. read more

OMG! "TINA" The Tina Turner Musical was by far one of the most Inspirational Performances I have seen! The performance began with Tina climbing the Stairs of a Concert in Brazil with nearly 200 Thousand people then the performance rewound to her Chanting Nam~Myoho~Renge~Kyo, which had served to be the singular transformative aspect of her Life! The musical performances were absolutely incredible and the entire storyline truly captured the essence and principle of Turning Poison into Medicine! Transforming one's Life and Fulfilling one's DREAMS! Through her Life ~ Her Music ~ her Movie "What's Love Got to do with it" and even in her death she continues to transform Lives through this Global Touring Musical "TINA" inspiring and encouraging others to chant Nam~Myoho~Renge~Kyo to overcome and Transform any adverse Life challenge or situation and Living a Life of Growth ~ Happiness and Love! This is a must see performance and Jayna Elise was absolutely BRILLIANT! read more

Great venue for vendors and special events. I just recently went to the foodie con and there were lots of food vendors and also other vendors selling items. Parking is $8 or find street parking somewhere nearby. The atm machine was not working the time we went so that was very inconvenient. Just remember to bring extra cash for parking and admission! read more

What can you say about Blaisdell... it's been around for ages. We came here tonight for Hamilton, and it was the first time I was here in 22 years (high school graduation). It looks exactly the same which is nostalgic and depressing at the same time. Seriously, this place is in need of some major modernization. However, on a positive, the width of their rows is awesome and there's no issue being able to sidle past other patrons to get to the exit. read more

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Went to the Janet Jackson concert last Sunday, 03/10/24. I would suggest valet if it is a big event. I wish they didn't allow bringing in drinks because the floors were covered in trash and liquid. The floor seating was great but wish there was more room in between rows so that people can move in and out easily. Was a little annoyed to have one of the ushers ask us to record a part of the concert while she was cleaning up a spill in aisle area. The signage was hard to see. We walked around the outside not seeing that the entry to the ground floor is directly in the front. Nice venue but lots of updating needs to be done. The screens seemed to be a few seconds delayed which looked weird when you're closer to the stage. read more

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Really beautiful theatre inside. Parking can get quite expensive and difficult but there are street options nearby. Others recommend ubering or getting dropped off. The show was amazing and although there were long lines at the bathroom, they had several people inside directing traffic. There were a lot of food and beverage options as well. I also came here for a non-profit event the same weekend and the space was great, nice staff, and centralized location. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Lots of parking available at a great price. I love how the Neal blaisdell center has lots of different venues. From adults to children. read more

I've now been here a handful of times in the last two years that I've lived in the island. It's time I told everyone that it's a great spot! It's centrally located and has different venues of various sizes for difFerent shows. The reasons I took down a star? Couple... parking and vendors/concessions... both are SORELY lacking. You have a very limited selection of vendors unless you're attending a major event in the biggest rooms. And when I say limited I mean one, two or none! And the ones they do have are cash only... super annoying bc their prices are ridiculous too! As far as parking... get there early or forget it... most people I know park at ala Moana and Uber. The positives? Sound system always on pOint. There was a medical emergency in one of the shows I atteNdEd and the medics were FAST. Pretty oRganized and clean. Definitely a good place for any show. read more

Neal S Blaisdell Center - The nutcracker! Hawaiian style - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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So we are at the Tina show and the set , performers and production is incredible BUT the sound engineer needs to find another job.. Hr has no clue, can't understand most of the dialogue because it's to tinny it's not full at all . It sounds like there are small inadequate speakers on the stage and the large monitors above the stage aren't being utilized at all. Blaisdedale please hire a professional for the next 2 shows that we have tickets for..... read more

It's so much fun night. Lucky, we can watch Broadway musicals in this concert hall , Hawaii. read more

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Perfect timing. Our daughter purchased a fabulous evening for us including Elite parking so we could valet. Got here at 7 pm and concert begins at 8 p.m. We were able to show our tickets, get them scanned and go visit the most important place first, then I went to buy a bottled water for me and a bottle of diet coke for hubs. Was wonderful to see a former student who greeted me with the biggest hug and hear the news frim her husband and congratulate her for becoming a judge. Also saw a relative, got another hug then no wait involved, we could enter the concert hall. Looks to be a wonderful evening with the audience of our generation or older, tell tale graying mane or bald by choice or longevity. I am thinking there will be lots of swooning or singing to the tunes that were popular as a youngster listening to KPOI as a teenager. Thankyou our generous daughter!!!and grandpup. read more

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I would like to say we really appreciate Maria in section G ADA she is so wonderful & is friendliest .

