Tickets Now on Sale for ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas

Posted on October 17, 2024 by HCC Editorial Team

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.

Hawai‘i Convention Center Introduces New Pickleball Courts, Inaugural Indoor Pickleball Game

Posted on September 12, 2024 by HCC Editorial Team

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.

Registration is open through Oct. 23, 2024, at https://pickleballbrackets.com?AlohaPickleballGamesFestival

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.

Join Us For our Annual Mother’s Day Brunch & Show Featuring Josh Tatofi!

Posted on April 2, 2024 by HCC Editorial Team

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).

View menu HERE.

Looking for a special gift for Mom? We’ve invited a few vendors to make the day extra special. Shop for special gifts from Maileo Designs by Josh Tatofi, Aloha de Mele, Hawaii’s Sweetheart Designs, Chelle’s House Boutique and more!

Free entry for children 0-2 years. Strollers are allowed but anyone occupying a seat must purchase a ticket.

Tickets are $175 per adult and $90 per child (3-11 years old); tables of 10 are $1,700 (plus processing fee).

Tickets are non-refundable.

SATURDAY, May 11, 2024

9:00 am – 11:45 am: Vendor Marketplace (4F Ballroom Foyer)

9:45 am: Doors and Bar Open

10:00am – 11:45 am: Brunch Buffet

12:00 pm: Performance by Josh Tatofi

Parking: $15 per entry

NOTE: Parking is limited. Offsite parking options available at Ala Moana Center (Map HERE).

For questions, please call (808) 943-3500

Hawaii Convention Center Debuts Live Music, New 1801 Café Menu during Beyond Van Gogh Exhibit

Posted on July 14, 2021 by HCC Editorial Team

The Hawaii Convention Center is debuting live music, along with new cocktails and refreshments, during the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which has been extended through Sept. 26, 2021. On Fridays and Saturdays, starting July 16, 2021, musician Kai Adarna and special guests will perform Hawaiian and jazz music near the 1801 Café from 6-9 p.m.

HCC Cocktails (from left): The Imperial, Starry Night and Almond Blossom

Guests can enjoy a collection of freshly made refreshments, signature cocktails and other drinks in the Center’s lobby, near the entrance to the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit. Themed cocktails are the Starry Night, Almond Blossom, and The Imperial; other drinks range from craft lemonades, iced teas, and coffee to wine by the glass and beer. Refreshments include a cheese and charcuterie plate, fresh fruit bowl, summer salads and house-made deli sandwiches.

Café hours are 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The bar opens at 3 p.m. daily.

Musician Kai Adarna performs every Friday and Saturday starting July 16th (6-9pm)

“While guests are visiting the Center for Beyond Van Gogh, we invite them to relax, stay a while, and enjoy a special musical performance by Kai Adarna with our new drink and refreshment selections at 1801 Café,” said Teri Orton, general manager of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global.

For tickets to Beyond Van Gogh, visit vangoghhonolulu.com. For more information about the Center, visit HawaiiConvention.com. The Center has implemented health and safety measures led by ASM Global’s comprehensive Venue Shield program.

Lights out for Earth Hour 2021

Posted on March 25, 2021 by HCC Editorial Team

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, the Hawai‘i Convention Center will turn off its lights from 8:30–9:30 p.m. HST to raise awareness about energy conservation and climate change. We encourage you to join us in turning off your non-essential lights during this worldwide annual Earth Hour event.

Through our Hoʻomaluō conservation program, the LEED-certified Hawai‘i Convention Center is pleased to conserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources through numerous environmental best practices.

For more information about Earth Hour, please visit Earthhour.org

Hawaii Convention Center Serves as Unemployment Claims Processing Location

Posted on April 22, 2020 by HCC Editorial Team

The Hawai‘i Convention Center is pleased to offer its meetings space for use as a satellite unemployment insurance processing location for the State of Hawai‘i, as jobless claims have dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 1,000 volunteer positions will be staffed by public labor unions and members of the State Legislature to handle the processing of claims at the Center, in addition to ongoing claims processing at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Computers were sourced from State offices across O‘ahu.

