Pre-Concert Questions

How do I purchase tickets?

Subscription tickets can be purchased in-person, by calling the Honolulu Symphony Box Office, or online at www.honolulusymphony.com. Single tickets can be purchased from the Honolulu Symphony Box Office, the Neal Blaisdell Center Box Office or any TicketMaster outlet including Times supermarkets, Macy’s, and www.ticketmaster.com.

Box Offices:
Honolulu Symphony
650 Iwilei Road, Suite 202, Honolulu, HI  96817

• Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.  808-792-2000
• Monday-Friday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm   808-524-0815 ext. 245

Neal Blaisdell
777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI  96814

• Main Box Office Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am to 5pm
• Concert Hall
  - Neal Blaisdell Box Office & TicketMaster Will Call (Left Side)
  - Box Office opens 2 hours prior to the start of the performance

Can I bring my kids?

It depends on the concert and on the age of your kids. Many standard length classical concerts are inappropriate for small children because they require an attention span that is difficult for youngsters to maintain. Most concerts also are held at night, and stretch beyond "bedtime."

In all cases, it's a good idea to check with the Honolulu Symphony directly about the appropriateness of the concert you plan to attend with your kids. Ask about discounts for students and children.

What should I wear?

There is no dress code other than having a shirt and footwear. Most people will be wearing business/aloha attire or slightly dressy casual clothes, but you'll see everything from shorts and slippers to cocktail dresses. Some people enjoy dressing up and making a special night of it. Still, evening gowns and tuxedos are pretty rare unless you've bought tickets for the Symphony Ball. Some times it gets a little chilly so you may want to bring a jacket or sweater.

If you do decide to dress up, though, go easy on the cologne. It can distract others near you and even prompt them to sneeze (which may distract you)!

When should I arrive?

We suggest getting there at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the concert to be safe. That way you’re not rushing from the parking lot to the concert hall as well as give you ample time if you need to use the restroom or browse the merchandise table before heading to your seats. Many concertgoers arrive early to read thru the program notes and watch the orchestra warm up.

Another reason to arrive early is that if you’re late, you’ll be forced to listen to the concert in the lobby so you don’t disturb other concertgoers. The usher will allow you into the concert hall during a break in the music.

Where can I eat?

There is a wide variety of restaurants within a mile of the concert hall. The majority of the restaurants are in the Ward complex about half a mile makai (towards the ocean) of the concert hall. The only eating establishment in close proximity to the concert hall is across King St. at Le Guignol. There is also pasta and sandwiches available at the concession area at the concert hall itself.

Is there anything to do if I come early?

One hour prior to every MasterWorks performance, we present Concert Conversations on the concert hall stage. These dynamic 30-minute conversations may focus on artists, composers, soloists, the musical piece, a specific instrument, or other background about the music selection and concert you’re about to experience.  You may choose any seat you’d like for the talks, but of course you’ll need to move to your assigned seat for the concert.

Before many of our concerts, community musicians and ensembles often volunteer to perform on the lanai prior to performances.  To find out whether a group is scheduled, or to volunteer to perform, please call Ryan Lum at 808-524-0815 ext. 232.

How do I get there and where do I park?

The Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall is conveniently located at 777 Ward Avenue, at the corner of Ward Avenue and South King Street.

Directions:

• Waikiki – West on Ala Moana Boulevard to Ward Avenue, Right on Ward Avenue up to King Street, Right turn on King Street, next drive way on right – entrance to parking.
• Town – King Street, East to Ward intersection, next drive way on right – entrance to parking
• Ewa – H-1, take Kinau exit, 2nd traffic light turn right on Victoria Street, proceed through next two intersections – entrance to parking.
• Windward – Likelike or Pali, H-1 east bound to Kinau exit, 2nd traffic light turn right on Victoria Street, proceed through next two intersection – entrance to parking.
• Hawaii Kai – H-1 west to Lunalilo exit, 2nd traffic light turn left on Pensacola, 2nd traffic light turn right on to Beretania, turn left on to Victoria, cross over intersection – entrance to parking.

Blaisdell Center Parking:
The Main Entrance for the Blaisdell parking is off of South King Street.  Cost is $5.00 if you arrive before 5pm; $6.00 if you arrive after 5pm.

Parking is complimentary for Circle Donors at the Musician’s Circle level and above for all concerts throughout the season.  These donors should ensure that they have a special parking pass to show to parking attendants and to allow them access to reserved spaces in the parking lot nearest to McKinley High School. If you would like to become a Circle Donor and receive the special parking, please call our Development Department 524-0815 ext. 227.

Limited disabled parking is available at the Blaisdell Concert Hall - please arrive early.  Access to the concert hall orchestra level seating and restrooms is also available.

Alternative Parking:
On busy nights at the Blaisdell Center, you may wish to use alternate parking lots.  Options include Straub Hospital, the Honolulu Club, Hawaiian Electric, parking facilities on Young Street and on-street parking on King, Young, Victoria and Kinau streets.

How log are concerts?

Concerts vary in length, but are normally within 90 minutes and 2 hours, including a 20 minute intermission halfway thru the performance.

What is concert etiquette?

We ask that you silence electronic watches, phones and pagers during the performances in consideration of others.

Photographing or sound/video recording any performance or possessing any such device within the concert hall without written permission is prohibited.  Violators may be subject to ejection and/or confiscation of devices, and may be rendered liable for monetary damages.

Please refrain from talking during the performances.