This is really an awesome concert venue for Waikiki. It's easy to get to, clean, well maintained and acoustics are very good. We bought cheap lawn seats and after awhile we migrated down to the chair seats where there was plenty of room. I was glad they let us because it was a cold drizzly night and the chair seats were much warmer. Also the sound was really good in the seated area. During a break in the music, we walked to the food stand and bought "nachos" which was comprised of a scoop of pre-made cheese sauce, a scoop of pickled jalepenos, and a bag of Tostitos, haha! It kind of worked, $4. They are pretty strict about not allowing outside food and drink. At the gate the guard searched my purse which is barely big enough to hold my cell phone. I actually had a couple of Lindt truffles on top and the guard let me keep them, ha! read more

The Waikiki Shell is one of the best venues in Honolulu to watch live music! And as Shay F mentioned "if it doesn't rain." It's an outdoor venue so as Shay F mentions in her review, "this venue is awesome if it doesn't rain." If it does, then you're SOL. You have two options for seating when you come to the Waikiki Shell: 1) Reserved seating +Great if you're like me, and hate having to arrive early to fight for space. +Want some back support. 2) Lawn seating +Perfect if you're on a date because it gives you an excuse to cuddle on a blanket. +Makes it feel more like a party. Most of the time I prefer reserved seating but occasionally I still enjoy hanging out on the lawn. BUT if it's an artist that I adore, I prefer to have a seat because it's closer and the sound is clearer. Food at the shell is not worthy of 5 Yelp stars so I highly recommend grabbing a bite before hand or waiting until after the show. They sell beer and cocktails at most concerts but keep in mind that they usually close the bar down fairly early. I just saw the amazing Jason Mraz at the Waikiki Shell and as I looked up at the moonlit sky, a sense of pure joy filled my heart. Lucky we live Hawaii! Yelp 365 Challenge: #269/365 (The Music Under The Stars) read more

Great memories and so happy this place is still around. My review is based on being a concert attendee & as well as a food n beer vendor . Did you know that the folks that sell food & beer are from a non-profit organization? I didn't know that u til our Halau signed up for a booth. 10% of sales & 100% tips go toward the organization. Most groups are from local public schools , like ROTC, cheerleading, band kids, etc. even a Senior howanji(spelling) group. our halau was able to raise 60K in a little less than a year for our exploration trip to Tahiti. Some kids couldn't come up with $5k, and so this was a way for them to raise money, and paid nothing out of pocket for their once in a life time trip for themselves and 1 parent. So I know $10 for a beer, $4 hot dogs & $3 water-is NUTS, but just know you're also helping the community :) If you're an non-profit organization who wants to volunteer contact WAIKIKI SHELL or SOLODEX. For info. Kids must be 13+, so for our keiki who were younger, their parents would work for them. And obviously the kids can't run the beer garden, so parents or older siblings volunteered and had a great time listening to music. Also food service is my field , I'm an accountant so.....learning how to prep and serve food within seconds, remember orders, remember WHO ordered what, lol was a humbling experience & have a greater appreciation for McDonald's, jacks , and fast food workers. ----------- As an attendee of numerous concerts have been great. Going to my first mayday cazimero as a child with my parents to now being able to bring my kids. Sprawl out on the lawn, enjoy the night sky, and the gorgeous view of Diamond Head - so awesome & such a unique experience. However I lowered it a star because of the ticket purchasing process is kinda junk. The website forwards you to ticketmaster which doesn't allow you to choose seats at the Shell. Last night it didn't allow me to search the map for open seats. Which we wanted to see what was available next to others in our family who purchased tickets a week earlier. So I hope they upgrade the tickets read more

I just had my commencement ceremony here and I must say that this is a good place to have large gatherings! There is lots of space and parking and it is easy to find. One thing that I did not like we're the mosquitoes. I got at least a couple bites during rehearsals and the ceremony itself. Since there were thousands of people coming, the parking lot was full hours before the event was scheduled to start. No problem though! There were still lots of street parking available. I got to park right across the street! More parking was available around Kapiolani Park too. While there are limited chairs to sit on, guests are welcome to sit on the large lawn during events. It is nice because it is easy to stretch and you have enough room to dance during concerts. read more

