Neal S. Blaisdell Center
The Blaisdell Center is centrally located in urban Honolulu, minutes from downtown, major shopping and Waikīkī hotels, with on-site parking. Its venues can seat up to 8,000 guests, from the Arena to the Exhibition Hall. Outside food, drinks and bottles are not allowed, and some areas are not fully accessible because the buildings predate modern accessibility standards.
Before you go
- Capacity
- Up to 8,000 seated for large events
- Indoor or outdoor
- Indoor arena, concert hall and exhibition hall, plus the open-air Waikīkī Shell nearby
- Official site
- blaisdellcenter.com
- Next festival here
- Body Mind Spirit Expo - Honolulu Fall, Oct 31 to Nov 1, 2026
Worth knowing before you go
- No outside food, beverages, bottles (including Hydroflasks and tumblers) or cans may be brought in.
- Mobility-disabled stalls need a State Department of Transportation placard, or the vehicle can be towed.
- Elevators and escalators are not available in all venues, and access routes vary by event setup.
- ASL seating requests must be emailed at least 3 weeks ahead, before you buy tickets.
- At the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, only back rests are allowed, not raised seats.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Central Honolulu, on-site parking · Seats up to 8,000 guests · No outside food, drink or bottles.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want a central Honolulu venue with on-site parking, close to Waikīkī hotels.
- You are going to a large event and want a seated crowd of up to 8,000.
Think twice if
- You need a fully step-free route everywhere: elevators and escalators are not in all venues.
- You want to bring your own food and drinks: none from outside is allowed.
Getting there and parking
The Blaisdell Center is centrally located in urban Honolulu, minutes from the downtown business district, restaurants, major shopping areas and Waikīkī hotels. On-site parking is available, and a Box Office parking lot sits next to the building.
The Box Office is on Ward Avenue closer to Kapiʻolani Boulevard, between the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena and the Exhibition Hall. Parking for mobility-disabled areas is charged at the same rate as other patron parking.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible and companion seating is available for events at the Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, with step-free entrances and accessible pathways. Seating locations and availability vary by event, so ask the Box Office when you buy tickets. ASL seating requests go to the Box Office by email at least 3 weeks before the event.
The venues were built before modern accessibility standards, so some areas may not be fully accessible, and elevators and escalators are not in all venues. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the Box Office before buying tickets. Mobility-disabled stalls require a State Department of Transportation placard.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (blaisdellcenter.com).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at the Blaisdell Center. The venue's own pages are the place to check: blaisdellcenter.com.
Food, water and what you can bring
No food, beverages, bottles (including Hydroflasks, glass and tumblers) or cans may be brought in from outside, and no outside alcohol is allowed. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in the Center's facilities.
Animals are allowed only as service animals or as part of an authorized event. At the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell, patrons may bring in only back rests, and seats raised above ground level are not permitted.
Recently at the Blaisdell Center
Body Mind Spirit Expo - Honolulu Fall
Body Mind Spirit Expo - Honolulu Fall
Body Mind Spirit Expo, Honolulu Spring
Pacific Ink & Art Expo
Quick answers
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the Blaisdell Center?
No. No food, beverages, bottles (including Hydroflasks, glass and tumblers) or cans may be brought in from outside, and no outside alcohol is allowed.
Is there parking at the Blaisdell Center?
Yes. On-site parking is available, and there is a Box Office parking lot next to the building.
Is the Blaisdell Center wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Wheelchair and companion seating is available, with step-free entrances and accessible pathways, but elevators and escalators are not in all venues and some areas may not be fully accessible.
How do I request ASL seating at the Blaisdell Center?
Email the Box Office at least 3 weeks before the event and before buying tickets. Once your request is confirmed, tickets must be bought at the Blaisdell Box Office.
Can I smoke or vape at the Blaisdell Center?
No. Smoking is prohibited in the Center's facilities, including e-cigarettes.
Are animals allowed at the Blaisdell Center?
Only service animals, or animals that are part of an authorized event.
What can I bring to the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell?
Patrons may bring in only back rests. Seats raised above ground level are not permitted.
How many people does the Blaisdell Center hold?
The venues can seat up to 8,000 guests for large concerts and exhibitions.
A little history
The Blaisdell Center and the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell are managed by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Enterprise Services. The Shell is an open-air venue in Kapiʻolani Regional Park, next to Waikīkī.