Reviews of Waikīkī Shell. (Performing Arts Theater) in Honolulu (Hawaii).

Waikīkī Shell

337 Reviews

167 Comments

Performing arts theater

2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

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Description

Information of Waikīkī Shell, Performing arts theater in Honolulu (Hawaii)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Reviews of Waikīkī Shell

Matt Mccrary

This place was hosting the unity for labor unions. It was great tons of food and snacks with a positive atmosphere and live music. It was a perfect event to bring the whole family to parking can be tricky at time's. We were also fortunate enough to run into Barack Obama and Joe Biden during the festival. They didn't really say much,but seemed to be enjoying the shows around them. We couldn't get to close to them. Security was crazy around them. Well I hope this helps you out and have a great day.

Joeyaynn Gomez

Every seat in the amphitheater is a great view. The seats are spaced enough, the grassy area is clean and the accoustics are perf.... The parking is LIMITED but there are so many places to park around that area; just be ready for the walk.

Allie McEntire

Trying to find parking is a mad house. We had tickets for the left back lawn, which was nice but groups of people kept standing at different points during the concert and that ruined the first 30 minutes, couldn't see a thing. I think it would have been worth it to buy the actual seating tickets or the standing section if you're tall enough.

Warren Hoo

Waikiki Park was filled with booths and spectators ar the final stop for participants of the annual Kamehameha Day Parade with a princess from each of the islands riding a horse. These are pa'u riders, each was proceeded by a rider bearing a banner on a staff, announcing her arrival, and she was accompanied by two other riders dropped back and flanking her on each side. The horses wore garlands of floral and live leaf garlands draped around their necks. Floral arrangements that are specially tied together with a heavy cord or perhaps better described as a small rope. Also represented were Japanese (Lei I think), princesses who came from Japan.

Matthew L

The "doors" open an hour prior to the event, or at least they did for the Jim Gaffigan event 31 July 2021. You will fill out a contact tracing form using a QR code that you to scan while you wait in line to get in. The line outside moved very quickly. They also want you to have your mask on when you're getting walked to your seats by the ushers. If you're looking to have a drink or two Bud Light 24 oz cups are 11 dollars, Stella was 13 dollars, and mixed drinks were 9 dollars. They take card for payment but cash only for the tips. They also only allow you to buy one at a time. And you can only be in line if you are buying booze and over 21. At this event they stopped serving as soon as the opening act came on stage so be ready for a quick last call. Another thing to be aware of is that they don't let you take an alcoholic beverage to the bathroom, it can't pass an imaginary line. I didn't get any food but one of the stands had BBQ and another had Pad Thai. Overall the acoustics were amazing and the show was great. The Waikiki Shell is a solid place to see your favorite act if they are in town.

Rfritzjr

This was the most incredible venue for the Hawaiian Symphony Orchestra featuring the music of Queen and Freddie Mercury. They did contact tracing, spaced out the seating, it was nicely handled during the covid pandemic. I was impressed. If you see a show here, you two will enjoy it, and make sure to get the warm caramelized nets from the concession, they are well worth it.

Rich Answers

Saw Yo Yo Ma here. It was incredible but don't even try to park near here if you are less than 2 hours early for a big name concert. I arrived 45 min prior thinking I'd have enough time. I spent 1 hour 45 min looking for parking. Missed half the concert.

Dustin Hattenburg

Great event! Food and beer is expensive but that's the battle of a venue. Plan for cash only. ATM is there also

Alyson Wong

Great concert venue. But only if the weather is nice since it's outside.

Crystal Nichols

It is literally a breath of fresh air to catch a concert at The Waikiki Shell, especially in the age of covid! I have sat in the front row seats and in the lawn section and I think both are great. For the lawn seats, I would recommend bringing a mat or towel to claim a spot because it gets packed quickly and you don't want to be stuck standing by the back fence for the entire show. I wish they would upgrade their speaker system because the audio quality is not the best, especially if you are towards the back. Hawaii has the perfect weather for an outdoor concert so there is no doubt you will have a great time!

Alexander Krstevski

Went to see Bill Maher there for New Year’s Eve show. Well the show was a little boring if you know Bill and watch his show on HBO. He just used the same jokes as he always is using. So it was kind of disappointing. He does good on TV, but no very good live.

Ryan Welch

Enjoyed Jack Johnson and the Kokua festival here. Was a really fun show. It started to drizzle, which felt so nice. The sound was pretty good as well. Great time.

