Palace Theater
Palace Theater
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
About
This historic 1925 movie theater in downtown Hilo reopened in 1999 after being closed for 17 years. Our Mission is to revitalize, restore, and sustain the Historic Palace Theater as a venue that will educate, entertain, and inspire our diverse community. The Palace opened in October 1925 with the Silent Film “The Son of Zorro” Starring Douglas Fairbanks. Since then the Palace Theater has shown many types of films including Festivals, Documentaries, Independent, Sleepers, Art House, Academy Award Winners, Silver Screen Classics & still even shows Silent Films accompanied by the Palace Organ. But the Palace is a lot more then just a movie theater. Many Famous Musicians & Music Festivals, for example, have preformed here, covering a large array of music. Classical, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Electronic, Hawaiian & many other Traditional World Music acts. Live Theater, Musicals, Ballets & Halaus have also graced the Palace stage. Not to mention private parties and Hilo’s Special Events May Day Lei Day, Black & White Night & Chinese New Year. This Historical Theater has been in the hearts of many for almost a century, and we hope it will become a treasured memory for you as well. It’s through volunteered time & charitable donations that restorations & operations are possible, so that the Palace can continue entertaining the people & visitors of the Big Island for many more years.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
62 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
21
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Michael B
Bellflower, CA24,139 contributions
Feb 2019
A multi-use two-story theatre built by Architects Davis & Fishbournein in 1925 in the Beaux-Arts style, with a parapet and balustrade running along the top of the building. It closed for a while due to lack of public support, but in 1998 it reopened as an art house, with a restored lobby and cafe serving refreshments during events. The wonderfully decorative proscenium frames the stage, making it visible to all the theaters seating. Our seats were a little to the left of the stage and with the sloped floor everything was in perfect view. As it was local High school jazz bands performance, and they were very good. There is a large Wurlitzer pipe organ in the theater, but it was not use at this performance.
TIP: Check out the theaters schedule of events, you might be surprised to see who plays here.
TIP: Check out the theaters schedule of events, you might be surprised to see who plays here.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShirleyD49
Kailua-Kona, HI114 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We always check for what is happening at the Palace Theatre whenever we visit Hilo. It may be an independent film, a live performance, or a silent film with music played by the pipe organ. Refreshments in the lobby may include a curry dish or a hot dog. It's a delightful walk back in time to visit the Palace Theatre.
Written May 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ommm77
Pittsburgh, PA227 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Our B&B hostess recommended this over gimmicky luau to see authentic hula. The attendees were all local. This show had beginners who were just learning and dancing for their families to pros and professional Hawaiian singers. It was an incredibly special night and the Theater suited the event. It felt authentic, very comfortable with good sound and sight lines.
Written September 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
Worcester, MA21 contributions
HAWAIIANA
The add was tiny, discreet, modestwind the admission at $5.00 totally within budget. The show is at 11AM Wednesday morning. The taste has a long history and was lovingly restored. The walls are lavishly painted in distinctive geometrics. The woodwork has Bryn back to its original splendor, faded to be sure.
This is the only daytime offering art the palace. Every week is a different show following the Hawaiian year. Cultural practicioner Lelehua Yuen and Manu Josiah offer a real story telling, musical experience. This is not the big gaudy hotel luau show. These are the chants and songs and stories you would have heard as a child. It is warm, welcoming and an oasis of peace and welcome.
The add was tiny, discreet, modestwind the admission at $5.00 totally within budget. The show is at 11AM Wednesday morning. The taste has a long history and was lovingly restored. The walls are lavishly painted in distinctive geometrics. The woodwork has Bryn back to its original splendor, faded to be sure.
This is the only daytime offering art the palace. Every week is a different show following the Hawaiian year. Cultural practicioner Lelehua Yuen and Manu Josiah offer a real story telling, musical experience. This is not the big gaudy hotel luau show. These are the chants and songs and stories you would have heard as a child. It is warm, welcoming and an oasis of peace and welcome.
Written May 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraGraceB
Decatur, Georgia, United States15 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
So, the Palace Theatre itself is worth the look, can't imagine the love, work & $$ that went into it's restoration.
"Hawaii-ana" is a live show every Wednesday morning, and is worth every penny of the $5 admission.
First there was pre-show theatre organ music, on a truly fancy organ with lots of "bells & whistles" (so to speak).
The rest of the show (which also included 2 lovely short films) was presented by a wife and husband duo; he played several wooden flutes, and a twelve string guitar; they both sang, and she told and danced stories. I have never seen anyone so graceful.
Please do NOT miss this!!
"Hawaii-ana" is a live show every Wednesday morning, and is worth every penny of the $5 admission.
First there was pre-show theatre organ music, on a truly fancy organ with lots of "bells & whistles" (so to speak).
The rest of the show (which also included 2 lovely short films) was presented by a wife and husband duo; he played several wooden flutes, and a twelve string guitar; they both sang, and she told and danced stories. I have never seen anyone so graceful.
Please do NOT miss this!!
Written February 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice S R
Niskayuna, NY86 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
Sometimes you see old movies, sometimes you see other things, but it is an old time theater in the heart of downtown Hilo and should be supported as all old grand theaters should be.
Written July 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deannefaye
Ambler, PA50 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
This is a really quaint theater that you wouldn't really expect in Hawaii, but Hilo is more of a residential than tourist town in many ways. We saw the community production of Jesus Christ Superstar which was quite good and the musical director was retired and former SNL musial director Quack Moore. It was a fun night out and something different to do!
Written October 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debby B
Cougar, WA40 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
When we first moved to Hilo, we learned about the Wednesday morning "Hawai'iana Live!" show and now we are weekly regulars. Each week, incredibly talented local couple Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah entertain and teach about Hilo history, and they usually have special guests. No two shows are alike, but all shows are fabulous. At just $5, this is the best weekly thing to do in this town. The theater also shows movies and hosts local plays. They have a turn of the century restored pipe organ that you can't miss! Just tonight, they showed four old silent films with live theater organ accompaniment. The place is old, but it is also charming and they are restoring it as finances allow. We are so thrilled to have this cultural jewel in our new home town.
Written September 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tikiznbamboo
Albuquerque, NM223 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
This old theater perpetuates Hawaiian culture. If you are a visitor and want a full on experience of the real Hawaii, come to a cultural show here. There are regular presentations, presented with aloha and heart.
Written June 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy S
Waipahu, HI74 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We watched slack key guitarist and singer Makana here. The show was amazing. The accoustics were amazing but the place is in desperate need of repairs. They know this and are raising money for the project. Donations would be well worth it as it looks and feels like such an amazing place during it's prime.
Written May 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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