Doris Duke Theatre

This is the best place in the city for Arts & Entertainment. I love to come in here. One of my close friend recommend me to come in here.

The biggest perk about this theater, it’s NEVER ever crowded. It is on the smaller side, so it does have a more intimate feel to it, which I like. If you’re into watching foreign or independent films, this is the place to go. AND, it’s only $ 5 a person if you buy the movie tickets on groupon. They do have snacks and drinks available for purchase but are on the pricier side. The bathrooms also are so close, that you don’t have to worry about missing so much of the movie. Parking is available, either street parking or at the parking lot specifically for the theater. That parking lot however is a bit of a walk from the museum. They even have showings after the museum has closed.

I’ve only been to the Doris Duke Theater a few times, but I’ve always enjoyed coming to this cozy philanthropist theater — which is part of the historic Honolulu Museum of Arts. The venue can be described as medium in size and perfect for special events. It is also a well known for independent, documentary, and art films. A cool place!
On my last visit here, I was sent a private invite by my gorgeous friend, Heidi P. (former Yeep), who was gracious enough to invite me, and extended the invite to my friends too. I brought along Terry K. and Lien V. as my guests.
We were fortunate to be treated to delicious pupus catered by Chef Mark Noguchi & his lovely wife prior to the event. Trust me, eating culinary pupus, sipping homemade lemonade, in a 1920’s courtyard, under the stars, already made my night, but we still had an event to attend…
The event was about Quality of Life & Aging in Hawaii. Basically, the secrets of why our Kūpuna (elders) live longer and happier than anywhere else in America. In a nut shell, it was attributed to a healthy diet, healthy environment, and simply a positive approach to life.
Several top experts in the field were on the panel, from doctors to world known authors, and it was emceed by former TV anchor woman, the lovely, Mahealani Richardson. It was definitely an interesting topic as many of us have parents or close relatives who are aging.
Positive examples were used on how the Okinawan diet — purple «Okinawan» potatoes are one of the most nutritionally dense foods in the world! These «long life» meals always included fruits and/​or vegetables, foods with fiber. Green tea (matcha) was a popular drink amongst the centenarians! And if meat were used… fresh fish is part of it, key word is «fresh». Other examples used were from a small village in Italy where the longevity of life equaled that of the villages in southern Japan. Again, the similarities of nutritionally rich foods and finding ways to be happy was the top reason. Of course, the Italians in this village didn’t drink matcha, but instead wine! Locally, a combination of poi (taro), poke (fish), limu (seaweed) is probably the most nutritionally perfect meals out there!
I can write a book on many quality foods that would benefit you, however, I don’t have the time or patience to write one. Instead, I’ll use Green Tea as a positive example to hopefully help you meet the grand century mark…
1. Green Tea Contains Various Bioactive Compounds That Can Improve Health!
2. Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter!
3. Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance!
4. Antioxidants in Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Various Types of Cancer!
5. Green Tea May Protect Your Brain in Old Age, Lowering Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s!
6. Green Tea Can Kill Bacteria, Which Improves Dental Health and Lowers Your Risk of Infection!
7. Green Tea May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes!
8. Green Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease!
9. Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Becoming Obese!
10. Green Tea May Decrease Your Risk of Dying and Help You Live Longer!
So obviously, given that long-​time green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, it makes perfect sense that it could help you live longer!
Personally, this event hit a nerve, as I lost my Mom a couple years ago, and I’m now the primary care-​taker for my Dad, who is very independent, but well past the senior stage. I have always believed in a healthy spirit, mind, and body, however this event «reminded» me to stay on the right path to quality of life. Yes, Dad is now eating a diet rich in Okinawan potatoes and fresh fruit every morning! You can never be too old, or too young, to start living a healthier and happier life!
Mahalo to Terry K. & Lien V. for accompanying me to this «thinking“event at wonderful Doris Duke Theater. A perfect venue — comfortable, good sound system, familiar.
A special shoutout to my lifelong friend, Heidi P., who hosted this special event, and personally invited me, because we share the same background — our grandparents knew each other in Lahaina! We also share the same values and the same outlook on life…
Of course, we all have to die eventually. That is inevitable. I, for one, would like to live as happy, healthy, and long as genetically possible… And what better way to share it with those that matter in our lives…
DORIS DUKE THEATER RATING: 5.0-STARS!
AGING IN HAWAII EVENT RATING: 5.0-STARS!
Unilocal REVIEW #482/​500

SEATING and SCREEN review ONLY. We are all spoiled with the stadium seats that are comfortable and allow for a clear view of the screen. I went to see Still Alice. It was a packed house. Somebody with a HUGE head sat in front of me, which ruined to for me because there were already many regular size heads in the way. The screen is very very low to the floor. The seats are the old kind that are fixed positioned.

