As an audience member watching Uncle's Regularly Scheduled Garage Party is Cancelled Tonight, I…read morefelt like an extended-integrated member of the play. This play gave me a homey feeling and showcases Hawaii's local culture; particularly, how the locals party in their garage-- talking stories, jamming the music, grinding the good food, and most importantly sharing the aloha ohana vibe with everybody. Besides undergoing the nostalgia, this play is fun, comical, and amusing. The overall experience in Kumu Kahua Theater is uniquely entertaining. The theater has an intimate play setting of a hundred seats and performances are done by local talented artists. Also, tickets are reasonably priced: General Admission is $25 ($20 on Thursdays); Seniors/62+ is $20 ($15 on Thursdays); and Students is $10 ($5 on Thursdays and Fridays). Five stars go to Uncle's Regularly Scheduled Garage Party is Cancelled Tonight and to everyone at Kumu Kahua Theater. Check it out, support local and have a great time!

This little hidden gem at the Kumu Kahua theater is probably the most fulfilled night of…read moreentertainment I have had in a very long time. The story is a look at such a relatable local evening. The coziness of this theater really makes you feel like you are a part of this Garage party. And the entire cast is definitely a five star cast. They will make you laugh, they will make you cry and "Aunty" will scare even the toughest local guy. I have not seen so much talent in one room and to know it's a local play even makes you feel proud. It is such a feel good story and makes you wanting more. I feel like I could go back every weekend and never be bored. There was a wide range of ages in the crowd and it was crystal clear that they were able to touch everyone in the same way. I know that the show has been sold out but heard they just extended. If you are looking for something different, this will not disappoint. Hats off to Lee Cataluna, Jim Aina (our friend) and the rest of this top rate cast! Jim, we can't wait to see your play in October!

The Titan Luxe theater had great reclining chairs, screen & loud sound was enough to fill whole…read moreroom.

Not great, not horrible. It is just an older theater that could use some updates. Theater was empty.read more

"Crazy Rich Asians"…read more I saw this fantastic movie four times prior to this! I went with different friends in Kaneohe, Honolulu, and in California! Each time was enjoyable and thought provoking! So...when my friend, Amy M., suggested that we see this movie AGAIN, I said "yes" right away! I had been to this venue several times before this. I knew the drill... go early and park for free across the street at South Shore Market in Ward Village, then stand in line outside the gate to the IBM Courtyard. The gate is supposed to open at 6pm. That's why we aimed to be there at 5pm because the seating is first come, first served, except for the HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival) members. They get a special line and enter first. The walk-in people get in last. There are monitors who decide when to start the next row of people when the line gets too long. The monitors also check tickets and distribute wristbands. This Valentine's Day evening was rainy, so a tent was in place. There was also a table filled with bags of complimentary popcorn for each guest! The comfy sofas in the front were reserved for people who won VIP Seats via an Instagram contest! We were early enough to sit on the slightly padded wooden folding chairs in the first row on the right side. The middle section's front row had reserved seating for the HIFF Members. The movie started around 7pm when it was dark enough. Overall, this is a unique venue because of the cool Hawaiian trade winds. In the summer, when it's not raining, there's no tent - which allows a beautiful view of the sunset colors in the sky! The fancy restroom is convenient. Food trucks and restaurants are nearby so you can bring your food in and enjoy a totally wonderful experience!

This series of free movie showings is perfect for families, friends, and even going solo!…read more Tips: Bring jackets/blankets. Some people even brought umbrellas (worth it during the rainy months). Bring your own snacks and beverages! Check-in starts at 6pm. The actual showing begins at 7pm. When you get your bracelet upon checking in, get yourself a seat then you can go in and out (grab a poke bowl from Paina!) Seats start filling EARLY, at least for Free Solo (maybe it was particularly popular?). If you have a big group, get there around 6pm.

Honolulu African-American Film Festival #HOMA February 15 -…read moreMarch 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.