Several hundred work stations were set up during the week of April 20, 2020, in the Center’s Ballroom space, as well as seven other meeting rooms.

To ensure the health and safety of volunteers and staff, social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines are being followed, and Hawai‘i National Guard service members are conducting security and temperature checks.

The Hawai‘i Convention Center claims processing center is not open to the public.

For more information, visit the State of Hawai‘i Unemployment Insurance website at labor.hawaii.gov/ui/.

New Video: Looking Back at the 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference in Hawaii

Posted on January 17, 2020 by HCC Editorial Team

The 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference is the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the United States. SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science) is an inclusive organization that for more than 46 years has fostered the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. Their Hawaii meeting was the largest in their history, welcoming over 5,000 attendees for their three day conference.

Happy Holidays from the Hawaii Convention Center!

Posted on December 1, 2019 by HCC Editorial Team

Hawai‘i Convention Center to Host First-Ever Holiday Festival and Ice Skating Rink

Posted on September 26, 2019 by HCC Editorial Team

The Hawai‘i Convention Center will offer guests more reasons to celebrate the holiday season with a new festival and ice skating rink. The Center’s 56,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall space will be transformed into a month-long “Winter Wishes – A Holiday Festival” from Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2019, and will offer a full lineup of activities for the entire family, including:

• Opening celebration with tree-lighting ceremony and special guest Kristi Yamaguchi
• An expansive 82’ x 50’ indoor ice-skating rink featuring themed events for up to 164 skaters
• Winter Wishes Marketplace
• Photos with Santa (take your own/professional portraits)
• Winter Wishes Christmas Tree Forest with a decorating contest
• Gingerbread House Competition
• Musical Entertainment
• Holiday craft workshops
• Keiki activities and attractions
• Festive holiday cuisine and beverages
• Special ticketed events

Buy tickets HERE

Click HERE to view our Calendar of Events

“This signature holiday event offers visitors and kama‘aina from throughout Hawai‘i a fresh array of holiday experiences during this special season,” said Teri Orton, general manager, Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by AEG Facilities. “We are particularly excited to partner with world-renowned figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi to benefit her Always Dream Foundation, which supports early childhood literacy and learning tools for low-income children and their families.”

A portion of the proceeds from “Winter Wishes – A Holiday Festival” will benefit the foundation’s work in Hawaii. The presenting sponsor of the event is Matson, Inc.
“Winter Wishes – A Holiday Festival” will be open from 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays from Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2019 (hours subject to change). Parking is available for $10 per vehicle at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Tickets may be purchased online at honoluluboxoffice.com or at the door. Passes for the entire season will also be available for purchase. Children ages 2 and under are free, and special discount days will be offered.

For more information about the event or for sponsorship and vendor opportunities, click HERE or contact Michellee Phelps, communications and special events manager, at mphelps@hccasm.com.

Warming Up For Summer

Posted on June 26, 2019 by HCC Editorial Team

Things are heating up this summer month of June as we welcomed two major sporting events along with an educational conference plus a Music and Fashion Festival.

Among this month’s notable events was the Aloha Region Summer Volleyball Classic 2019 held last June 14-16, 2019 This tournament welcomed student volleyball teams aged 12 – 18 in our Kamehameha Exhibit Hall 1. Soon after was the Pacific Rim Championships from June 21 – 24, 2019. This basketball tournament, hosted by AAU’s Jam on It, utilized all of our 3 Exhibit Halls.

Wrapping up June’s highlights is the first ever Hawaii Veteran’s Summit. Held over a two-day period, veterans, veterans’ organizations, and supportive services from all sectors were able to educate and network with veterans and their loved ones. Representatives from several service providers interacted with veterans to learn more about the needs of the veteran community.

For more highlights and to find out more about our upcoming events, check out our photos below!

Hawaii Convention Center Blog

Where Business and Aloha Meet

Category Archives: Events