Hawaii Convention Center
The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu is a world-class event facility located at the gateway to Waikiki. Known for its stunning open-air architecture, rooftop gardens, and Hawaiian cultural elements, it hosts major conferences, expos, and international meetings. With over 1 million square feet of space and 30,000+ nearby hotel rooms, it blends business functionality with island hospitality in the spirit of ho'okipa.
Hawaii Convention Center, Oahu
With more than 60% of the building open to the sky, the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu gives a similar vibe to the culture of Hawaii, free and welcoming. The contrast between high beams and open space is reminiscent of palm trees, waves and Polynesian sailing canoes. With so much open space, the building is shaded naturally with real palm trees and given an authentic feel with fountains made to look like streams. Simply viewing the Hawaii Convention Center from the outside will tell a visitor a lot about the types of people that inhabit Hawaii as a whole.
The International Association of Exhibition Management voted the Hawaii Convention Center the most beautiful in the world, a declaration that many would easily agree upon. With a 36,000 square-foot (3,345 sq. m) ballroom, 12 executive conference rooms, two presentation theatres, press rooms and a telemarketing center, Honolulu's Convention Center is the location of many of the city's important happenings, as well as the location of many national and international conferences.
After a unanimous vote, LMN Architects was chosen to build the Center in 1994. LMN was favored largely due to their sensitivity to maintaining Hawaiian culture. The project was not completed until 1997, not opened until 1998 and came to an overall cost of 200 million dollars. While the Center was an expensive structure, many would agree that it is a successful representation of Hawaiian culture and history. The location was chosen largely out of convenience and has over 30,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius of the Center.
On account of its convenience and tropical location, the Hawaii Convention Center is a popular site for business meetings from all over the country with topics that range from geography bees and the World Association of Bencher's and Dead Lifters to The World Congress on Zero Emissions Initiatives. The Center has been awarded the 2010 Best in Business Travel award presented by Business Travel Magazine for the second year in a row. With such a wide range of different types of businesses and associations coming to the Convention Center, the catering and event planning staff stays busy year-round making preparations for upcoming events.
With rooftop gardens and a two million dollar art collection, the Convention Center is not just a site for business meetings. If visiting Honolulu, the Convention Center is a place not to be missed whether you come in coat and tie or aloha attire. The mission of the Convention Center is to promote economic benefits to Hawaiian citizens, enhance the quality of life and to treat guests to the finest of convention and meeting experiences in the spirit of ho'okipa, meaning hospitality. As the slogan of the Hawaii Convention Center states, “Bring us your people and we'll bring them to life.
Key Features of Hawaii Convention Center
- Modern meeting facilities: Includes a 36,000 sq ft ballroom, 12 conference rooms, 2 theaters, press rooms, and more.
- Architectural design: Open-air layout inspired by Hawaiian nature, with palm trees, koi ponds, and rooftop gardens.
- Convenient location: Situated in central Honolulu, just minutes from Waikiki and over 30,000 hotel rooms.
- Art and ambiance: Showcases a $2 million Hawaiian art collection and peaceful water features throughout the complex.
- Host of global events: Regularly hosts national and international conventions, expos, and cultural gatherings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Hawaii Convention Center located?
The center is located at 1801 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, just a few blocks from Waikiki.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is an on-site parking garage with entrance on Kalakaua Avenue. Paid parking rates apply.
Are there hotels nearby?
Yes, there are over 30,000 hotel rooms within a one-mile radius, including major Waikiki resorts and business hotels.
What types of events are held here?
The center hosts conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, corporate meetings, cultural events, and community gatherings.