In January 2026, the Hawai‘i Convention Center started a two-year renovation to its rooftop and adjacent areas, with the transformed space reopening for events in early 2028.
The Center will operate on a modified event schedule throughout 2026 and 2027.
Upgrading this critical infrastructure will allow the Center to remain competitive with other convention destinations, attract more events, and support Hawai‘i’s economy by driving business to hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and visitor attractions statewide.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center parking garage will be closed during this time. For offsite parking options, visit Premium Parking to view nearby parking locations and pricing.
Tickets are now available for ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice – a spectacular new monthlong immersive light experience and expansive 8,000-square-foot indoor ice-skating rink, opening Dec. 4, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Tickets are limited; visit AlohaImmersive.com now for the best selection of dates and times.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice, presented by American Savings Bank, will showcase a 10,000-square-foot multi-sensory immersive experience, “Spectacular Factory – A Holiday Multiverse”, produced by ARTECHOUSE and never before seen in Hawai‘i. An indoor ice-skating rink with holiday music, lighting, and themed events offers a new way to chill out with friends and family with timed entry that ensures ample space for everyone. This holiday season marks the first time the Center has offered an ice-skating rink since 2019.
Special events will include Toddler Time, with early openings on select Mondays; photos with Santa and a cookie from Honolulu Cookie Company on select weekends; Story Time with Mrs. Claus on select Sunday mornings; skating with special guest characters on select Fridays; drink specials on select days for guests ages 21 years of age and older; and much more!
The entire family will enjoy a winter wonderland with festive activities while strolling through the Center’s 56,000-square-foot exhibit hall space, including familiar favorites with unlimited photo opportunities, such as winding paths along the snow-covered Fir Forest of Light, two giant light tunnels, multiple large-scale holiday light displays with ornaments, snowflakes and stars, and a Santa sleigh and reindeer.
A dedicated keiki wonderland will feature fun activities such as bounce houses and soft play area, a holiday movie theater, and a Honolulu Cookie Company Letters to Santa station. Enjoy specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and signature holiday treats at our Food and Beverage area.
The American Savings Bank Holiday Marketplace offers the opportunity to shop local vendors on select weekends, and a selection of ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice merchandise brings the magic home for the holidays.
Celebrate the season hassle-free with holoholo Mobility. Schedule your ride by downloading their app and enjoy $15 off prearranged rides with code TWAS15.
Holiday party bookings are also welcome for corporate and group events with a special food and beverage menu. Group and school field trip pricing is available.
Be the first to feel the holiday magic at the Hawai‘i Convention Center with early access to ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice – a spectacular new monthlong immersive light experience and expansive 8,000-square-foot indoor ice-skating rink, opening in early December. Sign up now at AlohaImmersive.com for early access to presale tickets and updates.
‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice, presented by American Savings Bank, will showcase a 10,000-square-foot multi-sensory immersive experience, “Spectacular Factory – A Holiday Multiverse”, produced by ARTECHOUSE and never before seen in Hawai‘i. An indoor ice-skating rink with holiday music, lighting, and themed events offers a new way to chill out with friends and family with timed entry that ensures ample space for everyone.
The entire family will enjoy a winter wonderland with festive activities while strolling through the Center’s 56,000-square-foot exhibit hall space, including familiar favorites with unlimited photo opportunities, such as winding paths along the snow-covered Fir Forest of Light, two giant light tunnels, multiple large-scale holiday light displays with ornaments, snowflakes and stars, and a Santa sleigh and reindeer (with visits from Santa!).
A new dedicated keiki wonderland will feature fun activities such as bounce houses and soft play area, a holiday movie theater, and a Honolulu Cookie Company Letters to Santa station. A comfortable lounge brings everyone together to relax and enjoy specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and signature holiday treats.
Also new this year, the American Savings Bank Holiday Marketplace offers the opportunity to shop local vendors on select weekends, and a selection of ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice merchandise brings the magic home for the holidays.
Stay tuned for ticket details and additional information including staycation packages at the Prince Waikīkī. Private bookings are also welcome for corporate and group events with a Holiday Pā‘ina food and beverage menu. Family, group and school field trip pricing will be available.
“With the success of our first ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas event last year, we are excited to welcome kama‘aina and visitors of all ages for a full lineup of stunning new immersive content, holiday activities, light displays and indoor ice skating. We have thoughtfully woven holiday magic into each detail to create an unforgettable experience for every guest,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Please be advised of temporary lane closures due to gas line relocation and road paving work by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC), in coordination with Hawaiʻi Gas.
Map showing the location of temporary lane closures on Kapi‘olani Boulevard, in red. (image c/o DDC)
The eastbound right and middle lanes of Kapiʻolani Boulevard, from Atkinson Drive to Hauʻoli Street, will be closed for approximately three weeks, with a work schedule of Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). This closure will allow Hawaiʻi Gas to relocate a gas line ahead of DDC’s upcoming paving project.
For full details, please refer to the original news release linked HERE
Tickets are now on sale for ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas, a first-of-its-kind immersive holiday adventure in Hawai‘i hosted in partnership with Paquin Entertainment Group at the Hawai‘i Convention Center from Nov. 22–Dec. 30, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at alohaimmersive.com, and guests are encouraged to reserve their preferred dates and times early as tickets are limited throughout the run and sellouts will occur.
