Looking for an orchestra concert in Honolulu or elsewhere in Hawaiʻi? Start with the performance date and location, then choose the music that interests you. A full symphonic program is only one way to hear us perform. Our calendar also includes concerts with featured artists, films accompanied by a live score, and programs connected to Hawaiʻi's musical traditions.
At the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, we publish concert information so you can compare performances before making plans. This guide shows you where to look, what the different formats offer, and what to check before buying tickets.
Where to Find Upcoming HSO Concerts
Our latest concerts and events are the starting point for finding performances. Open the event that interests you and confirm its date, venue, program, and ticket link. A concert announced for one season should not be assumed to return in the next.
You can also use the HSO Box Office to review ticket options for listed events. When you're checking a particular venue, its official calendar and visitor guidance can help with parking or accessibility questions. For example, the Blaisdell Center's visitor information covers the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall and Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell.
If you're visiting from another island, verify the location before purchasing. Our Honolulu performances do not establish that the same program will appear on every island.
Which Type of Orchestra Concert Should You Choose?
| Concert format | What you can expect | Worth considering if... |
|---|---|---|
| Halekulani Masterworks | Orchestral repertoire, often with guest artists | You want to listen closely to a full symphonic program |
| Spotlight and featured-artist concerts | Performances that bring the orchestra together with guest performers or crossover music | You recognize a featured artist or enjoy music beyond a traditional classical program |
| Films in Concert | A film on screen with its score performed live | You like movies and want to hear how an orchestra shapes the soundtrack |
| Beyond the Music | Excerpts from orchestral repertoire with explanation and context | You want to learn more about what you're hearing |
| Community and special events | Event-specific programs, sometimes with free admission | You want another way to experience our music, subject to the event's details |
The format tells you what kind of experience to expect, but the individual concert listing determines the actual repertoire, runtime, age guidance, and venue.
What's on the 2026–27 HSO Calendar?
Our announced 2026–27 season includes different kinds of performances. As of October 2026, examples listed on our website include Rachmaninoff and Copland on November 5, Hapa Holiday Extravaganza on December 16, and Elf in Concert on December 19 and 20. These listings show the range of programs, not a guarantee of ticket availability or an unchanged schedule.
If a particular date matters to you, recheck the current event listing and its official ticket page rather than relying on an older article or announcement.
How to Find Free or Outdoor Orchestra Concerts
We've presented free community and education performances, but they are not a fixed weekly series. Admission rules depend on the event. A free performance may still require an RSVP, and it may take place indoors.
For example, our Symphony of the Hawaiʻi Seas performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall on June 30, 2026, was free to attend but required registration. That past event is an example of community programming, not a currently bookable concert.
The Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell is an outdoor Honolulu venue. Do not assume that every Shell event is free, that a free HSO concert will be held there, or that lawn seating and outside-item rules are the same for every show. Check the event listing and the venue's current policies before traveling.
Can You Bring Children to an HSO Concert?
Yes, but age guidance differs by event. Our ticketing and attendance FAQ says children ages 5 and older may attend regular performances with a purchased ticket. We recommend ages 8 and older for Masterworks and Spotlight. Designated family-oriented events, such as Beyond the Music and certain community or outdoor performances, welcome all ages.
For a first visit, check the program's length and whether your child would enjoy the music or story. A film title that appeals to kids does not automatically override an event's attendance rules. If you're unsure, ask us about the specific performance before you book.
What Makes an Orchestra Concert in Hawaiʻi Distinctive?
Alongside classical repertoire, our work includes collaborations with Hawaiʻi artists and music connected to the islands and the wider Pacific. HapaSymphony is one example of how we've brought local performers together with the orchestra. Our mission also includes championing music by Asia-Pacific composers and repertoire originating in Hawaiʻi.
These connections do not make every concert a Hawaiian-themed program. Read the repertoire and artist details to see how a particular performance reflects the place and people behind the music.
Tickets, Savings, and Planning Your Visit
Before checkout, compare the full price and ticket conditions for the event you want. Our FAQ explains student and group ticket options, while our package pages describe selected multi-concert choices. Eligibility, exclusions, and availability can change, so check the current terms rather than assuming a discount applies to every concert.
For your security, purchase through our HSO Box Office or the authorized Blaisdell/Ticketmaster channels identified in our FAQ. An unrelated resale listing is not an official HSO seller.
Once you've selected a performance, confirm the venue address. If you're attending at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, allow time for parking and finding your seat, and use the venue's official visitor information for current accessibility and arrival details. Other locations may have different rules.
Find a Concert That Fits Your Plans
The best way to find an orchestra concert near you is to start with an actual performance listing, then check whether its music, location, and schedule suit your plans. If you need help with tickets or a particular event's suitability, contact our Box Office & Patron Services team.
Explore our concert calendar and choose the performance you'd like to hear live.