Honolulu African-American Film Festival #HOMA February 15 -…read moreMarch 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

When I heard the first PhotoCon will be held in Hawai'i I was thrilled. I found about the…read moreconvention through their Instagram page. This convention is open to any photographers and cinematographers from beginner to pro and all enthusiasts alike. Registrations is through photoconhawaii.com. Alexander gifted me with my all access pass for $20 for my birthday at an early bird price. Otherwise, it's $20 at the door for a one day pass including workshops for that day only. At first, I was confused at where and when we were allowed to pick up our passes. I was able to get pass at one of the speakers I attended. With my all access pass, I was able to attend speakers prior to the main convention. I listened to lecturers from Pacific New Media's PhaseOne's keynotes speaker Steven Katzman at the University of Manoa Hawai'i and Onne Van der Wal which is one of Canon's Explorer of Light keynote speaker. It was inspiring hearing and seeing different photographers speak about their biography and art. Since coming back to photography, I've met many wonderful people of my same interest. It was exciting seeing a lot of people I knew that I've shot with. During day one of the convention, we acquired a few cool badge lanyards and an organized booklet of what the trade show expo will have. While this is Hawai'i's very first photo show, there were an eclectic selection of vendors not only big name companies like Canon, Phase One, and Sony but loads of local vendors like a few of my favorites; Pro Camera Hawaii, Hawaii Camera, Pictures Plus and Chromaco, Hawaii Astronomy Club, Oahu Photography Tours and much more. There were lots of contests to enter as well. Hawaii Camera's Darcy Fiero and her daughter Jackie were tending the booth. Darcy is very knowledgeable with all my camera needs and I'm glad to have ran into her on the first day. Pro Camera's owner Tony Zerga is always helpful whenever we are looking for new trending gears in the market and it was great scoring an item from him that day at a discounted price. Canon was allowing free cleaning services for two items during the two day convention (a camera body and a lens or two lens). Hurry up and wait because the wait could be lengthy. While perusing the convention, we didn't forget to sign up for the free workshops, they can get full quickly. Sign ups are allowed at most during the convention or online. The workshops are a mixture of intro to photography, to model walks and photo walks or flash photography, natural lighting, portrait photography to food photography. The experience was outstanding all around. Be ready to walk in comfortable shoes if you're carrying your gears for the day. Certain workshops advice photographers to bring plenty of memory cards, tripod or certain lens for what you'll be shooting. Some do begin before the convention is open or after the convention closes. Aside from all the excitement, looking at the images from The Essence of Hawai'i Photo Contest was outstanding. I love the photos chosen for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the honorable mentions. All did a wonderful job and showed attention to advanced skills, focused on quality and artistic approach. Their photos were printed in metal and open for everyone to view upon entering the expo. I'm happy to see a few of my photography friends placed as honorable mentions. I look forward to attending another year of this convention. Thank you to Hawai'i's very own Ric Noyle for gathering us together and shining light to Hawai'i and putting us on the map. IG/FB: PhotoCon Hawaii Parking: Street or at the convention for $6.

An impressive event with tons of high tech equipment and specialty gadgets that could capture a…read moregreat scene in any element. My husband and I were able to get in for free bc of being military members and registering online before hand. (We showed ID when we arrived) I also voted on KHONs website for my fav pic for the photography contest a few days before. All the photos were displayed and they gave you a thick book of info and duplicate pics which was exciting. The how to work shops held upstairs were quick and informative. Salt n Air studios was super neat w all their toys and xplorco had a super cute set up. A fun event with the islands best editing companies and imaging tech specialties.

Located at the Old Buca Di Beppo is trial of fears haunted house currently running on Thurs-Sunday…read morethru Nov 2. Book on their website, 38$ per person. Ample parking in Ward theater parking lot. There is no specific time reserved so you need to go there early and check in. Once checked in you will get a text message when its your groups turn to go. We waited about 30 min to check in then another 1.5 hours from check in to getting inside. The time spent inside the haunted house was about 20 min. Overall the actors and the set up was good but the wait was pretty long it would have been better and more efficient with set times to reserve.

I especially loved thas years (2025) restaurant theme! Since it was at the old Bucca di Beppo…read morelocation in Ward, the theme went so well with it! I think it also helped that the restaurant itself was like a maze to begin with! My husband and I, and a couple of our friends bought tickets to go as a group, and it was amazing. We all work in a restaurant so we were super excited for this one! What made it even better was the check in, and the way they called you when it was your turn, just like being on a wait list at a restaurant instead of standing in a loooong winding line like we've done before. Awesome, amazing, keep up the great work!

