Description
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center is known as the Community Center on the island of Oahu and is conveniently located in downtown Honolulu at the base of Punchbowl. It is easily accessible to Waikiki hotels and shopping centers. Blaisdell Center is situated on the historic site of the former Ward Estate known as “Old Plantation” which the City and County of Honolulu acquired in 1958. The many artesian springs on the Estate have been transformed into tropical fish ponds that wind around the Arena and Exhibition Hall and provide a tranquil setting. The property is also known for its sweeping lawns and coconut tree groves which have existed since they were originally planted at the Ward Estate.
Neal S. Blaisdell Center has been in operation since 1964 and in 1994 was remodeled and expanded to include the Galleria and a second floor which now includes three additional meeting rooms and the administrative offices. A separate ticket kiosk was also built.
The Blaisdell Center complex includes a multi-purpose Arena, Exhibition Hall, Galleria, Concert Hall, meeting rooms and parking structure. These facilities are affordable and adaptable and ideal for cultural attractions, meetings, community shows, trade shows, family shows, sporting events and superstar entertainment. Blaisdell Center also offers its clients excellent food and beverage service through its concessionaire. The two-decked parking structure with 2,000 stalls is accessible from both King and Victoria Streets and the Kapiolani Boulevard entrances.
The Waikiki Shell is located at spacious Kapiolani Park with Diamond Head for a backdrop and Waikiki Beach at the opposite end. This tropical outdoor amphitheater, built in 1952, has always been Hawaii’s place to see the stars, under the stars. Within the Shell grounds and nearer to the ocean is a smaller amphitheater, home of the daytime hula show, and the Diamond Head Greens, a tree-lined lawn area which can be rented for theme