By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – Following the highly anticipated return of live performances at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction and the Department of Enterprise Services are proud to share the details of the extensive renovations that have modernized and enhanced this iconic venue. These critical upgrades ensure a more technologically advanced, more accessible, and safer space for performers and audiences alike.
The $10 million renovation project overhauled the Concert Hall’s back-of-house, including a new cooling tower, an enhanced electrical system, rejuvenated dressing rooms, updated crew toilet and laundry facilities, upgraded walkway lighting, an advanced fire alarm system, and an expanded stage sprinkler system to meet current safety standards.
The original scenery and lighting rigging system (stage house) were replaced entirely. Renovations were also made to the above-stage rigging. The new rigging systems — manual and motorized — meet current industry and safety standards and improve capacity for industry stage production lighting. The main stage proscenium and peripheral curtains were also replaced.
“This project is an investment that speaks volumes about our exuberant commitment to performing arts in Hawaiʻi,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “It is also a loud and enthusiastic invitation to productions, acts, and shows from around the world to come to Honolulu to perform at our world-class venue, and to create joy and memories for the residents of our great City.”
“These renovations are a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together City agencies, the design community, and contractors to restore our beloved Concert Hall and give it new life for decades to come,” said Haku Milles, director of the Department of Design and Construction.
Pacific Architects, Inc. and WCIT Architecture designed the back-of-house project, while Pacific Architects designed the rigging replacement project in collaboration with Theatre Projects. Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd. constructed the back-of-house project, and CC Engineering completed the rigging work in collaboration with StageCraft Industries Inc.
All projects were managed by the City’s Department of Design and Construction. The backstage improvements took 13 months, while the above-stage rigging renovations were completed in 16 months. The improvements also ensured compliance with updated ADA requirements and Actors’ Guild standards.
“We are so very fortunate to have our City Department of Design and Construction, once again, spearhead and deliver renovations to our Blaisdell Center campus right on schedule,” said Dita Holifield, director of the Department of Enterprise Services. “We understand managing such technical capital projects requires great attention to detail and is no simple task, and we truly appreciate DDC’s commitment and diligence in working with our staff to cross the finish line. As a result, we are launching large — welcoming the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, our longest-running tenant, back to the Concert Hall for their spring season, followed by a fabulous Broadway debut of three, first-time productions in Hawai‘i!”
In 2027, the Concert Hall will close for 14 months for front-of-house renovations, including plans to remodel and raise the bathrooms on either side of the entrance to lobby level, add more toilets, and additional interior redesigns. Please click here for renderings of that work.
The Neal S. Blaisdell Center has served as Honolulu’s flagship performing arts venue, attracting world-class concerts, sporting events, expos, Broadway performances, symphony, opera, ballet, hula, song competitions, graduations, craft fairs, and other memorable events for over 60 years.
If there are any questions, please contact DDC at (808) 768-8400.