Marissa Perez Sztorch

What a great venue to see a concert!!! Every seat is good. Even out on the grass. There were food vendors, clothing vendors, they sold beer and alcohol. The sound system was loud and awesome. The view of Diamond Head is visible, right next to the venue and it was beautiful!!! Can't wait to go back for another concert.

Robert Wascher

A great venue for music, reminiscent of the Hollywood Bowl. Great location, too, in Kapiolani Park, next to the Honolulu Zoo. I saw Smokey Robinson at the Shell. A wonderful evening!

Richard Rehkemper

Absolutely the best place on Oahu for a concert. But they NEVER play past 10:00 anymore, they turn off the PA at exactly 10:00.

Stuart Hino

Very good place for evening and night time events. Day events can get pretty hot depending on the weather. Concerts are great here under the moon and stars and offers a nice change from the enclosed venues. Kapono and friends concert was awesome!

Alison Barnes

Parking: it took us 2 hours to find parking and enter. Planned arrival to Jack Johnson at beginning of openers (430). Ended up splitting up the group and the person parking the car didn't get to us until 630. Recommend going early to park and find something to do nearby if you aren't ready to go through security yet. Or uber/bus to a nearby location and walk. Security was quick, no lines. Inside was typical music festival atmosphere. All of the seats were good and music sounded awesome. Sun dropped behind the trees pretty early so we weren't baking in the sun.

Marie Nelson

Great acoustics, fresh air venue, good seating. Watched a retrospective concert of Hawaiian music - with hula dancers. Excellent show. Watch the news or check the Internet for upcoming shows.

Noema Crane

Went to the Lana Del Rey concert here. Beautiful stage and acoustics. The only thing I disliked was the attitude of some of the people, which isn't the fault of the stage of course. Security was good and on top of things, they search your bags if you bring anything larger than a purse. No outside food or drinks. Or lawn chairs. You can see well from the lawn tho.

Ns Stadium

Beautiful outdoor venue for Concerts. Food & drinks options are limited during smaller Events, so plan accordingly. Limited parking at Shell, so Uber/Lyft or park & walk from nearby side streets.

Mark Deaton

Right up there with any out door venue to see live music in a fairly intimate setting. only draw back is lack of touring bands that used to schedule Hawaii as a stopover.

Anthony Kaluhikai

Da best , just don't seat front row , either end of da stage . Da light kill ya , Kapono an Friend's . No Ka Out

Dre T

I was on vacation and attended the H.E.R Concert. Lawn area can get crowded fast for big acts. Early arrival suggested

Dano Sayles, REALTOR: The Sayles Team

The Waikiki Shell is one of the my favorite venues in Hawaii. The views to Diamond Head are very majestic. H.E.R. put on an incredible performance and the fans loved the amazing singer/songwriter. I had seen her perform on the Grammy’s with Lenny Kravitz and with so happy to see H.E.R. Live at the Waikiki Shell.

Alexander Sakamoto

When going to the Waikiki Shell for any venue I strongly suggest using a ride share or taxi. Because the parking there is very limited

Phillip Mad-Max Muller (Mad-Max)

From August 26-27, I attended the Ohana Music Festival, brought to you by Hawaii's Finest. Local reggae music legends, Fiji aka F1J1, Three Plus, Kapena, Bruddah Waltah, B.E.T. (Big Every Time), Peni Dean, and Pati performed on stage.

David Rosenbrock

A very intimate venue for outdoor concerts and other cultural events

Keanu Kerr

Cool stage design with good acoustics and nice outdoor seating.

Miss G

Love it there so breezy went for a graduation last night

Dustin Hollenback

Excellent outdoor venue! The acoustics for the symphony were exceptional.

Mike Sewell

Went for the Honolulu Symphony's performance of the classic rock and roll by Led Zeppelin. The venue is comfortable and they are very serious about getting contact tracking information. The sound quality is great, seats comfortable, and amenities clean and in good working order. Beverage prices are similar to most venues. $11~$14 for a 24oz draft beer. Go for the show -

Vincenzo

After 40 years I finally got to see a show at the shell. It's such an under utilized facility. It.lived up to my expectations. I loved it. Seating was very good with excellent site lines of.the stage. They also had large monitors to watch the act as well. Saw Jim Gaffigan last night there and he did an excellent performance for.only his.third show since pandemic subsiding. Hopefully they have more big names there in the future. All seats are out doors so no protection from passing showers. Makes the facility that much more charming in my opinion.