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Great place for a concert, weather permitting, parking is bad, Concession lines long, Bathroom lines long for the women, go to the one in the back, lines not as long as the one by the entrance, If you get lawn seats you need to come early so you can get good seats, reserved is the best. Miss the Shell years ago when we could bring in a small cooler with dinner read more

Waikiki Shell - Henry Kapono - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This venue is awesome if it doesn't rain. I went to the Jason Mraz concert. No coolers, no food or drinks allowed. Over priced food/drinks sold inside, but I believe they only take cash so be prepared. Yelp 365 Challenge #339/365 read more

One of the nicer outdoor concert venues I've been to. With Diamond Head as it's backdrop and located in Kapiolani Park at the end of Waikiki, it has no need of more scenic surroundings. You can either sit in the seats of bring some mats to cruise on the grass. If you're out there mid-day, make sure to bring some sunscreen. Parking is brutal because of all the other activities going on around The Shell. For anything you have to go here for, go early jsst to make sure you have acceptable parking. read more

Waikiki Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

So what can be better than watching a concert outdoor in Hawaii?? Hhhmmmm... Still can't find an answer. ; ) This instantly became one of my favorite venues. For those who are natives to Los Angeles, picture a miniature Hollywood Bowl, walking distance to the beach and Waikiki strip. Whether you have lawn seats, orchestra or pit tickets you will definitely have a good view! The venue is located in a park right below Diamond Head. I saw Jack Johnson with Ziggy Marley there in April and of course those two artists do not disappoint. However, being in Hawaii, minutes from the beach, at a great venue with an ocean breeze.... couldn't get any better! read more

Waikiki Shell is one of those odd spots downtown. I have friends who have never been inside, and yet know more about the concert schedule than those who attend and pay money to be there. Open air and in the middle of a beautiful park will have that effect. I was in the audience yesterday as we attempted to break the world record for most people playing the ukulele at the same time. We fell short by 500 people, so the record will stay in Sweden for now, but we had a good time and will try again soon. Maybe if we are lucky we will get enough notice to be able to tell friends and bring them along. Back to the venue- The space is oddly laid out, with some things (like seats) too close together and other things (like restrooms) too far away, but the designers did the best they could with the limited space they had. I do wish that there were some covered seats, as I've seen in other outdoor arenas, but I've been lucky enough to miss the rainy shows. The restrooms are unpleasant, and the food options are limited, but you must drive through Waikiki to get here, so plan to be early enough to take care of those things ahead of time. Also plan ample time for parking, as spaces are limited. read more

Waikiki Shell - Boys trying to break the world record for most people playing the ukulele. We look forward to trying again. - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Awesome venue to watch Yo Yo Ma...great lawn seats and easy entering and exiting venue...however, not a fan of shutting down non exit side bathrooms when event was over...resulted in long lines and overcrowded bathrooms near exit...also, no ATMs for unexpected cash only concessions...all that said, really awesome and friendly staff at every turn and an amazing event read more

Beautiful music venue! With the view of Diamondhead in the background?? What do you expect? Can't wait to come back here for another concert!! Just recently went here for the #RevivetheLive ! And it was such an awesome experience! If you bought lawn seats..make sure to bring a Mat or chair. If you are attending during th day - make sure to wear a hat and some sunblock! read more

Waikiki Shell - The shell at night - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

One of my all time favorite venues for concerts. Don't pay for reserved seats (unless you want to sit down) the lawn is more than fine and where all of the fun peeps are. read more

