A First-Timer’s Guide to the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
Going to your first symphony concert should feel exciting, not overwhelming. It is completely normal to have a few basic questions before you buy a ticket: What should I wear? When do I clap? Where do I park?
If you have never been to a Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra (HSO) show before, you can set aside any worries about rigid rules or stuffy traditions. An evening with your orchestra is welcoming, relaxed, and deeply connected to life in Hawaiʻi. Whether you are coming out for a classical Halekulani Masterworks performance, watching a favorite movie live with our Films in Concert series, or enjoying local crossovers at HapaSymphony, this guide has everything you need for a smooth night out.
What to Expect: Atmosphere and What to Wear
We like to say the HSO is a symphony shaped by Hawaiʻi. That means our concerts feel like our island community—friendly, open, and inclusive. In the lobby before a show, you will see everyone from lifelong classical fans and date-night couples to families, students, and visitors.
What is the Dress Code?
You do not need a tuxedo, suit, or gown to enjoy live music with us. Most people dress in Aloha Wear or Resort Casual.
| What to Wear | Recommended Clothes | What to Leave at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Gentlemen | An Aloha shirt or collared shirt with slacks, khakis, or clean jeans and closed-toe shoes. | Board shorts, tank tops, and beach slippers. |
| Ladies | A sun dress, Aloha dress, or slacks with a nice top. | Swimwear cover-ups or workout clothes. |
| Pro Tip | Bring a light sweater or jacket. Concert halls run their air conditioning cold to protect the delicate instruments on stage. | Forgetting an extra layer if you tend to get chilly indoors. |
Venues, Locations, and Parking
The orchestra performs mostly at two major venues in Honolulu, along with occasional outdoor shows at spaces like the Waikīkī Shell. Here is how to navigate each location.
1. Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall
Located on Ward Avenue near Kakaʻako, the Blaisdell Concert Hall is where we host our largest symphonic programs and film concerts.
Address:777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814
Parking: You can park right on site in the main Blaisdell structure. Enter from King Street or Kapiʻolani Boulevard. Event parking is usually $7 to $8.
Timing: Gates open two hours before showtime. Ward Avenue traffic can slow down right before an event, so plan to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early.
2. Hawaiʻi Theatre Center
Located in historic Downtown Honolulu, the restored 1922 Hawaiʻi Theatre offers a cozy, beautiful setting with incredible historic details.
Parking: While the theatre does not have its own parking structure, several public garages are just a two-block walk away. Good options include the Chinatown Gateway Plaza garage (1052 Bethel St) and the Harbor Court garage (847 Bethel St).
Rideshare: Taking an Uber or Lyft straight to the front door on Bethel Street is a great way to skip parking altogether.
Pre-Show Dining & Making an Evening of It
Pairing a live concert with dinner or drinks makes for a complete date night or outing with friends. Because our main venues are situated near some of Honolulu's best food neighborhoods, planning pre-concert dining is easy:
Near Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall: Head over to nearby Kakaʻako or Ward Village, just a few blocks away. You will find plenty of great spots for casual bites, craft beer, or sit-down dinners before walking or taking a short drive to the hall.
Near Hawaiʻi Theatre: Explore the vibrant restaurant scene in Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. From historic neighborhood pubs to fine dining and modern Asian crossover spots, there are endless options within a 5-minute walk of the theatre entrance.
Timing Tip: Tell your server that you are heading to an HSO concert! Aim to finish dinner about 45 to 60 minutes before downbeat so you have plenty of time to park, walk over, and settle into your seat without rushing.
How the Evening Flows
Most HSO concerts run between 90 minutes and 2 hours, usually with one 20-minute intermission in the middle.
60 Minutes Before Show: Lobby doors open. This is a great time to grab your tickets, pick up a drink, find your seats, and skim the program notes.
45 Minutes Before Show (Select Concerts): Drop in for Concert Conversations. These free, short pre-show talks feature conductors and guest musicians sharing quick stories about the music you are about to hear.
10 Minutes Before Show: Lights in the lobby will dim or chimes will ring to let you know it is time to head inside and take your seat.
