Neal S. Blaisdell Center

Neal S. Blaisdell Center is a premier multi-purpose community center and entertainment complex located near downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Originally constructed in 1964 on the historic Ward Estate and initially called the Honolulu International Center, the facility was renamed after Mayor Neal S. Blais...

Neal S. Blaisdell Center is a premier multi-purpose community center and entertainment complex located near downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. Originally constructed in 1964 on the historic Ward Estate and initially called the Honolulu International Center, the facility was renamed after Mayor Neal S. Blaisdell who oversaw its construction. The center underwent major remodeling and expansion in 1994 to modernize its facilities and make them more attractive to contemporary touring events. The complex features a circular multi-purpose arena with a capacity of 7,700 seats for sports events and up to 8,800 seats for concerts, a sophisticated Concert Hall seating 2,158 people that serves as Hawaii's premier performing arts theater, and an Exhibition Hall providing 65,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibition space expandable to 85,000 square feet when combined with adjoining spaces. The venue hosts a diverse range of events including Broadway productions, major concerts, sporting events, trade shows, consumer exhibitions, craft fairs, job fairs, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings. Notable performers have included Elvis Presley's historic 1973 Aloha from Hawaii satellite concert, major Broadway shows like The Lion King and Hamilton, and various international artists. The center serves multiple industries including entertainment, sports, trade shows, and community events, making it one of Honolulu's most important cultural and economic venues alongside the Hawaii Convention Center. Additional facilities include five meeting rooms, a galleria, structured parking for over 1,500 vehicles, and the nearby Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, all overseen by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Enterprise Services.