Waikiki Shell Information
The Waikiki Shell is known for it’s Diamond head design which gives a natural boost to the perfect acoustics – meaning that enjoying your favorite act has never been easier, you won’t miss a lyric, beat or a single note.
The Waikiki Shell opened in 1956 and offers seating for approximately 2,400 attendees, with additional lawn space accommodating up to 6,000 people. It’s an ideal location for both locals and visitors, mainly due to its stunning surroundings, lush greenery, and unmissable architecture.
This breathtaking amphitheater has hosted music royalty over the years, from Elvis Presley to Bruno Mars and Boyz II Men. With a large stage area and open space, it’s the perfect mix of intimate and electric. Whether it’s rock, reggae, or Hawaiian slack-key guitar, the Waikiki Shell delivers unforgettable performances under the stars.
As for amenities, facilities, and overall vibe? The Waikiki Shell boasts excellent acoustics, a relaxed island atmosphere, and numerous food vendors serving up local favorites. With a laid-back, picnic-friendly lawn area, you’ll have the chance to kick back, sip a cold drink, and soak up the spirit of the setting during your visit, all while enjoying a top-notch outdoor concert.
The Waikiki Shell, also known as the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and music lovers. For many in Honolulu, it’s more than a destination for live performances and large gatherings – it’s a nostalgic landmark where generations have gathered under the stars for unforgettable nights of music, culture, and celebration.
This venue is often referred to as the Honolulu sibling to the Hollywood Bowl in LA for it’s similarity in style. This wonderful venue is situated in the largest and oldest public park in the whole of Hawaii, making it a perfect place to catch the best in live performance!
History of the Waikiki Shell Amphitheatre in Hawaii
The Waikiki Shell has been a cultural and musical landmark in Honolulu since opening in 1956. Designed to be Hawaii’s version of the Hollywood Bowl, this open-air amphitheater quickly became a beloved hub for live music, cultural celebrations, and community events.
Over the decades, the Waikiki Shell has hosted some of the biggest names in music, making it a must-visit destination for both artists and fans. Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Santana, Bruno Mars, Boyz II Men, and Stevie Wonder have all performed here, adding to its legendary status.
When Elvis Presley took the stage at the Waikiki Shell in the 1960s, he helped solidify its status as a legendary music hub. In addition to mainstream artists, the Shell has long been a home for Hawaiian music icons like Don Ho, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (IZ), and the Brothers Cazimero, preserving and celebrating Hawaii’s rich musical traditions.
Backdrop
The backdrop is another reason why the Shell is so loved. With the world-famous Diamond Head towering behind the stage and the sound of the ocean nearby, the Shell offers one of the most breathtaking concert settings in the world.
Today, the Waikiki Shell remains one of the most picturesque concert venues in the world. With its stunning backdrop of Diamond Head, swaying palm trees, and ocean breezes, it remains a magical place to experience live entertainment, where music, history, and aloha come together under the stars.
You can even enjoy a show barefoot! That’s right, many guests love the relaxed, picnic-style lawn seating, where you can kick off your sandals and dance the night away.
Modern
In 2018, the venue was officially renamed the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, in honor of Tom Moffatt, a legendary DJ, concert promoter, and music industry pioneer who played a crucial role in bringing world-class acts to Hawaii.
Improvements to the outdoor concert destination commenced in October 2024. They were completed within six months, encompassing top-tier electrical upgrades, including the update of outdated switchgear and modifications to the former orchestra pit, which enhanced the venue’s history and already impressive design. The Department of Design and Construction managed the project.
While concerts have always been the heart of the Waikiki Shell, it has also been the setting for major cultural events, hula performances, twilight concerts, symphonies, graduations, and even political gatherings. It remains a key place for the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, the Ukulele Festival, and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.
As you enter the venue area, you will be blown away by just how much nature is surrounding you. With a beautiful Beach just around the corner, tropical palm trees around the stage, lush greenery from every side and of course nothing but bright blue skies above you – nothing beats this truly mesmerizing outdoor concert experience!
So get ready, take your pick from many of the exciting upcoming shows and visit the Waikiki Shell soon!