Downbeat: The concertmaster (our principal violinist) comes out to tune the orchestra, followed by the conductor and soloists.
Easy Concert Etiquette & No-Stress Tips
If you are worried about making a mistake or breaking a rule, do not stress. Etiquette at a concert is simple: it is just about making sure everyone can enjoy the raw acoustic sound of a live orchestra without distraction.
1. When Do I Clap?
At classical concerts, audiences generally save their applause until an entire piece is finished, rather than clapping between smaller sections (called movements).
Simple Guideline: Check your program book. If a piece lists several sections under its name, there will be brief pauses in between them. Wait to clap until the conductor puts their hands down completely and turns around to face the audience.
Easy Shortcut: When in doubt, just wait until the rest of the room starts applauding!
2. Phones and Cameras
During the Music: Please turn your phone on silent (and switch off vibrate). Recording or taking flash photos while the orchestra is playing is not allowed.
Before and After: You are welcome to take photos and videos before the show starts, during intermission, or when the musicians take their bows at the end. Feel free to tag@hawaiisymphonyorchestra when you post.
3. Food, Drinks, and Intermissions
Drinks and snacks are sold in the lobby before the performance and during intermission. Look for signs in the lobby to see if covered cups are allowed inside the hall for that specific show.
Pro Tip: Lines at the bar during the 20-minute intermission can get long. You can pre-order your intermission drinks in the lobby before the show begins so they are ready for you as soon as the house lights go up!
4. Coughs, Sneezes, and Restroom Breaks
We are all human! If you get a tickle in your throat during a quiet musical passage, unwrapping a cough drop before a piece starts is a thoughtful touch. If you need to step out to use the restroom or grab a glass of water mid-concert, an usher will gently guide you back to your seat during a natural break in the music.
Tickets, Discounts, and Seating Advice
You can buy tickets online through our portal atpurchase.myhso.orgor by calling our Box Office at (808) 380-7783 (Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Ticket Discounts
We want live music to be accessible to everyone in our community. Here are a few ways to save on tickets:
| Discount | Who Qualifies | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Student Tickets | $15 flat rate for students from elementary school through college. | Buy in person at the box office on concert day with a valid student ID. |
| Military & First Responders | Discounted rates for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. | Use promo codes online or show ID at the box office. |
| Teachers & Healthcare | Savings programs for local educators and healthcare workers. | Fill out the quick verification form on our HSO FAQ Page. |
| Groups (10+) | Savings and reserved group seating. | Email tickets@hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org or call us directly. |
Choosing Your Seats
For Great Sound: Seats in the Loge or Balcony offer a wonderful, blended acoustic balance across the whole hall.
To Watch the Pianist: If you are coming to a piano concerto, pick seats on the left side of the hall so you can watch the soloist’s hands on the keys.
For Movie Shows: For Films in Concert, sitting a bit further back in the main floor or Loge gives you the best angle for the screen above the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring my kids?
Children five and older are welcome at all HSO shows with a ticket. For long classical programs likeHalekulani Masterworks, we recommend ages 8 and up. For movie scores, outdoor pops concerts, and family shows, kids of all ages are welcome.
2. What if I run late?
If you arrive after the music has started, an usher will hold you in the lobby until a natural break in the program (like a gap between pieces). They will then walk you to your seat so you do not miss the rest of the show.
3. Do I need to study the music beforehand?
Not at all. Learning about a composer’s life can be fun, but it is never required. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of the live orchestra without knowing anything about the history behind it.
4. Are the venues accessible?
Yes. Both the Blaisdell Concert Hall and Hawaiʻi Theatre Center have accessible seating, wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices available at guest services.
5. What if my plans change and I cannot attend?
HSO subscribers can exchange their tickets for another date. If you hold a single ticket and cannot make it, call our Box Office at least 48 hours before the show to check your options or turn your ticket cost into a tax-deductible donation to the orchestra.
Join Us for an Upcoming Show
Attending a live concert is simply about taking two hours out of your week to unplug, unwind, and feel the raw power of dozens of world-class musicians playing together in one room.
Check out our full schedule of upcoming dates and save your seats on theHawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra Concert Calendar. We look forward to seeing you at the hall!