Recently went for the Mayjah Rayjah Music Festival this past weekend. I haven't been to the Waikiki Shell in about 20 years, so I was surprised to find out we weren't allowed to bring in our own cooler and food. It was so cool back then- much more of a party feel. Pre concert, I did do my research and came prepared: no bag larger than 12x12, no outside food or drinks. The food: There were little food offering inside (hence the minus 1 star). A pavillion that had a big Barbeque sign, sold chesse burgers for $5 and nachos for $4. Lame! There was hotdogs, poi mochi, salad and sandwiches for sale. Again, so very lame! I'm glad we decided to arrive in Waikiki around 3pm and have dinner at a restaurant before walking to the Shell. Sad part is, if we can't bring in our own food, at least offer some decent food or have several food trucks to come out. Local people love to eat local food and listen to local music. Not being able to eat well here at this local music festival felt so wrong. The venue: We had lawn tickets and got there around 5pm. The sun was still beating down on most of the seating area so the lawn seemed pretty empty. As the sun went down the empty areas began to fill up. TIP: the lawn section is divided into 3 sections. The 1st section is near the entrance. There is NO drinking in this section. So this is where families with children sit. Take this into consideration if you smoke. The 2nd and 3rd sections are towards the middle and far end of the lawn. You will need to go through security, where they check your ID and give you a bracelet. No one under 21 is permitted. Soooooo, if you bring your kiddos to this kind of event, you wouldn't be able to sit with them and drink your beer. Soooooo glad my hubby and I decided not to bring our 17 year old! Another TIP: If you decide to sit towards the back, or where people are in front of you, don't get upset at the people up front who are standing up. 1) It's a music festival! Stand up and dance! 2) When the concert really gets going, everyone, i mean everyone (even those who are in the seating area) are standing up! Give up on the idea that you can sit through the concert. Every spot on the fenceline will get filled so fast. So if you are smart enough to get a spot early and then need to go to the bathroom, you better have a verbally strong friend to save your spot! The concert: It was amazing!! All the bands were awesome. The colorful glow of the shell in the darkness, the lovely breeze and the open air made it such an amazing night. All in all, the Waikiki Shell is still a great venue particularly for the mayjah rayjah. The only downside is the food or lack of it. read more

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Let me start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE the aesthetics and layout of this venue. I wish I had attended more concerts here! I was worried about choosing the lawn seats for the 10th Anniversary Mega 80s Fest but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Bringing our own mat and blanket, we had ample space and could lay back in between sets and stare at the stars. But that's about where the good review stops. PARKING: One star. Let's face it, it's Hawaii. There is never enough parking at venues such as this and the Blaisdell when there are actual events going on. I can't tell you how many times we drove around trying to find parking. The sad part is, even anticipating this very thing beforehand, it still made us very late. We missed the first 3 acts. SECURITY/ENTRANCE: Absolutely ZERO stars!!! If the security company they used had a Yelp page, I would review them, too! Supposedly, the name of the company was Maximus Security - I say this because that's what the logo on their shirts said. However, after Googling and Yelping that name, I came up empty. Sketchy if you ask me. As with any concert/event I go to, I make sure to plan ahead what I can and cannot bring. For this particular concert, not being able to bring a chair was a bit trying as I do have back problems. I didn't want to purchase expensive back rests just for the concert so I winged it for 5 hours. I adhered to their purse size policy and actually brought out my tape measure at home to measure all my purses because according to the website, your purse can be no larger than 12" x 12". No backpacks, coolers allowed (although I saw a few people with backpacks). Now let me say this: NOWHERE was there mention of a camera policy. I thought, yay! I can finally bring my camera!! It is in no way shape or form a "professional" camera. Who can afford that? Not me. So the first lady who checked my bag said I was good to go. As I was closing my purse back up, the the guy next to her stopped me and said he didn't think I was allowed in with my camera. (He had his own customers to tend to, mind you). My partner and I immediately responded stating that nowhere on the website, tickets, etc did it say anything about cameras. They told me to ask this big guy named Nui. He took one look at my camera and immediately said no. SO...angered, my partner walked a mile back to our car to put the camera up. Meanwhile, I see the banner overhead that stated all the rules I already knew plus "photography policy as posted". Posted where? Nowhere was there anything about cameras/photography posted. So I asked Nui about it. He said I would find it at Will Call. So you bet your happy butt I went straight to Will Call and oh, surprise!!! Still nothing posted. I asked the ladies at the ticket booth if they had anything stating a policy and they said they didn't and they didn't know why the security people wouldn't let me in. I knew there was no arguing with Mr. KNOWITALL NUI. So I asked for his name, for future reference such as Yelp reviews. I've included a picture of the banner with his smirky self in the bottom right corner. Waikiki Shell, you need to get your and your hired security's act together. Make them take customer service classes. And freaking decide what your policies are, post them, and stick to them. FOOD/BEVERAGES: One star. As with all the other reviews, the food is definitely lacking and severely overpriced. And the rule about not bringing outside food or drinks I get but if you're going to hold a 5-hour long event, you had better have a plethora of eating options besides $5 burgers and hot dogs! Even more overpriced were the alcoholic beverages. And like another Yelper mentioned, no clue why this is, but after I had purchased my $14 margarita, I was waiting with my partner in the beer line for her. Out of nowhere I feel a tap on my shoulder and a guy in a red shirt practically pulling me out of the line saying I couldn't be in line with my drink. What?!? Someone please explain THAT rule to me. Oh, and yet again, there were no signs posted indicating said rule. I hate giving the Shell a one-star review, but all the negative experiences far outweighed the positive. read more

