Hale Keaka

The crown jewel of theater experiences in Hawai‘i, the historical and beautifully restored Hale Keaka screens movies from two 91-seat theaters, outfitted with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems.

History

Lāna‘i’s only theater was commissioned in 1926 by James Dole to entertain the plantation workers and families that resided on the island. For more than 70 years, it served as a gathering place where the community enjoyed hundreds of films, live plays and musical performances.

The theater closed its doors in the 1990s and remained a landmark of Lāna‘i’s history until 2015 when it was fully restored and reopened under the name Hale Keaka (house of pictures in Hawaiian).

Architectural Awards 

A number of talented designers and contractors were brought together to reimagine the old theater while maintaining its original vintage appeal.

The exterior design — characterized by gable roofs, dormers and a grand arched entryway — leads to a modern interior outfitted with contemporary fixtures, natural stone and wood elements, and luxury features such as reclining leather seats. Local contractor Lāna‘i Builders completed construction of the $4 million project in December 2015.

Mason Architects and Lāna‘i-born architect Charlie Palumbo took home a 2016 AIA Honolulu Design Award in the category of commercial and industrial design for the restoration.