What is there not to love about this theatre?! I have been here for a small handful of awesome international film screening, each time I had a great experience.
Despite the lack of phone service available in the underground theater, it shouldn’t matter because you’ll get to live in the moment and soak up this little gem behind the honolulu arts museum building. (entrance on kinau street!)
All I can say about the theatre is that… you just have to go and check it out!
Every month there is something going on, concerts, film screenings or shows.
Check out the website

or call for more info of up coming events.
See you at the next screening! $ 10 GA or $ 8 for members :)

I“ve been to many an art cinema… I’ve been watching the selections here for months and this place is a-​ok. The «festivals» (film groupings) here are cultural and topical.
The BAD: The selections here are definitely not as consistently awesome as some art cinemas’.
The theatre is small (and flat, with a low screen).
I’d love to see more French films (good ones), Korean and Chinese films, etc. Maybe some fun films…
THE GOOD: There Asian «festivals» here are often great! The French selections – not so much. I can easily imagine introducing a newbie friend to cinema here and leaving quite embarrassed (and exhausted). So I’d research any films beforehand.
There is a nice selection of candy and chips, etc.

I have been to the Doris Duke Theatre (at the Honolulu Museum of Art) for many events, including movie screenings and musical programs. It’s a great little theatre — intimate but not crowded, with friendly staff and comfortable accommodations.
If you’re interested in independent or foreign films especially you should definitely check it out! Also, check the schedule on the website regularly if that’s your type of thing — usually each show is only shown a few times. I’ve definitely had the experience where I go to check out a movie here and realize that another one I would’ve loved to see was there the week before and I hadn’t know. Learn from my mistakes! :)

Great place for independent and film events. Really impressed by their Sundance panel events this year. I really hope they do more.

The Doris Duke Theatre is located in the basement of the Honolulu Museum of Art and is a must-​stop cultural stop for tourists and locals alike in the city. The entrance is opposite the main entrance to the museum and doesn’t look like much if you aren’t actively seeking it out. The box office is just a small desk, with friendly employees. At the bottom of the stairs is a small concessions stand with coffee, candy, and other snacks for movies.
The main theatre is moderately sized, maybe for 200 people. There is a small stage for live performances and screen for movies. My first time here I saw the 2015 Oscar Nominated Short Films and loved the whole experience. It’s easy to see from many seats. The restrooms are easily accessible during shows; and however dated, are very clean. The theatre is cozy, kept a nice temperature and very clean. Take a look at their website for upcoming shows and special engagements. Definitely join the museum! You get discounted tickets.

The Doris Duke Theatre is a cinephiles delight and a much needed venue in Honolulu to watch foreign, independent, and arthouse cinema. Even in the age of Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon Prime, you can often screen hard to find documentaries and narratives at the DDT.
Recently they have upgraded their projection system and installed a Barco DCP projector. Okay, Ill say it in standard English: their new projector is basically a step up into the modern age of digital theatrical projection.
The theater is cozy and seats a little under 300 people and they now have a snack bar as well (cash only). Because the location of the DDT is underground, its also a dead zone for cell phones. which I kind of like actually.
Tickets can be ordered online or at the box office and if you join the Honolulu Museum of Art, youll get a discount.
The coolest thing about the Doris Duke Theatre is that they have been supporters of many of the smaller niche film festivals in Hawaii. These include the Hawaii International Film Festival, the Ohina Short Film Showcase (local Hawaii filmmakers showcase), the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, the Jewish Film Festival, the Filipino Film Festival, and an upcoming workshop and screening by the Sundance Institute.
Perhaps I will see you there in the dark!

