Kumu Kahua Theatre

What a production! Went to see "Aloha Las Vegas" and it was spectacular! The actors that portrayed each character were phenomenal don't want to spoil the story, but just know that it will feel like your home with your family and talking to your grandpa. Their values, conversations, and emotions are such a good representation of what local families experience.I'll be honest, it has been a LONG time since I last visited this theater and I really took for granted the many local productions here in Oahu! This play was well worth it. I've been going to see productions my friends kids have been in, but I'm so proud of these professionals in our local industry. They are so talented!You have to also give tons of credit to the sound team, the design team, and even the friendly staff that welcomes you when you enter. Support local theaters and actors if you can. You won't be disappointed!

I must live under a rock! I must be oblivious to life in the city. I must be blind. I must.... I must.... This review is two fold. First: Dennis Carroll (RIP 11/2021), playwright and one of the founding members had the broad foresight and desire to create and keep alive the Kumu Kahua Theatre. If not for Mr. Carroll and the many others directors the Kumu Kahua Theatre would not be in existence. Many stories, actors and directors were put on the map by their own efforts shown and displayed at the Kumu Kahua Theatre,Located at the corner of Bethel and Merchant Streets, this cute little theatre stands host to dozens of productions. Tickets are available via the internet for by phone (tip: by phone eliminates the ticket service charge)Second:The stage play Who You Again? FIVE stars for a wonderful, excellent production and story. Writer Ryan Okinaka, Director Denny Hironaga and the entire production staff and cast KUDOS to you!!! I can't express enough how this production hit it out of the park. A story of family, aging, responsibilities, Alzheimer's, love and affection all rolled up into one!Third and final point:I would pass this theatre and establishment daily during my work schedule and I never bothered to stop in and check what was going on. BIG MISTAKE! Don't make the same mistake as me. Keep your eye on on any future productions at the Kumu Kahua Theatre. You may be pleasantly pleased by what you find

I was delighted to be invited to the Kumu Kahua Theatre's production of Who You Again? by Ryan "Oki"Naka and directed by Denny Hironaga. Being an uncultured personI :( I am embarrassed to say I have never attended a production here. Now that I have a bit more time, I am on a mission to do things for me! I was very moved by the passionate acting by the actors Kaipo Dudoit (Thomas), Karen Kuioka Hironaga (Leah), Kati Kuroda (Mele), Ben Walsh (Colin) and Ron Encarnacion (Rob). Each actor was casted perfectly for their part! There were many teary eyed members of the audience. The intimate setting of this small sized theatre made the production even more wonderful! Paid parking is available at Harbor Court or you may get lucky with street parking. Tickets are available for pick up at the box office one hour prior and seating 1/2 hour before showtime. Temperatures were checked and masks were required.Looking forward to see many more productions here at Kumu Kahua Theatre!

Who You Again? is a production by playwright Ryan Okinaka. Ryan had firsthand experiences dealing with true to life issues. His grandmother, who unfortunately passed away back in 2018, gave Ryan the vision to produce a deeply charged and emotional production. Directed by Denny Hironaga; he too had firsthand experiences with his mom and dementia. Both men took their real life experiences and put together an amazing local production.Kumu Kahua Theatre is a modest theatre located in downtown Honolulu and can seat an audience of 85 individuals. Masks must be worn at all times.Who You Again? is one of the best local productions I've ever experienced in many, many years. 5-Stars in my book.

Fantastic! Foreal! Fofun!Never got to see "Folks You Meet at Longs" when it first came out (decades ago) but was always curious. Went to see the updated play last night and was totally entertained! So was the entire audience because there were a lot of folks choke laughing to the point of dry heaves. Surpassed all my expectations, which were high, so all praise to Lee Cataluna and the cast. Each character was played with enthusiasm, total commitment, and over the top (but the right amount) energy. You folks are terrific and thank-you for your gift!