Scott M

Nice intimate venue. They definitely need to do something with the lines for the food and beverage vendors. Been to a lot of venues but gotta be the worst for vendor services.

L M C

Nice intimate performance space, in the park,

Blair R

After many trips to the Kapiolani Park, I was able to enjoy the Waikiki Shell for an event that my child’s dance study was hosting for the holidays. The venue has great acoustics and views from every seat be it in the pool, general seating, or the lawn. There is also a great history with the number of artists who have performed on stage here with the rich history.

CcC MmM

So nice that it has all of the same charm that it did when I was a kid! I am glad that they haven't changed it to much. It was a wonderful night out with my husband!

Niki Cardenas

Fantastic outdoor venue. Great seat no matter where you sit. Right by Waikiki beach. Great sound.

Bill Kaminski

Great venue! The lawn wasa great way to relax and watch the performance, especially with a younger child.

Dan Borchers

Beautiful, outdoor concert setting. Grass sitting or reserve a seat. Sit under the stars and enjoy!

Neal Sakamoto

Beautiful, outdoor venue for Concerts. Enjoyable nughts under the stars & moon over Diamond Head.

Carm Sukhabut

Great venue for an outdoor concert!

Ron Barras

I saw Jimi Hendrix at the Waikiki Shell in 1970. Sat on the lawn. He was great. During the concert a fireball flew across the night sky. Hippies all said it was a sign from the gods! The Navy said they were testing rockets. 😎 …

Belia Turley

Lots of parking and nice venue with Hawaiis beautiful weather

Maija Kemper

My most favorite venue 😍 …

Lori Wright

The Led Zepplin concert was absolutely kick a**!! Such talent with everyone there...the Hawaii Symphony Orchesta is a treasure and combined with Brody & Band is entertainment I would travel from Kansas to see (*thank Goodness I live in Kauai and was a bit quicker trip!) If you haven't experienced, check it out next year! Tonight is the music of Queen...cant wait!!

Raymond Layos

Just bring an umbrella if your staying out in the sun while watching a cheer competition. Other than that, there's trees where if you don't mind standing just to get some shade

Toddi Nakagawa

Wow, it was so nice to listen to a concert at the Waikiki Shell. However, the shell does need some updating as the whole orchestra was under canopies. I really enjoyed the performance, but I think the canopies interfere with the sound. I hope they can get those birds out of the rafters.

Bec E

Lighting is bad at the parking lots. And grass needs to be manicured, was long walking through parking. Also inside grass was just cut and left. Other than that it's a nice place for a concert.

Ryan Quemado

I would say one of the better venues used for concerts and events. Open field and chairs make it easy for people to enjoy whatever's going on if you're the type who wants to sit back and relax or one who needs to stand up and dance!

Lora Montoya

Enjoyed Smoky Robinson concert there.

David Daly

Great experience for oue Australian cheer team

Elijah Jones

Great little outdoor space. It's not the most modern and cool thing, but it's more of a local novelty place. Great to be outside with the trade winds blowing in the palm trees and ocean nearby.

Chereese Ferreira

I use a wheelchair / scooter. This venue is handicapped abled. All seating is great. Just remember to bring a poncho, if rain is in the forecast. Kick back and enjoy!

Alondra Salcedo

Very clean venue. Super shaded it's awesome because it's outdoors so the sun isn't beating directly down on you. Great place for concerts and events.

William Harrison

The perfect outdoor concert venue to shake off your COVID blues!!! A beautiful setting with Diamond Head as a backdrop.

Shay Wong

could have a better sound system and stay open past the permit law of 10pm. Nice if that changed. But cheap but good cheeseburgers 5$ nachos 4$ and good crowd control.

RokZ Tanaka

It's a great place for concerts and other venues. However when leaving they don't make the lights brighter so that you don't step over someone's blanket or something.

Kawika Figueroa

Always filled with good vibes and lasting memories. I've been here for numerous concerts and have never been let down. I've been blessed to watch many many KCCN Birthday Bashes over the years, witnessed such legendary acts like UB40, Shaggy and Damian Jr Gong Marley just to name a few. Also attended a Kirk Franklin featuring God's Property Concert and Ma$e, former Bad Boy Entertainment Rapper, Harlem World Rap Group Founder turned Preacher as he gave an awesome message. So many memories here. If you're here you're most likely to build your own memories. Aloha.

Shawn McGurrin

Great place to see live entertainment. Wonderful venue sponsored by the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust. Hawaii Sympathy Orchestra was fantastic.