A five minute walk downhill from my place to watch the latest independent/​foreign movies? Yes, please. I’ve always known about the Honolulu Museum of Art (formerly the Honolulu Academy of Arts). But finding this cute, little theater was such a delight. The curated films run the gamut from from Bollywood to Bill Cunningham New York that you likely won’t find at other theaters. If you’re looking for something different from the usual blockbuster, come check out the selections here. They have a few small snacks available for purchase in the lobby so if you need something more substantive, make sure you grab a meal before coming.
PS Check Groupon for the $ 10 deal for two!

So many positive reviews. All justly deserved and well written. Truly the nicest and most pleasant venue to view non mainstream films. My favorite are the Bollywood series. But, I enjoy all films presented.
When a food/​beverage event is scheduled before a film viewing, it is always a nice event to attend. Well worth your time and money. Truly out of the ordinary, as at times you can experience exotic cuisine, like the Spanish tapas/​essence themed dinner tasting with appropriate wine. There is no way you could experience such cuisine, tapas and tastes at Honolulu quality restaurants. It would be a trip if management hired worthy Asian restaurants to present their cuisine before perhaps Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai movies. Yeah, you would not please everyone, but I most certainly would attend for the food and flick.

I’d say the theater itself is small and not really anything special but the stuff working there was so helpful so I’d like to give them 5 star!!! l. I went to a Cello recital on ¹¹⁄₁₈ which was really good and right before I get into the entrance I fell down the stairs… I scratched my knee, leg and fingers and broke my IPhone screen :(
It was bleeding badly and so painful but the 2 nice gentlemen helped me a lot.
I believe their name was William and Conner and they gave me First Aid and helped me so good with the encouragement to deal with the pain when I clean the bleeding area.
Thank you, William and Conner!!! I will be back for sure :)

Doris Duke Theater reminds me so much of the small intimate theaters that I truly enjoyed visiting while I studied in Austria.
Movie price tickets seem to be in the $ 8 – 10 range. There are flyers and different info pages about upcoming events.
It is small compared to Dole or Ward stadium seating. But it really would not carry sound as well if it were huge. It is a small moderate theater meant for multipurpose not just film. there is a small stage that has just 1 real step to get up onto the stage.
The seats are just normal small theater seats. Stay thin or there are normal chairs on the far wings sides that could be for plus size people. Otherwise — it could be uncomfortable.
There are foreign films shown here often, German and French seem to be popular– some Asian films have been here. There are some film/​theater lectures here too. HIFF presented a few presentations events there too.
No food in the theater– so be ready with a full tummy so that you don’t appear grouse or anything. There is BK and McD if nothing else. If the Art Museum is still open they have a small café, but try to eat and drink beforehand.

I’m a huge fan of Doris Duke Theatre: from their curated film offerings and friendly staff, to the no-​fuss, no-​rush atmosphere (barring opening night of a film festival). I love seeing films I otherwise would never have heard of! (Which is pretty much everything on tap.) The prices are on par than regular theaters — better, if you are a museum member or purchase the occasional group deal. Eat beforehand or afterward, as the concession sells mostly candy and drinks (cola, tea, coffee). We usually find street parking on Beretania, which is a short walk away.
My husband and I often joke about our quasi-​classy geriatric tastes, but the bourgie heart wants what the bourgie heart wants, and Doris Duke Theatre delivers.

I watched Twenty Feet from Stardom last night at The Doris Duke. It was a fabulously fantastic documentary about background singers such as Darlene Love, Lisa Frasier, and Judith Hill (before The Voice) and that huge chasm that exists between the chorus and headliner. It conveyed some of the very rich history of American music since the 60’s and was inspirational for anyone who has a dream.
They highlighted the only reason I survived going to church, the music! The movie gave me numerous chicken skin moments with the incredible voices and harmonies. Watching former gospel singers rock out with top rockers (Rolling Stones, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, joe Cocker, David Bowie), in the world was awesome!!!
The last showing is today at The Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Museum (formally the Academy of Arts). I hope you check out all of the amazing films they have to offer. From the fliers I saw last night there are some more great film coming up!