Been going to Kumu Kahua Theatre for over a decade. Local, local, local! Productions written by and about locals, or life in Hawaii. Local plays about local living, whether it spans old or recent history or more current contexts. This is what makes this theatre stand-out. There plays have ranged from extremely comedic laugh-out-loud to heart-moving to tears, and if you live here, you will relate. This is my favorite theatre. It's an intimate setting for a small audience of about 100 people. They do their best to keep ticket prices affordable and rely very much on the generosity of donors. You can also contribute through partnerships (e.g. amazonsmile, where amazon makes a donation to an eligible organization of your choice - such as Kumu Kahua - whenever you make a purchase on their website. I.e. Amazon donates to the organization of your choice, it's not at an extra cost to you).You can purchase tickets on-line and get them e-mailed to you, or call them directly. I usually have dinner somewhere in the area before or after, so often park in one of the municipal lots. Truly a wonderful place. Support local theatre!

One of my favorite classes in high school (besides First Aid) was Drama. Our teacher, Mrs. Sandla, (no relation to Adam Sandler) was so expressive and entertaining. She really encouraged us to see plays on our own time and gave us extra credit for attending live performances. This was the first time that I've been to this theater - Kumu Kahua Theater - and what a pleasant surprise it was!I found FREE street parking on King Street after 6:30pm and walked to the Box Office where my friend and I picked up our tickets. She had ordered them online and avoided the shipping fee by having them hold the tickets at the theater. The Box Office opened at 7pm and we were first in line. Seating is first come, first served, so we stood in line and got to sit in the front row!This is a very small theater with about 100 seats. The configuration was a U-shaped risers. The actors were in the middle of the room with the audience surrounding the action. This venue has a more intimate feel - as if we are part of the story.During intermission time, a clean restroom was nearby with a water dispenser in the hallway. No food is allowed in the theater. Restaurants are nearby for a meal before or after the show.Kumu Kahua Theater is known for "local stories" with contemporary themes. Often, the use of pidgin English is used, so non-residents of Hawaii may have some difficulty understanding the conversations. The play that we saw was "Aloha Las Vegas - A Moving Comedy" about the common issue of relocating to the mainland where homes are "inexpensive" and there are more opportunities.Now that I know the logistics of this theater, I'll be looking forward to the next presentation!

This wonderful theater has been producing theater for the last 49 years. Bravo! What a gift to the community.

My wife and I have been to Kumu Kahua on many occasions. The building is beautiful and well within walking distance to the municipal parking structure at Harbor Court. Tickets may be purchased online or at the box office.Prices are great, and they offer discounts for students. You can even buy season tickets at a steal. In terms of the performances, they are from the communities of Hawai'i and give voice to life in Hawai'i. We recently saw 'Pakalolo Sweet," which was stunning and visceral. If you want an experience, come to Kumu.

Been attending shows for decades!Love that their plays are either about Hawaii and it's people or written by local writers! Lots of local talent here. Many have been selected for TV, movies and many other opportunities. Not surprised. I've attend most of the theaters in Hawaii and some on the mainland, but KUMU KAHUA is the best! Lots of the older plays (as far back as 2009- 2012) were some of my faves. Maybe they will make its return one day? Some have returned..."Folks you meet in Longs" by Lee Cataluna redone with added stories for 2023 was hilarious! Even though I saw the old version MANY times before! Kudos to Director Alvin Chan and his great cast for making me laugh so much! The end of this season 2023/ 2024 sounds exciting with the trilogy of Kamau I, II and III Again, one of my fave stories. Will spend the weekend there seeing part I on Thurs, part II on Fri, part Ua Pau ( III ) on Sat. OR spend all day SUN watching all three in one day... I , II & Ua Pau( III). Why not, I saw FOUR films in one day at HIFF many times!Artistic director-Harry Wong, III, Managing Director- Donna Blanchard, and BoxOfc Mgr-Sara Ward and their board keeps it all running for us to enjoy!I park across Merchant St at Harbor Court bldg ( enter pkg from Bethel street). I believe you can enter as early at 530p(?) You can enter in the morning on Sat, Sun since most offices closed. Its a flat rate, just $3. They usually have refreshments for sale during intermission. Or go early and grab a bite at the many nrby restaurants before the show! I've tried Murphys (Fri pies were great ..but not sure if they still do pies), Pig & the Lady (always great), & Yakitori Hachibei- That place was phenomenal! Many more restaurants popped up in the area...must try! GO see a play, GO early & have a bite 1st...its a great TREAT to yourself !