Waikiki Shell - What photography policy posted? - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The Shell is one of my favorite venues because it's open air and has a really relaxed local vibe. I usually prefer to get tickets for the grassy general admission area because you can stretch out on a blanket and really vibe with the music. It's also a great way to meet people and quicker access to the beer stand. As expected food and drinks are pricier here, but that's to be expected with an attraction like this. What I like is that the Shell doesn't muck up it's entrance. Check in is always easy without huge queues or messes. Also there are plenty of bathrooms so you're never away from the music too long. The biggest line is for the ATM so be prepared with some cash. Parking is a little chaotic as the lot in front is small. I would recommend getting to Waikiki early and then walking or taking a ride share. I always have a good time at the Shell with memories ranging from Above & Beyond, Jack Johnson, and comedians like Kathy Griffin. read more

Last night went to rolling stones symphony. now you have to buy food & wine from a vendor there. We had our first glass of white wine and it was fine but 2nd round the wine was spoiled. We told the vendor and she agreed and poured us from another bottle however they continued to sell the spoiled wine. Not only that They ran out. Long for the days when we could bring our own read more

Been here for my first mayjah rayjah and it was amazing. It was real chill vibes and the sounds of the bands playing live was so surreal. We sat on the lawn area and it was still great because the vibrations of the bass of the music hits you. Most likely be back next year read more

Waikiki Shell - The Mayjah Rayjah - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

A chill place to watch a concert. The lawn area is particularly inviting. The area is getting better, but I still have the fear that I'll get molested by a fat, grumpy ol' tita... read more

Finally had a chance to sit lawn side at this beautiful amphitheatre not far from the water front. This evening UH's HCC held their commencement ceremony here where my husband walked to obtain his degree. His ohana and family was joined by some good friends. We opted lawn so my little one could be free and run around. I love how the entertainment area was centralized. The stage shaped in a clam way look which opened up to sectional seatings either in chairs or on the lawn. Off to the side was concession and the ticket area was first to be visited before entering. I had not complaint with this place but did note parking during big events could be challenging. they did open the overflow parking but still people had to find other parking elsewhere either street or at the zoo. Overall i enjoyed it here and it speaks Hawaii living to me on a beautiful evening celebrating the graduates day. read more

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The front entrance line took too long to get past, they need to work faster or hire more staff. I took us almost an hour to move 200 feet. Totally unacceptable for this venue. Also once inside the alcohol concessions took way too long to get a drink. There were only two concession tents for the entire concert. It took me an hour and a half just to get one drink. There was no enforcement of people cutting in line. And the worst part of it was they closed the concession stands too early. If I ever go back to watch a concert at the shell I'm definitely gonna bring my own liquor because there infrastructures were not up to par. Ruined my night! read more

Best convert venue in Hawaii hands down. I've pretty much been to everywhere they've held a big concert and I've got to say this is probably the best place to have one. It's funny, growing up with all the birthday bashes and big times band that have played here....I've never gone in until last Saturday for the Jason Mraz concert. Why you ask? I've gone ghetto. We've always gone ghetto fabulous and BBQ on the "outside" of the shell so you can still hear the music but you get to eat your own food and drink your own drinks. Which is good b/c the food and drinks inside is your typical "movie" priced items. But as far as the sound quality, the location, the parking situation and the seating....best venue...beats out Blasidell, Hawaii Theatre, Waterfront, Kakaako, the old Pipeline, Kualoha Ranch, etc. I will say that the Amphitheater at UH is a close second though. read more

