Although I am not the person who paid to rent this, I worked alongside my friend to ensure the success of this event. With that said, this is my perspective on what had happened. My dance squad rented out this facility on a Saturday to host an event. We had planned this event for months and the day had finally come. I don’t know where the confusion went but the leaser of this venue had mistakenly penciled us in for a few hours after what we had signed up for. This meant that we would only have one hour to set up our event when we actually needed three. We frantically introduced ourselves to the neighbors, and emailed the leaser several times only to get no response. Looking back it was quite hilarious but in the moment, we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off. In the end, fortunately the leaser responded and was able to get us in to set up the event about an hour and a half past the time we expected to set-up. We’re just glad that everything worked out. However, we just wished that the communication was more clear and that there was a phone number available instead of email. As for the venue, we absolutely loved it. There’s swanky wooden second floor that covers half of the space where you can get a bird’s eye view of the first floor. It is new and has great lighting to view art. Unfortunately there is only one bathroom in the back where there is parking. Parking is mediocre with a first come first serve basis.
Jeana P.
Place rating: 5 Waianae, HI
Kaka’ako Agora is a space within a warehouse. I remember passing by the Ka’ako Agora one night after the Eat the Street: USA event and noticed that there was music coming from the area. I peeked inside Kaka’ako Agora thinking that it was a nightclub that played techo music and there were people on the floor mingling with red and blue lights flashing around. Saturday night October 3, 2015 was the first time I actually stepped foot into Kaka’ako Agora to watch The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show. For this event there was a lot of open space with couple tables set up and two rows of chairs for the audience to sit down. People who also attended the event made use of the 2 story wooden structure. The individuals sat on wooden benches while watching the short comedy films that were projected onto the wall. The individuals running the event made sure that both garage doors(east and west) were open to let in cool air. Otherwise if one of the doors was closed it would be mighty hot especially since there’s no a/c in the facility. As for the restroom… there’s none in the warehouse but there is one located somewhere around the corner after exiting the east garage door and walking towards the mountain. Kaka’ako Agora is a cool place to hold events and it is for the community to make use of when needed. It’s only open for evening events and not the daytime.
Angela S.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
I attended the Sketch Fest on October 4, 2015. I really liked the design of the space. I had no idea a place like this existed in Kaka’ako. I thought it was intriguing that a warehouse could be renovated into an open space that holds different events. There is only street parking. I went in the evening and parking was free. The space didn’t look like it had a/c. If it’s a cool evening and there are breezes, then the open feel of the space feels nice. It’s a cool place to checkout!
Jay T.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
I didn’t know this place existed until I attended the sketch«comedy» show. After reading a lot of reviews, I gathered that this place is used to get people together(AGORA) for events such as expos, conferences, shows, hangout spot, etc. which I believe is such a great idea! I love the character of this transformed warehouse. I am a fan of the clean & chic feeling– from woodwork to lights, I love it!
Vina P.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
There is side street parking! You can tell where it is because there is a line of people outside. The line moves quickly. Before you can give into your sweet tooth you have to purchase scripts. They sell scripts by 10 which equates to $ 10. It was a neat small event. The macaroons from LA Tour café was amazing! The chai tea ice pop is refreshing too. :)
Eric A.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
Here for the Dessert Expo. Woohoo! Sweet dollars for sweet treats. Got La Tour, Tea on Fleek, Chocole’a and The Thirsty Coconut. Buy some Sweet Dollar scrip and go for your sugar rush! Awesome space for a great event! First treat us a Cruffin from La Tour. Oh my, spoiler alert, but there is some yum inside that pastry!
Darin O.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
What is up with Kaka’ako? There are some great places and some even greater spaces. Kaka’ako is going through some drastic changes for sure. Some is progress, some is Kamehameha schools land growing in different uses and some are just unexpected. Kaka’ako Agora is a different kind of space. It has this unique structure on the ocean side that is a 2 story type garden deck lanai and showpiece all in one. Rest of the room is open space. And I mean open space — Nothing Minimal, not even a bathroom in there. There are a few now shared spaces, where you can ‘rent’ use the space for a few. It is cheaper for Arts/Music/Culture events, then for non-profits, then for normal for profit organizations. It is a shared venue that is large enough for a large gathering, watch a movie, see a show or have a meet and greet. Different Unilocal events have been down in this area of Kaka’ako so many may be familiar with the area. Parking can be a pain in the butt so car pooling or Bus is best. It is weird– and would fit perfectly in Austin Texas. Looking forward to more events at this location and around Kaka’ako.
Maria R.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
Agora– A greek word meaning a gathering place. I bet you’ve never heard of an agora before until you’ve stumbled upon one huh? Because I did lol I like the idea of using a warehouse as an agora to hold events and meet new people. What a way to utilize a place for a growing community! I like the open clean space, the free wifi, and the design!
Lai T.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
Came here to catch a sketch comedy show(thanks Unilocal!) last weekend. It was our first time visiting the venue. Neat community hang out. The open design allows for many creative uses. The day after we attended the sketch comedy, they had a baker’s festival at the site. Ample street parking nearby. Great wifi!
Gary N.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
This place is actually a warehouse with an agora in it! It is so cool. Handcrafted, it reminded me of an old Shakespearean style play where the audience members sit and the actors performed. It’s multi-level with a large first floor and and second floor. Modern projection and sound systems complete the set.
Kiawe T.
Place rating: 5 Kailua, HI
Just saw a first screening here of a short film called The Fisherman Club. Really this was an awesome venue. It sounds like the place is just open to the public during the day. One of the workers for Agora, Sean was his name, was really nice. He told me that the place is open for people to come in and hold meetings, study, do whatever you want as long as its not bad. He even said that sometimes a couple comes in and takes naps on the upstair portion. How funny is that? If you are lucky enough to visit this place for a film screening you are going to love it. Great place, awesome vibe, highly recommended.
Caleb S.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
I had the pleasure and an honor to be a judge for the Showdown film competition that was held here a couple weeks ago and it was a really great space to have it. I can see many future events being held here. It was a great atmosphere and everyone involved were very passionate and friendly. I loved how they utilized both the inside and outside with huge viewing screens. can’t want to attend another event here again.
Gabriel A.
Place rating: 5 Shelton, WA
As a visitor to the island this was very impressive indoor space to check out in Honolulu. Personally found it to be a good escape from the beach to get some writing and studying done.
Anastasha S.
Place rating: 4 Honolulu, HI
Hello Kakaako Agora! I really enjoy the concept and idea of free wifi, in a clean/modern environment that the community can share. Though it’s called a park, it’s really a warehouse turned into a usable space for all to use. Besides, it’s in the name! Agora is Greek for the gathering place such as, market or space :) So, why not 5 stars? I love that Kakaako is turning into a wonderful community, however, I feel that agora is just the beginning. I would hope to see more creative spaces such as agora! Perhaps, with indoor plants and an open sky roof just to make it feel more like an «indoor park» Besides my humble opinion, it’s a great concept and you should go and visit! I heard events take place and artists gather to perform from time to time.
Aline T.
Place rating: 5 Honolulu, HI
Wow! This is one nifty spot! You basically just walk in and there’s an agora… a hang out spot! Free wi fi. Really nice structural design built by a Japanese design firm! They call it an indoor park, open M-F 9:30am to 5pm and Saturday 10am — 4pm. Available for rent after hours! Located next to This Is It.