Blaisdell Center is the number one place for holding massive events in Hawaii. I had the honor and privilege to represent the company I work for to attend the GoodWill Goes Glam event in 2022. This venue is gigantic and well taken care of, the parking was nice and spacious (I recommend parking in the way back, closer to the exit). The event was wonderful, there was a fashion show featuring designer Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i, such gorgeous gowns made from clothes bought from GoodWill. Catering was from the Pig and the Lady by Chef Andrew Le, which was delicious. I had such an amazing evening, I appreciate Blaisdell for holding such a glorious charity event for GoodWill! read more

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Was pleasantly surprised that it was quick to get in the Jo Koy event. Seriously... walked in from sidewalk by the box office to the front door of the entrance in the arena, FIVE freaking mins! Actually was less. There wasn't a long line where we entered. The worker told us to come and checked our vaccination card and id. There was other lines in the middle and it was packed!!! So I guess we're lucky? Or was it front row seating entrance? Idk, just astonished it was super fast. Merchandise line... that's about a 30 min wait. read more

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Went to the arena for the John Mulaney show and it was a great experience! They had these individual phone locker pouches so people couldn't record the show which was interesting but also sad since I couldn't get separated from my mom who also came with me and we couldn't call each other like normal. It was like being back in the 90s! I tried a Jamaican Jerk burger which was really tasty and fries and my mom got pad thai which was ok. A little overpriced, but it's event food so that's to be expected. We were able to get street parking for free by Junpuu so that was nice and the walk was not too far, maybe 10 min. The line to get in was long because of the phone lockers and security metal detectors, but we got in before the show started. There was 2 opening acts and then the headliner. The bathroom was nice and clean. What a great venue! read more

My husband and I enjoyed Phantom of the Opera here last night. We had previously watched it in the SF Curran, Orpheum, and Vegas. The Curran was our favorite because the show was practically built into the existing structure. We understand the move to the Orpheum for a bigger audience. Just as great of a performance; just a tad short on the setting... you still see the overlay. :) When we saw the show in Vegas, it wasn't the Broadway tour; it was the Venetian's version. I did not enjoy it... the focus seemed to be more on theatrics than the music itself. Plus, it didn't make me cry ;) Oh well, not everything can be for everyone. Now in Honolulu, I love this new version! The songs are just as powerful as their SF residency, if not more so. The costumes and new dance routines are spectacular! So much livelier! And I'm proud to share that it made me cry. :) With all the performers and the gigantic props, the stage looked extremely small compared to what I think would make a better performance on a larger stage. Granted, that did NOT take away from my enjoyment in the least bit! I just assume it would be much grander on a bigger stage... it looked like they may have had to peel away the edges to make it work in this stage. But again, for me, that DID NOT take away from my enjoyment AT ALL! I'd see it again here in a heartbeat!!! Unfortunately, I can't give it any more than 3 stars because it was very handicap uncomfortable (IMHO) and it seemed to be a potential fire hazard. I hate saying anything like that... but it may need to improve for safety, especially since they perform pyrotechnics in their shows. The way the seating is, lettered rows front to back... each row has roughly 50 seats... and no break in the rows. No seriously, if you are in seat 25, you have no choice but to pass 25 seats any time you need to go in or out. Now I'm not sure if you've ever had to do that... but while we were there, we saw a couple gals double fisting (BEERS!) and trying to say excuse me to almost 50 seated patrons because their seat was on the far left side of the theater, but they entered the row on the right side. Yup, tough stuff... then it starts to look dangerous in an evacuation situation. As far as attending the show in a wheelchair... it's awkward and I really wish I had known about it to begin with. Wheelchairs don't necessarily get their own spot... rather, they get to "park" in the left aisle, next to the rows that have a wider aisle to walk around the wheelchair. They use a wooden board to level the wheelchair since the aisle is at a slope. And parked next to a row, my hubby gets the last seat on the left. The rows have very low profiles so I was at least a head taller than everyone around me. I hate drawing attention to me being in a wheelchair (I'm still working on accepting what I have). So the entire time was extremely uncomfortable. I really wish they would have mentioned that. I would have made a different seating choice. As it was, the left 20% of the stage was chopped from our view. I really wish they would have disclosed the limited view :(. In any case, we still enjoyed the show very very much and I would LOVE to see it here every chance I get! I would just choose a different row :) ENJOY THE SHOW!!! read more