Point 3

Welcome to Point #3, the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, but more widely known as simply the Convention Hall. I am Jayanie Kakutani, a student in Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s Advanced Media Production Class.

The Convention Hall was completed in 1964 and was dedicated on December 4th.
Clifford F. Young is responsible for the design of the dome structure and the surrounding elements, but his plans were later returned for only having a maximum seating capacity of 800 people. The county wanted a larger seating capacity so he changed his plans and they were later approved. Today the Convention Hall currently has a maximum seating capacity of 1100 people.

Not only is the Convention Hall a memorial site for honoring Hawaii's war heroes, but it was also a place for performers, musicians, and orchestras to put on a show. The first performances took place after the dedication ceremony and breaking of a maile lei to announce the opening of the auditorium. The Mokihana Club, which included members such as Deborah Pratt, Lela Morgan, and Mary Wilson, was responsible for the planning and sponsoring of a performance by the Honolulu Symphony after the opening ceremony on December 4th, 1964.

The Convention Hall is now more commonly used for birthday parties, school events, performances from dance studios, and community plays. It is still a sought-after location as reservations for these smaller parties often have to be made a year in advance. Currently, part of the Convention Hall is being used as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site serving the needs of our residents during this pandemic.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Convention Hall and enjoy the cool breeze for the rest of the tour! Aloha, and a hui hou!