Matthew Gaskill

Fun spot to see a show. Food and drink options are limited, so plan accordingly.

Rachel

Quite a walk from the core of Waikiki but near the zoo and Kapiolani Park. Free parking most of the time. Don’t keep valuable belongings in the car! Parking lot is closed 12 am to 5 am. Well lit.

Sammantha Arendsz

Not enough parking and hard to find parking anywhere near

Calvin Dong

very good stadium felt very welcomed and their chairs were very comfortable.

Kawika Kan-é

Old school!! Been there many times threw out my teenage and young adult life. Seen so many musical legends there but there's one night I will never forget at the shell. The night Steel Pulse took the stage an rocked the shell in a thick cloud of pakalolo smoke, dat was freckin epic!!!....wait for it....here's the kicker!. That was the opening act. Now! who would you think could be bigger and more epic than Steel Pulse????Hhhmmmmmm? Hint: his father is Legendary. Well his father is non other than Mr. Bob Marley himself. Wow....to have two of the major reggae bands in the world for one unforgettable night at the iconic Waikiki Shell? PRICELESS.....That night Steel Pulse opened for the one and only David "Ziggy" Marley himself along with all his bothers and sisters. Both were the biggest acts in that time on one stage in one memorable tropical night in Hawaii. Imagine that?? I don't! I was there. That is why the Waikiki Shell is so special to me and I hope that you will experience something magical and unforgettable at Shell, like I have. Mahalo and Aloha, A hui hou.

Boris Sztorch

We walk from Ala Moana or take the bus and it's no problem. Sound system is great so is the KCCN FM100 Reggae Bash!! So much fun.

Rosemarie Miller

Took 2nd in figure at the shawn ray classic did pretty good

Maria Henry

But my husband's union didn't show up😔. Couldn't get our lucky # tickets and turn in our meal tickets.😠 So there were other food tents that honored our food tickets, so I could feed my grandbabies.!!!!!! …

Ryan Breeze

This is a great venue located on Oahu unfortunately it does not get used as much as it used to in the past. Jack Johnson is one of the biggest names, he played here for the Kokua Fest.

Shibalik Chakraborty

Did not go to the shell for any performance, but did use the parking lot to access the beach nearby. Only free parking spot (other than the street side parking which are always full) with walking distance to Waikiki beach.

Harold Marx

After decades of hula freebies and maximum ALOHA the side show closed. That was years ago. But, finally the road and parking lot got paved. AND, Hawaii 5-0 filming + got Paki Street paved, also. Beautifully done! However, still no Curbed Sidewalk for protection of Waikiki Elementary School kakis. Shameless City Council and Representatives for decades. No proper drainage at school drive way either😎

Candace Reisinger

Great venue. Surrounded by beautiful views. Perfect sized venue.

Red FX

Very small venue which makes it feel like you are so close to the artists! Awesome acoustics.

Jacob Jerry

Just watched Jack Johnson play here and it was an awesome vibe

Debby Magnuson

Beautiful venue. Outside seating or a lawn chair or blanket. No bad seats or viewing area.

erica Lewis

Beautiful stage, changes colors with the show. I chose lawn seat and loved it, very relaxing.

Robert Kaleikula

Union Labor day party was amazing. Good to see all the families enjoying the fruits of their labor!

Steven

I enjoy being able to sit anywhere when I arrived. It's a great place to go

Antonio Inigo

A great place to hold big events.

Paolo Torres

Great place for a concert, not enough parking...

Sandra Hashida

Outdoor on Waikiki enjoying a concert, what could be better?

Joey Smith

Great free parking on the Waikiki Beach and strip! Limited spaces though, so get there early enough or get lucky.

mike jones

Nice place for big venues in Waikiki. Most the times its closed but it's always good for parking.

Nada Ismaiel

They are doing free covid testing at this site (PCR and antigen). They are lovely, and very efficient!

Laishung Choy

Great for concerts outdoor sitting under the Stars the open-air is awesome

Wendy McEwan

Saw Lana Del Rey here. Loved the seating arrangement. And getting in and out was super easy.

Nick West Cott

Nice outdoor area for concerts. Near ocean and part of large scale KAPIOLANI Park.

Chelsey Wood

I love how close the lawn is! Don't waste your money on front row tickets, the lawn is close enough

Nohea Leopoldo

Beautiful venue for any music experience!!

Preston Meurlott

Saw Jack Johnson and the Waikiki Shell did not disappoint.

