If you’re planning to be on Oahu during your Hawaii vacation, check to see what might be going on at the Waikiki Shell.
The Shell (full name: Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell) sits in beautiful and spacious Kapiolani Park with Diamond Head as a backdrop and Waikiki Beach at the opposite end. It’s an attractive outdoor venue, looking a lot like the Hollywood bowl with an added tropical vibe. And since 1952, the Waikiki Shell has been the place in Hawaii to see the stars under the stars.
On the Lawn…
The Waikiki Shell is a venue for outdoor concerts and other large gatherings in Waikiki. It seats 2,400 persons, but the lawn area has capacity for an additional 6,000 persons on the surrounding lawn.
Local residents seem to prefer the lawn. There are no seats, but we pack picnics, take the kids along, and often just lie back and chill. The Waikiki Shell is a great place to gaze at the amazing sky above and listen to whatever might be going on up on the stage.
Waikiki Shell: Twilight Concerts in the Park
Concerts are the main draw at Waikiki Shell, but it also sees political rallies, corporate functions, and other big events.
Virtually all of the top local entertainers have performed in the Shell, and world-class comedians, singers, rock groups, and other performers appear regularly.
The shell is a great place to see the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra perform under the stars. Or, head to the Shell in the morning. There are free hula concerts on Sundays through Wednesdays at 9:30 AM.
It doesn’t really matter what the attraction might be while you’re in Waikiki. Going to an event at the Shell is a great way to spend an evening in a place where Hawaii’s wondrous weather and serene atmosphere is on full display.
My Story from Waikiki Shell
It was back in the 70s. My boss Carlos Rivas had invited me and my wife Mary to be his guests at the Waikiki Shell for a performance by Cat Stevens, a British pop star who had sold over 60 million albums around the world since the late 1960s.
Mary and I had not yet been to the Shell and accepted eagerly. (Mary was a Cat Stevens fan). Carlos said that he would take care of the food, I should take care of the booze, and he would meet us at the gate.
We would not be in seats, but sitting on the lawn, so we should also bring a blanket. I bought a gallon of red wine. As it happened, I drove past the gate on my quest for a parking space and could see that security guards were frisking people as they entered, unrolling their blankets and examining their bags. Obviously, outside alcohol was not permitted at the Waikiki Shell.
… A Bucket of Wine?
Thinking quickly, I drove to a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken and bought a large bucket. I disposed of most of the breasts, legs, and wings and replaced them with the jug of wine inside the bucket. The top stuck out from the remaining pieces a little too far, so I covered it with a roll.
When we met Carlos at the gate of the Waikiki Shell, he was empty-handed. “What’s that?” he asked me. I explained. “Actually,” he said, “I was going to buy the food inside, and you could have bought the drinks there. They have a full bar.”
I lugged the bucket in anyhow, once I cleared inspection, which was half-hearted at best. I still was a little wary, not wanting to get us busted, and was as surreptitious as possible when I poured the wine for us into the cups Mary had brought.
As the lights dimmed and the warm-up act readied, I became aware of a slightly familiar, distinctive aroma. Everybody around us was smoking pot!
It was a Waikiki Shell concert well-appreciated by all of us.
Planning Your Waikiki Vacation
Ready to make your own memories in Waikiki? Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help. Contact us to plan a vacation that includes concerts under the stars, quiet evenings in, or unforgettable excursions!