Stroll through a wonderland of light full of holiday music, delicious treats, and heartwarming moments. Whether you’re looking to create cherished memories with family and friends or simply soak in the holiday magic, ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Tickets start at $26.99 for Adults and $14.99 for Children. Additional discounts are available for seniors, military members, and groups, and for an extra-magical holiday experience, a limited number of VIP Packages will be available. Tickets are for reserved entry every half hour, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
“The Hawai‘i Convention Center is pleased to expand its signature events to include ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas, which provides a fresh new way for families and friends in Hawai‘i to connect and celebrate the holiday season together,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
“Paquin Entertainment is beyond thrilled to bring the magic of holidays to Honolulu in this brand-new experience that transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary holiday adventure,” added Justin Paquin, President of Exhibitions and Theatrical at Paquin Entertainment. “There is no better place to do it than at the Hawai’i Convention Center, and we can’t wait to share this captivating experience with both locals and visitors alike.”
Guests will embark on a journey through a whimsical Christmas wonderland where every corner is a testament to the joy and magic of the season; each path leads deeper into a magical realm where holiday cheer sparkles. Take part in a snowball fight, make a special Christmas wish, or relax with a festive beverage while watching the show in the kalaidaSCAPE immersive room. There will be endless opportunities for photos with loved ones against enchanting backdrops, whimsical light sculptures, and festive scenes that are straight out of a holiday storybook.
For Groups, Private Events, or special requests, please reach out to hello@alohaimmersive.com for assistance.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is kicking off its newest sports courts program with its inaugural indoor pickleball games from Nov. 1-3, 2024.
The Aloha Pickleball Games & Festival, organized by Pop Up Pickleball, a division of the California-based sports event management firm Pickleball Management Group, will be hosting an amateur pickleball event for players of all ages and skill levels.
The Center has invested in 45 new pickleball courts, with 15 designated for use in the Aloha Pickleball Games & Festival.
“The Aloha Pickleball Games & Festival will feature a competitive tournament format with a fun-filled festival for the entire family,” said event organizer Scott Winters. “We have designed this inaugural event to be loaded with benefits for all players, including extra playtime and activities for the whole family. The Hawai‘i Convention Center has invested in new pickleball courts, emphasizing its goal of becoming a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. We are honored to host the first tournament to utilize these new courts.”
The tournament will follow official USA pickleball tournament Rules. Each player is guaranteed plenty of play time with a round robin format. The top four players from each division will advance to the finals playoff round to decide the top three places, which will earn unique tournament-themed awards.
Entry fees are $80 per person for the first event and $25 per person for the second event. Discounted fees are available for first-time beginners, junior divisions and military/veteran players. Spectators and family members have free entry to access to the Pop Up Pickleball Vendor Village and can participate in most non-tournament activities. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also available by contacting the organizers at https://pickleballmanagement.com/contact/
In addition, the event will include family activities, raffle prizes, and a demo court. Each participant receives a gift bag with tournament souvenirs, sponsor gifts and hospitality tickets.
“We are excited to expand the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s highly successful sports courts program this year to include pickleball – a sport that has grown 60 percent in the past 5 years,” said Teri Orton, General Manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center. “Our new premium pickleball rollout mat courts play just like championship outdoor pickleball courts, and we look forward to hosting our first players during the Aloha Pickleball Games.”
In addition to pickleball, the Center offers 28 volleyball and badminton courts, 18 basketball courts and 11 futsal courts in its Level 1 Kamehameha Exhibit Halls, making it a versatile venue for sports tournaments of any size. Additional details on the Center’s sports courts program are available here.
About the Hawai‘i Convention Center “Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu – all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more, visit www.asmglobal.com.
About Pickleball Management Group
Pickleball Management Group is a Northern California based company, formed by a management team with decades of experience in health club operations, sporting goods sales, product development and event management including 3 on 3 basketball events held worldwide. The company offers complete turnkey consulting and management services for pickleball facility planning, development and operations, sport programming, equipment sourcing, court construction, pro shop management and much more. The company’s Pop Up Pickleball courts have been a popular hit at tournaments, exhibitions, trade shows, indoor and outdoor festivals and glow in the dark events. For more, visit www.pickleballmanagement.com.
Drawing inspiration from the inventors of surfing, the Polynesians, these hand-shaped alaia (traditional Hawaiian surfboards) blend the old with the new, and honor those who shaped and rode before us in Hawai‘i. Sustainably sourced and crafted by Lloyd Boards on the Island of Kaua‘i, each piece is designed with the shape of grains in mind so no two are the same.
The Center’s O Ka Hale Surfboard Collection can be viewed at our 3rd Floor Concourse outside of Room 317AB (to the right of main escalators). For more information on each board, click HERE.
The Hawai‘i Convention Center is home to a permanent art collection in partnership with the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and its Art in Public Places program. It also hosts rotating collections in displays throughout the building. Artworks are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Join us on SATURDAY, May 11, 2024 for a special Mother’s Day Brunch and Show! Treat Mom and the entire ohana to a delicious brunch buffet followed by a performance by Grammy nominee and Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, Josh Tatofi! With special guest Manalani English-Souza (Miss Aloha Hula 2013).