Came here for the Mayjah Rayjah concert over the summer! I love the layout of the whole place.. Because it's kind of a hill kind of layout, you can see the stage from just about anywhere you are. We had lawn tickets and hung out in the beer garden the whole time. Really chill vibes and awesome time overall. We brought little mats to layout and sit down on and weren't bothered by anybody even when sitting down on the ground. The sound quality was great, very clear and able to hear from anywhere on the venue. The have bathrooms on either side which were relatively clean and stocked. The only bad thing is that parking is really hard to find! We drove around a few times and eventually found street parking by the park nearby. I would suggest coming early if you want to snag a spot in the lot. read more

The venue has a great setting with an open air graduation or concerts, limited chair seats, mostly grass to sit on. if you bring a chair, NO LEGS, only a backrest, no food or drinks inside, if you go there for a graduation, no sticks or poles for your signs... parking sucks. best to use the restrooms in the far side of the entrance if there is a line in the front restrooms. read more

Stunningly gorgeous. Really, off-the-charts gorgeous, and surprisingly unique in that it is geographically located within a city unlike other gorgeous outdoor venues in the U.S. (Gorge [WA] and Red Rocks [CO]. Parking is free. Free! I have only paid to see one concert here (Michelle Branch) but would definitely go again regardless of who was performing just on account of the venue. If you have a chance to see a show here, do not pass it up. - E read more

Love the Waikiki Shell, listening to our favorite Hawaiian music under the beautiful Hawaiian skies. read more

Waikiki Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Catching some cool music (Jason Mraz in this case) on a warm Honolulu night. What's not to like? A group of us met in the section of Kapiolani Park adjacent to the the Waikiki Shell for a picnic prior to the evening entertainment. This is good strategy because: 1)you get to chill with friends over some good food & drinks 2)you avoid the traffic chaos that can occur if you arrive too close to the start of the concert Strolling over to the venue took all of 3 minutes and BAM! just like that we were settled in for the show. Choose wisely as far as the blanket you bring if you opted for lawn seating. You'll score points with your date/friends if the blanket you bring is thick enough to avoid people getting their shorts wet from the potentially damp grass. While I was perfectly content with our location on the lawn, it's worth considering reserved seating if you are deeply into the artist performing. There's just something to be said for seeing & hearing musicians up close. Other tips -get tix in advance at the Blaisdell box office on Ward St; while there was a small service charge, it was noticeably less than the typical fee at ticketmaster -Beer was sold at the show read more

The last time I was here, I was with an ex-best friend, eating a Tahitian corned beef plate lunch that cost $8. It must've been at least three years ago. After the 1:45 a.m. Public Enemy concert at Pipeline on Halloween, I was very glad that the 11/15 concert at the Waikiki Shell was on-time, as the ticket stated. Poolside, reserved seats. I like to sit down. read more

One of the few experiences I wish I could give zero stars. At the Waikiki Shell for the Jack Johnson concert August 17. What a shit show. First, no parking anywhere near the venue. Yet there are 40 or 50 empty stalls right out front for the staff. With all of that staff parking and the staff to go along with it you would think the logistics of moving thousands of people would be fairly quick and painless. You would be wrong. Long lines, wrong lines, long lines again. Dear Shell, put up some damn signs for lawn seat and regular seat lines. Last but not least, must have credit card to verify ticket to enter but once inside the beer tent is cash only. Kiss my ass Waikiki Shell! read more

Can't bring food and there's not enough food? Slooowww lines!! If you are the only food options the have ready made lunch bags of salad etc ready to go! Can't bring wine and theres no wine? Ridiculous . read more