The only time I come to this theatre is to attend the Bollywood Film Festival, which happens once a year. So yes I do make an annual trek here and this review is based on my rare times I attend this theatre. The employees are nice and the theatre is clean. Parking kind of sucks in this area: there is street parking and they do have a parking lot 2 blocks away but forget that if you are going at night because it’s in a shady area and it’s not properly lite.
My only grip is that the layout of the seating for movie time here. If you are showing foreign films (point in case is the bollywood film festival) where you know there are subtitles shown on the BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN why have the seating on relatively flat ground? (This is frustrating reading the subtitles if you have people sitting directly in front of you (regardless if they are tall or not), I am constantly leaning to the left and right to read the whole sentence.
I know the theatre is not entirely at fault when this place was built, as I don’t think it was intended for this sole purpose but must move with the times. It would be great if the seating area was done in stadium seating capacity.
The upside this year for the bollywood film festival is now there is a concession stand on the bottom floor right before you enter the theatre. Coffee, cold drinks and snacks are served at a price. And you get to eat and drink in the theatre. Yay!

Cozy little art house screening room backside of the Museum of Art. Attended 6^th annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival and this was a natural for this venue. until they build out Kaka’ako beach park by the sea.
The objective of the Doris Duke Theatre is to showcase small films, artists and directors in film. With state of the art projection and Sony Sound with comfy seats you could sleep in. but should give away popcorn. With the advent of social media need for mobile programming independent film makers will be making full length films on their Macs. Digital artists can shoot, edit, title, score their own films and create channels on Youtube and use this kind of theatre to present and promote socially.
it is a nature step for art and filmed entertainment to accept its role in the world to change peoples perception by sharing ones vision. and impact lives around the world to live in first and formost in peace. A film like this does not get made in Bali at Uluwatu without peace. It was a surf film with long drawn out rides. from a few nice places in South Pacific. Could have shown more of the food on Bali. where was the water camera for underwater shots. the music was indulgent and should have been more gamalan when in Bali. why no visit temples. Ubud. other things than just riding the same wave all day. can pay those kids $ 2 day. Did not talk about Jimbaron or nightclub bombing that killed many Aussies. needed better use of music and editing to reflect surfing on mushrooms.
I would suggest that one of the sponsors. like Whole Foods takes a step further and sponsor a series. like no GMO and then make their now famous $ 3 vegan tacos or vegan Pizza but have a $ 3 wine bar pre and post presentations. So people can mingle and talk film. What is wrong with using one of the outside courtyards in the Museum. Whole Foods will promote both in store and via social media. Need to have drinks before and after each event can make $ 5 a drink «donation». Meet and greets with the directors and also opportunity to mingle with others who like the Doris Duke. People want to socialize in an era of virtual connectivity and talking about film and having a few drinks without having to look for their cars and drive to a bar…
IF during Dance week there should be films about dance. and then theme dance nights in the courtyard of the museum to raise funds for the theatre… Disco film. Disco. ballroom, Country, Trance and the DJ’s now are hitting the Goa trance and Bollywood dances a civilized way to enjoy a night at the Museum.

I recently spent the last week here volunteering for the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (HRFF24). I cant believe its the 24^th year. Let me say the staff at the Honolulu Museum of Art as well as the Doris Duke Theater were OUTSTANDING. I don’t remember interacting with them very much in past years, but this year Abbie and Taylour were super and really took the time to interact with the volunteers, HRFF staff, and were accommodating and made sure to check in with us during our events.
The theatre is a dead zone for cell phone reception and can be very chilly, but the fact that it is downstairs really helps to cut out the noise from upstairs. I believe the theatre seats approximately 300 people. The seats are comfortable, sound is great, and you can see great from all seats in the theatre except a few that are along the wall on the left side, but its easy enough to adjust. The projectionist are pleasant and quick to solve any issues that may arise.
This is a great venue, and I look forward to many future events that may be part of HRFF or the Doris Duke Theatre.

The Doris Duke Theater is a small auditorium under the Honolulu Museum of Art. They specialize in art-​house films and generally organize films into weekly collections. This week was dance, next week will be zombies, and the week after will include social justice. Movie schedules are listed on the museum website.
I’ve never been in an audience of more than 25 people, and that audience included six of my own friends. That was for the film «Being Elmo,» which was truly a joy to watch. The smallest group I’ve been in was all of four people, only one of whom had not arrived in my car. That was during a week of movies about the Blues, so we were not surprised to have the place to ourselves.
The theater is also used for live music events from time to time and for panel discussions of the films they show.
Ticket prices currently are eight dollars for members, and ten dollars for nonmembers. There’s no concession stand just a quiet appreciation of the art of film.
Show time is generally 1pm. There is metered parking just outside on Kinau Street.