Why did the Hawaii Convention Center get a nickname? Because it’s such a big deal! The Hawaii Convention Center isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant hub, a testament to the Aloha spirit. Located on Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, just west of Waikiki, the Hawaii Convention Center is the largest exhibition center in the state. Its gleaming glass facade mirrors the tropical sky, and its soaring architecture evokes images of palm trees and Polynesian sailing canoes.
Construction on this magnificent structure, costing a cool $200 million, finished in 1997, and the center opened its doors the following year. The Hawaii Tourism Authority owns the center, and AEG Live manages its day-to-day operations. The design itself is a marvel, a collaborative effort between LMN Architects and Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo. The interior design is particularly striking, incorporating historical Hawaiian quilt designs and nature-based motifs that give the space a unique local flavor.
The Hawaii Convention Center has hosted a wide range of events, from the First Hawaiian International Auto Show to the Miss Hawaii competition. It’s been the site of important gatherings like the APEC United States 2011 meetings, which drew an estimated 10,000 people to Honolulu. Even the National Transportation Safety Board chose the Hawaii Convention Center to hold its public hearing on the Korean Air Flight 801 crash in 1998. More recently, in 2024, the Pokemon World Championships took place here, adding another layer to the center’s diverse history.
The Hawaii Convention Center is more than just a space for large gatherings. It’s a flexible venue offering an impressive 28 volleyball and badminton courts, 18 basketball courts, and 11 futsal courts. This adaptability makes it ideal for sporting events, further showcasing its versatility.
The Hawaii Convention Center has received numerous accolades over the years, including twelve consecutive Prime Site Awards. In 2010, it was recognized with an Inner Circle Award for “Top Convention Centers.” It’s also been honored with a “Best in Business Travel” award for “Best Conference or Convention Center/City.” The International Association of Exhibitions and Events even voted the Hawaii Convention Center the most beautiful convention center in the world. The Hawaii Convention Center has also made its mark on popular culture. The television show “Lost” used the center to portray Sydney Airport in several episodes. It was also featured in an episode of “Hawaii Five-0,” hosting a fictional convention. Even Hollywood blockbusters have utilized the space, as seen in “Jurassic World,” where the center stood in for the Hilton Hotel Lobby and Monorail Station.
The Hawaii Convention Center truly stands as a symbol of Hawaii’s welcoming spirit and commitment to excellence. It’s a place where business and pleasure converge, where cultures intersect, and memories are made.