Great place for an outdoor concert. Parking sucks, period. There are many rules. For instance, no umbrella. So if it rains, you better bring a raincoat or you will get wet. By the way, it rains everyday in Hawaii. For the lawn, no chairs. You cannot bring in your own foods. You must buy their overpriced average food there. Bathroom lines and wait are long. Women get fed up and go into the men's bathroom, so don't be alarm while you're using the urinal. The concert setting is good and the sounds are good. You may want to set up outside with your own food and tents, but you won't be able to see the stage and the sound will not be as good. read more

I love this venue!!!!! I've seen three events here, one in the seats and two on the lawn. Honestly I prefer the lawn. You still have a great view and can sit on a blanket in the grass and be barefoot and relax. Such a pretty view of diamond head too. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because they could really have a better selection of food and beverage vendors. I always have to eat before or after I come because the food sucks and it's so overpriced. Even the margarita I bought once was $13!! And was so weak! Never again. But it you get a chance to come see a show here, overall it's fantastic. read more

A very good place to watch a concert and Ok place for other types of events. What I mean by Ok events are like graduations and stuff. The amphitheater and staging area is huge. You can hear and probably fele everything all the way from Kapiolani Park, If you are at a concert like the Birthday Bash which happens annually then sometimes you don't even need to watch it at the shell to hear the music. Having seatings in the seating area is nice but you can still get a decent view out of sitting or standing on the law. It's not your typical concert and seating are. The Shell has a unique set up to their space. As far as graduation goes, sometimes you can get lost on the lawn because it just gets too crazy and crowded. There is parking outside of the shell which is shared in partnership and along with Kapiolani Park. Prices and tickets for some events can be pricey but it is all the worth it once you get there. There's a mini box office like area in there where you can buy tickets ans stuff, Yelp 365 Challenge #188/365 read more

This is an awesome venue to have concerts and music festivals! Great spacious grounds and tons of room to walk around. Been here many times and enjoy every second of what ever event is going on here. read more

When you buy your tickets for an event here there should be a warning that parking lots will be closed, and filled with tailgating police officers in their personal vehicles. Completely missed the Jack Johnson concert I paid $100 for due to NO parking anywhere. Never, ever will I pay money for a show at this venue. If you're thinking about buying lawn seats, you're better off saving your money and sitting in the park. read more

Great venue just finding parking is always the issue. If you are on the lawn make sure to bring seat backs, if you are in the seats I hope you enjoy paying money to be hot. Being on the far ends it's not too far from front stage. read more

Just saw Kathy Griffin here on Friday night and I really enjoyed the outdoors of Hawaii right next to the beach. It got a little chilly at some points, but nothing I couldn't handle. My only quip about this place is that none of the food stalls took credit cards, although there was supposedly an ATM somewhere around there, but by the time we got done waiting in line to see if they took credit cards and then they told us to go to the ATM the show was starting, so no food for my hungry tummy :( But overall this is a great venue, except for if it ever storms, then it would be hell. read more

I love the Waikiki Shell. I actually had my high school graduation here. The location is very big and clean. And every show that I've attended here, I never left disappointed. The staff is always on point and the fact that it's an open/outdoor location is just awesome. The only thing that's annoying is the parking situation -- I usually just find street parking by Kaimana Beach / the aquarium, so I'm not stuck in the little parking lot traffic at the Shell. read more

The bathroom sucks, but the Shell is gorgeous! Nothing beats an outdoor concert, especially in Hawaii. I've been here twice to see Jason Mraz and the Shell is the perfect setting for laid back, happy music. read more

Big outdoor venue. Decent bathrooms so you don't have to visit the nightmare that is a portable outhouse during a concert peak. There's also plenty of park space to camp out if you want to just bbq out and listen to the music. Just hope it doesn't rain. read more

A good small 8,000 seat outdoor amphitheater. I sat in 2nd row of CC1. Basically, dead center in the first reserve seating section. The pit is in front then a large walkway. I sat in seat 1 which was on the aisle. Unfortunately, people no longer attend concerts for the music but for the experience so they walk constantly, making this location very distracting. If you can choose I'd get about 5th or 6th row in CC1 and in the middle. That should elevate you enough that the view is good and unobstructed by all the walkers. I'd avoid the pit unless it was a serious rock show and you wanted to mosh. There is no elevation and the stage is high. I suspect visibility is terrible. read more