What a great opportunity to see several Ghibli movies at the Historic Hawaii Theater. Guessing…read morethat most people attending have already seen the movies at least on DVD, but to see it on the movie screen is a great treat that cannot be missed. The real question for many is which movie to see (if not all, right?)- in our case we decided to see "Spirited Away". This has always been a personal favorite and we were lucky to have seen it when it first came to the big screen in 2002. They also have special items for sale on the second floor connected with the Miyazaki movies. Many talented artists have their wares displayed for purchase (Support local!) and as a bonus- they have a free photo booth that takes three pics and includes a Film festival header pic. Nice memento of the festival. Side note: We have been to Hawaii Theater on many occasions but for live performances. Back in the day, before it was saved from being demolished I would go to see Saturday morning kids movies and monster/ Science fiction movies in middle school. The theater is great, restored to it's former glory. The sound system is great, the ushers, concessionaires, and everyone connected with the program is top notch and mostly volunteers. This is a well run operation and is a great venue to enjoy live performances and film presentations. The Miyazaki Ghibli Festival presented by the Hawaii Theater Center is indeed special and very enjoyable. There is one more movie offering on Sunday, 7/10. Check it out if you can. Mahalos to Yelp and the Hawaii Theater Center for the comp. tickets. A great movie opportunity that we really enjoyed.

Here with Nicole S. on the last day of Miyazaki film festival! Totoro, dubbed in English subtitles,…read morethis is such a great end to the series this week. Shout out to Art + Flea for putting this event on with with the help of Hawaii Theater! Some food vendors outside, with a semi-long line for tickets at the box office. I really liked being able to pickup tickets at Will Call! Thanks Yelp!! I really liked seeing so many kids and families here to spend sometime together and watch this timeless classic.

Amazing Comic Con Aloha is literally AMAZING! The 2020…read moreevent had Donny Cates (writer - absolute carnage, venom and thanos), Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars Lando Calrissian), Jason David Frank (original Green and White Power Ranger), Johnny Yong Bosch (2nd Black Power Ranger, trigun, and bleach), voices of My Hero Academia, Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved By the Bell Zack, the passage, mixed-ish) and many artists (global and local) and lots of vendors. I paid the $25 for the day of going on Sunday. A lot of the main actors, voices and artists were there signing autographs, some selling their art (drawing, painting, stickers, shirts, etc.). The vendors I bought items from were teeturtle, the wordless signature, nature nurture goods and one other ... I wanted to buy other things from other booths but I didn't want to spend over the $55 I spent already. I always go to these events and find Pokemon stuff (I bought stickers, art and shirts). There are so many anime, Disney cartoons, famous shows (Star award), and MANY MORE! Saturday's usually has all the events of different speakers and photo ops (usually got to pay to take photos with the special guests) and the lines can be long. 3-day passes are usually $60 or so while a day is $25. You can be there for an hour to the whole day. Lots of cosplayers (people dressed up as famous characters) and some make their own outfits. Can't wait for the next comic con.

Mahalo to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for the free tickets to this AMAZING Comic Con (August 25 - 27,…read more2017)!!! I signed up under the Events tab of the Yelp app and got an email a few days later, stating that I had won a pair of tickets! This is the third year that Hawaii has had a Comic Con. I've read reviews about how it began with lots of hard work and obstacles that were overcome! My +1, Jules Y., and I found free parking nearby and walked to the Hawaii Convention Center. I picked up my wristbands at the Will Call/Media line of the Registration table. No problem! I just told them that my name should be on the Yelp list! ...and it was! Inside the air conditioned Exhibition Hall, many vendors were arranged neatly and were found easily according to the map printed in the brochure. For those who wanted to relax and see a movie between presentations, the Stage area had many seats. However, we stood in the back and took photos of the Cos Play parade! After that, we took a look at the famous people at the Autograph Pavillion. I'm so grateful to be able to experience this cool event! There are 2 more days to enjoy, so come on down!