After a 20-month closure, the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall has reopened its doors to the public following an extensive first phase of renovations. The focus was on enhancing backstage safety and modernizing the facility to attract top-tier performances to Hawaii. This overhaul included updates to the electrical system, refurbishing seats, replacing curtains, and installing energy-efficient lighting. In addition, future plans are set for further improvements in 2027, which will concentrate on upgrading the front-of-house area, including restrooms and concession stands, ensuring a better experience for attendees. This article explores the details of these enhancements and their implications for the venue's future.
The Blaisdell Concert Hall, originally built six decades ago, underwent significant changes designed to meet contemporary standards. Among the most notable upgrades were the replacement of all 2,100 auditorium seats with new padding and covers, ensuring optimal comfort for audiences. Furthermore, the stage draperies, including the fire curtain and red velvet drapes, were entirely renewed. Energy-efficient LED lights now illuminate the backstage areas, doubling the brightness and reducing electricity consumption by 15 kilowatts. These modifications not only improve functionality but also align with current environmental practices.
In addition to these visual and technical improvements, the theatrical rigging system was revamped, incorporating mechanized elements that allow for safer and quieter operation when lifting and lowering stage equipment. A new "company switch" power distribution system was installed, enabling Broadway productions to seamlessly integrate their own lighting and sound systems. The dressing rooms received updates as well, meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and featuring new finishes expected to last at least half a century. Hollywood-style vanity mirrors are anticipated to arrive soon, adding a touch of elegance to performers' preparation spaces.
Exterior enhancements were not overlooked either. Walkway and parking lot lighting have been upgraded with brighter pole-mounted LED fixtures, improving both safety and aesthetic appeal. Allyn Lee, program administrator for DDC’s mechanical and electrical division, emphasized the importance of such changes in attracting more visitors to concerts. Future landscaping plans include planting companion trees alongside existing ones and automating the sprinkler system, addressing concerns about coconut rhinoceros beetles through a dedicated management plan.
Looking ahead, the next phase of renovations scheduled for 2027 will focus on the front-of-house area. This includes replacing broken glass pieces, revamping concession stands and bars, elevating bathrooms to lobby level, and introducing family toilets and nursing stations. Additionally, the interior will undergo remodeling to restore its original grandeur, removing outdated mirrors and reinstalling artworks created by Bumpei Akaji in 1964. These comprehensive changes aim to enhance the overall concert experience while preserving the historical essence of the venue.
With these renovations complete, the Blaisdell Concert Hall is poised to become a premier destination for cultural events in Hawaii. As performances from the Hawaii Symphony, Hawaii Opera, and several Broadway shows grace its stage this year, the hall sets itself up as a beacon of artistic excellence. By combining modern technology with traditional charm, the facility ensures it remains a vital part of Hawaii's vibrant cultural landscape for years to come.