Hawaii Theatre Timeline
A Journey Through Time:
The Historic Evolution of the Hawaii Theatre
As we reflect on more than a century of cultural richness and community engagement, the Hawaii Theatre stands as a testament to resilience and collective effort. For over a hundred years, this historic landmark has been a cornerstone of quality entertainment, educational programs, and celebrations of Hawaii’s diverse heritage. Yet, the journey to our 100th birthday has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and the constant need for preservation.
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1913
Cohen and Magoon Form Partnership
Entrepreneur Joel C. Cohen and real-estate businessman John H. Magoon form a partnership called the Consolidated Amusement Company, which would become one of Hawaii’s largest theatre chains.
June, 1921
The Construction of the Theatre
Consolidated Amusement breaks ground for the new Hawaii Theatre, on the site of the former Bijou Theatre.
September 6, 1922
Hawaiʻi Theatre Opens
The new Hawaii Theatre opens and Governor Wallace Farrington presides over a grand ceremony attended by many dignitaries. The next day, the theatre’s first movie, “The Three Musketeers,” was shown to a packed house.
May 23, 1936
Art Decoration Renovation
A remodeled Hawaii Theatre is introduced to the public with a special screening of the new musical comedy “Colleen.” A new RCA high fidelity sound system, a new air cooling system and redecorated lobbies upgrade the theatre facilities in the art deco style. The following year, the Robert Morton theatre organ was moved to the newly-opened Waikiki Theatre, also part of the Consolidated Amusement Company.
December 7, 1941
Hawaii Theatre Boosts WWII Morale
From 1941 to 1945, Downtown Honolulu becomes the center of the city’s entertainment scene. During World War II, the theatre was a major attraction for soldiers stationed in Honolulu, and it played an important role in boosting morale.
June 28, 1948
Rare Oahu Earthquake Damages Honolulu
A rare earthquake strikes Oahu, many buildings in Honolulu experience cracked walls, shattered glass, and falling plaster. The earthquake even stops the clock on Aloha Tower near the theater.
March 25, 1969
The Robert Morton Organ
Downtown Honolulu’s Princess Theatre, built the same year as the Hawaii, is closed and subsequently demolished – the result of the cinema industry’s gradual shift to Waikiki and the suburbs. The Hawaii Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society rescues the Princess’s Robert Morton organ and reinstalls it at the Hawaii Theatre.
April 28, 1984
The Theatre Becomes a Non-Profit
The Hawaiʻi Theatre Center is incorporated as a non-profit corporation where Frank Loney becomes the first president.
July 9, 1987
A Major Donation
John H. Magoon Jr. makes the first major gift to the Hawaiʻi Theatre Center of $500,000, enabling the Center to purchase the building and land from Bishop Estate. At the same time, a major campaign is launched to raise funds for restoration.
March 1, 1990
The Restoration Journey Begins
The Hawaiʻi Theatre closes and restoration work begins, with the goal of maintaining the integrity of the original 1922 build. The improvements usher in ornate molding, an expansive mural, and the ceiling dome.
April 28, 1996
Celebrating the Restoration
The theatre reopens with a formal dedication ceremony, followed by a 3-day celebration culminating the efforts to restore and continue Hawaiʻi Theatre’s legacy.
September 6, 2022
A Century of Operation
The Hawaii Theatre Center celebrates its centennial, and Mayor Rick Blangiardi proclaims September 6, 2022 as “Hawaii Theatre Day.”
Today
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
The Hawaii Theatre Center launches a new campaign to complete the exterior restoration of the building, a plan that was never fully executed due to limited funds. Over 100 years of history has taken its toll on the exterior walls, which need to be fortified to last another 100 years!