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    Waikiki Shell

    3.9 (87 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues

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    Crystal F.

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

    9.29.24 Chicago, the Band, in Honolulu!!!
    Nadine C.

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

    Jewelia C.

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

    Sammy L.

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

    Iration 3/2/24
    Giselle M.

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

    Phil Wickham
    Jeanette E.

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

    Rebelution 3/11/23
    Joe P.

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

    the stage at night
    Greg W.

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

    Lauren Daigle concert
    Brian M.

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

    Cyndy K.

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

    Mabelle T.

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

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    Ask the Community - Waikiki Shell

    Is there food available to picnic during the concert?

    It depends on the event. At major events yes they have a snack stand with hot dogs, chips, nachos and drinks.

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    Review Highlights - Waikiki Shell

    It is a small venue but quaint, and there is a lawn at the back for those who want to bring a blanket.

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

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    Blue Note Hawaii

    Blue Note Hawaii

    3.8(900 reviews)
    0.9 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Here to see Air Supply with Hurricane Lala making her presence known on the Big Island first…read more A few of my Yelp friends power is already out on O'ahu. Wind and sheets of rain outside in Waikiki you'd never know that was happening inside the cozy interiors of the Blue Note. We arrived an hour earlier than 5:00 pm door opening but the line was already 25+. Construction is going on so you might need to climb the stairs one level to get here. Thank my lucky stars the elevator worked for me to get to the lobby. Have your tickets ready. I was hoping for a booth and we did get one off to the side. Placed our dinner order with Hannah. I told Doc if we spent $250 more it would be a 1K evening. We are eating prime rib and lamb shank plus pupu of poke nachos. I liked the taro chips since sadly I don't eat raw fish. Show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. this gives us time to leisurely enjoy our dinner. Although the prime rib was tough, the veggies were overcooked the tastiest item on the plate was the mashed potatoes. Our server was attentive and refilled our water. She was excellent cuz she took my credit card and processed the tab right then. The furniture in our booth shows wear and tear on the seats and backs. Nevertheless the ambiance is good.

    Always a great show , delicious menu and magnificent atmosphere…read more Saw Mike Lewis band and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Try the braised short ribs Dragonfruit Beer , blackberry Mocktail

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    Blue Note Hawaii
    Blue Note Hawaii
    Blue Note Hawaii

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    Lewers Lounge - Doxy & Paper Doll Speciality Cocktails

    Lewers Lounge

    4.4(301 reviews)
    1.1 miWaikiki
    $$$

    Tucked away among the many restaurants at Halekulani is Lewer's Lounge, a cool and casual spot…read morethat's perfect for an evening out. I'll admit, it was a little confusing to find at first, but after asking around, we finally made our way there and I'm glad we did! FOOD Lobster Gyoza Four delicious pieces served with gyoza sauce. Each one had a nice sized piece of lobster inside, and the flavor was spot on. The gyoza had that perfect savory bite, and the sauce brought everything together beautifully. Open-Faced Baguette Three pieces topped with creamy burrata, prosciutto, and sun-dried tomato pesto. The combination of creamy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors made these a really enjoyable bite. DRINKS Mojito Hands down, one of the best mojitos I've had! It was crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. The bright citrus and fresh mint made every sip incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet. Definitely a drink I could happily sip on all night! Espresso Martini I normally don't order espresso martinis because, honestly, I haven't had many that impressed me. But THIS one completely changed my mind. Hands down the best espresso martini I've had! Smooth, rich, and delicious with just the right balance of coffee flavor and sweetness. I'd absolutely order this again. DESSERT Kona Espresso Tiramisu Of course, we had to end the night with dessert! This tiramisu was absolutely delicious. It came out in a fun, unique ball shape rather than the traditional presentation, which made it a little more interesting. The coffee and espresso flavors were rich and delicious, and every bite was so good. My only complaint? I wished there was more of it! All in all, a really good way to finish the meal. LIVE MUSIC Live music starts at 8:30 p.m., and who doesn't love a little live music with their cocktails and pupus? The evening featured a talented duo with a piano player and cello player, and they sounded fantastic together. The combination of piano and cello created such a beautiful, mellow atmosphere. It added just the right touch of elegance while still keeping the lounge feeling relaxed and comfortable. It really elevated the entire evening and made it feel like more than just going out for drinks and food. SERVICE Our waitress was extremely attentive and on point throughout the evening. She made sure we were taken care of without being overbearing, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Lewer's Lounge turned out to be such a great find! From the delicious food and seriously impressive cocktails to the attentive service and beautiful live music, everything came together for a really enjoyable night. And as far as date night goes, this place definitely gets my vote. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening with someone special, cocktails with friends, or just a place to enjoy some great live music, Lewer's Lounge has the right vibe.

    Lovely anniversary evening here. Came for the live jazz music and they were stellar as usual. The…read moreambiance is lovely and service excellent Why I demoted them a star was the pretty cocktails I saw in Yelp are gone. There's no: "Moonglow" (Benny Goodman) or "That was my heart" (honor to Ella Fitzgerald), so I asked for my favorite aperitif, "Dubonnet" , no. But, they came up with my other favorite, sambuca Mist. I have to agree with another reviewer that the French baguette served with the charcuterie was hard as could be and inedible. I did not enjoy the choice of cheeses as they were both of the same hard boring tastes, unimaginative, mix it up. They olives should be pitted. The tiramisu dessert was very delicious, even though very small, but expected--after all its fine dining. I have no other way to tell new manager to up their game in the food and beverage department. Just wouldn't expect Halekulani to slip in these departments. Also, manager never came around or was seen checking in his or her patrons, not very 5 star there. Just being honest. The complimentary valet parking was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

    Photos
    Lewers Lounge - Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny

    Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny

    Lewers Lounge - Paper Doll

    Paper Doll

    Lewers Lounge - Live jazz.

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    Live jazz.

    Waikiki Shell - musicvenues - Updated August 2026

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