Jonah Navarrete

Nice lawn

George Nabea

Variety of tickets, you chose to sit or stand or walking! Can accommodate a lot of people! !

Clare Takayama

Great employees- beautiful venue

Momi Otake

Loved seeing Kalapana under the stars with Diamond Head in the background. Kapono was awesome.

Craig Paul

Great for a cool evening concert!

Linda Kalopodes

Nice place for a concert.

Hawaii

Good venue.

Tammy Young

Cool fresh air, awesome food and drinks with great music and restrooms nearby

al vin

May 2019

Joshua Perallon

It was great having a concert outside

Philip Banogon

Nice place and plenty of parking space

WARREN !!!

It's being renovated now. Will once again be a place to go.

Keoki Badiang

Mayjah Rayjah 2016...nuff said.

Kaito May

Saw lots of people perform here including magic, pikotaro, and green day

Uilani Ganeau

Hawaii Labor Unity Picnic 2022

Emerson

Saw Jack Johnson perform here

Donald Oshiro

Enjoyed the atmosphere and the show.

Jonny Kujo

Best place on the island to experience a musical event

Hayley Miller

Great place for free parking!!

Tarryn Porath

I love the shell! Always a good show

Dan Newt

Awesome concerts here and venue

Raelean Banas

A great place for an outside concert

Felicia Toomey

Beautiful outdoor venue for an outdoor concert

Marilyn Huihui

Attended our Grandsons graduation ceremony from Honolulu Community College.

David Lebowitz

Great atmosphere, huge venue.

Charley T

Hot like a mofo, but when the sun goes down, ahhhhhh sweet

Frank Miller

I like to go here with my dog and relax &play .marry Christmas from Hawaii.

Jason Nelms

Great venue!

Edward Tech 2

Love coming here in the morning before work and watching the little ducks

Rick James

Very good outdoor venue!

Kristen Nishimoto Stoker

Free parking though can get taken up fast.

mark sebastian

Great venue for a concert.

HosFar FarHos

Great location and concert.

Dee 14

Beautiful for concerts.

Harold Bray

KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY PARADE 2022

Charo Joaquin Villegas

Watched the Hawaii Symphony! Wonderful!

Edward Markel

Great acoustics and venues

Shawn McKenzie

Came here for my nephew's Kaimuki High school graduation...class of 2018

Donna Cadiz

GREAT place to listen top music.

Rachel Howard

Awesome for covid tests

Hazel Eyes

Honolulu Community College Graduation CLASS OF 2018

Kale1 1opez (Mighty Man)

The park is a great place also

F. Kawamura

Beautiful venue!

Dan Walters

Jim Gaffigan... awesome!

Sharonelle Evalani Beltran

I was just there working a concert.

Darrin Scott

They need more parking

Zelda McShane

Love the music

Kamana Seymour

Fun times!

Joyce Macpherson

I like that parking is free

Tamara Ramos

Free COVID19 TEST.

Alexandria Killian

Love this venue!

don decambra

Mean

Mark Steiner

Helped me avoid traffic

Hulaliokalani Kahawai

Love it over here!

Ryan Graham

Awesome place!

Matey Checko

Got gas on the way to a luau.

Brodey Paloki Cox

good concerts

Ericka Bantolina

Nice.

Madaline Cruz

Gas station near park

Pi'i

The hub for events in Hawaii

Jessica Cranley

Great for gatherings

Hokulani Cockett

Lovely atmosphere

Lady L

Great place.

Tammy Molina

Aceplayer 157

Free parking!

Leslie Yap

Fun venue.

Dai Truong

Free parking

Maximo Arango

It is Perfect!

C L

Memories

Mike P

Beautiful place

中野誠二

Visited for an event in Honolulu. Close to Diamond Head. You can immerse yourself in music in a quiet environment with a refreshing breeze. It's a really great venue. It was very nice to have a light meal for dinner. Well, it's not a place you can go back to if you go to Honolulu, but it was a good experience.

Yuki K

I can't get enough of the openness. I also like being able to lie down on the lawn seats in the back and relax.

kotaka a

I went to an outdoor concert. The atmosphere is pleasant and the wind is pleasant. Is it difficult to secure a parking lot?

Manuel Laurenz

Extrem coole Eventlocation!

Ichi Aisian

It was a little far from the hotel, but it was troublesome to take the car in and out of the hotel one by one, so I parked here and walked to the hotel. It was good because it was free, but I ran into a strange person (I found a person who caught a chicken and carried it to the car...), and I was a little disappointed. It is convenient if you remove it