In the room
The experience
The Waikiki Shell opened in 1956 in Kapi'olani Park at the eastern end of Waikiki. Edwin Bauer's white concrete clamshell faces 2,400 seated and 6,000 on the lawn; Diamond Head, a dormant volcanic tuff cone, sits directly behind the stage. The Shell has been the site of every Hawaiian sovereignty concert since the 1970s and remains the preferred venue for traditional Hawaiian programming. The banyan trees in Kapi'olani Park frame the approach. The lawn fills first; bring a mat and aim for the centre rear, where the shell's reflected sound converges.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
Bring a mat and aim for the centre rear of the lawn, where the shell's reflected sound converges.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
A mid-century open-air shell with a volcano for a backdrop. The room is the landscape.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
Concert season April through October, evening programming. The annual Brothers Cazimero May Day concert (1 May) is a traditional Hawaiian highlight. Avoid winter (December-March), the venue is often closed.
Hours
Concert season April to October. Events evenings only. Box office variable. Kapi'olani Park itself open 24/7.
Getting there
Walk from Waikiki Beach, ten minutes east. From Honolulu airport, 25 minutes by taxi or shuttle to Waikiki. The Shell is on the south side of Kapi'olani Park, signed.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates and tickets come from the venue itself. Opens blaisdellcenter.com in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is Waikiki Shell?
Waikiki Shell is in Honolulu, Hawai'i, United States. Coordinates: 21.2697, -157.8203.
What kind of music is at Waikiki Shell?
Waikiki Shell programmes Hawaiian, Pacific, Jazz, Contemporary. Edwin Bauer's 1956 white concrete clamshell facing 2,400 seated and 6,000 on the lawn in Kapi'olani Park. Diamond Head behind the stage. Site of Hawaiian sovereignty concerts since the 1970s.
When is the best time to visit Waikiki Shell?
Concert season April through October, evening programming. The annual Brothers Cazimero May Day concert (1 May) is a traditional Hawaiian highlight. Avoid winter (December-March), the venue is often closed.
How do I get to Waikiki Shell?
Walk from Waikiki Beach, ten minutes east. From Honolulu airport, 25 minutes by taxi or shuttle to Waikiki. The Shell is on the south side of Kapi'olani Park, signed.
Why is Waikiki Shell in the Sonic Paths atlas?
A mid-century open-air shell with a volcano for a backdrop. The room is the landscape.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
Find a bed close to Waikiki Shell in Honolulu through our accommodation partner, Stay22.
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