The Waimea Theatre originally opened on September 2, 1938 featuring the 20th Century-Fox production, "Josette", with Robert Young, Simone Simon, and Don Ameche.

The theater was built for the Waimea Amusement Company at a cost of $25,000. Local contractors were used, including building contractor Taro Iwasa, plumbing contractor George Kondo, electrical wiring by Waimea Garage & Electric CO., Ltd. and building materials suppliers C.B. Hofgaard & Co. Ltd. The architect was Fred Fujioka of Honolulu.

1938 was the height of the art deco period of architecture. The then 500 seat theater was a frame structure with a concrete front. The exterior was originally a sand color with dark brown trim. Electric lights on the marquee were the first of its kind on the island. Decorative neon elements emphasized the modernistic details of the art deco facade. The stand-alone glass-enclosed box office in the middle of the lobby was another unique feature. The grayish-blue and tan interior included more modernistic ornaments. The seating was on an incline and featured a loge section with rattan furniture, purchased from A. Christian of Honolulu. A blower system provided ventilation and coolness to patrons.

As was the fate of many rural movie houses, the Waimea Theatre closed in 1972, with the building converted into a warehouse and retail spaces. Hurricane Iniki destroyed the decorative marquee and front elements in 1992.

The West Kaua'i Main Street leased the building in 1993, after hearing the owner wanted to tear it down. Nearly seven long years of perseverance and patience then went into saving and restoring the landmark theatre.

The County of Kaua'i purchased the building in 1996. Funding for the restoration was provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency and a Community Development Block Grant administered through U.S. Housing and Urban Development. The project design architect was Lloyd Sako and the general contractor was Kikiaola Construction Co.

The Historic Waimea Theater once again re-opened to the public, in August of 1999, under the  management of the West Kaua'i Business & Professional Association.  Over $40,000 in Theater start-up operating funds came from individual and business "seat sponsors", as listed in the Theater lobby.

The renovated Waimea Theatre now accommodates 270 patrons. It features a small stage, big movie screen, state-of-the-art sound system, snack bar and rattan seat loge section.

Recorded show times are available by calling 338-0282.

The Theater also provides a multi-media projection system, allowing for meetings, presentations and other live events.  Theater Rental Details

We offer group booking rates and concession discounts on the latest available commercial films. Theater Rental Details

To book the Theater for your event, please contact 338-2027.

Long a center of Hawaiian government and commerce, Waimea is an ancient settlement with beginnings shrouded in mythology. Caption James Cook landed here in 1778, marking the anchorage on the first accurate maps made of the Pacific.

During the years of Kamehameha's wars, European and American traders in fur, sandalwood and guns made the leeward anchorage at Waimea a provision stop. Many of Kaua'i's highlights took place here -- the beginnings of the sandalwood trade, Russian fortifications, the first Protestant missionaries, the Rebellion of 1824, and more. Waimea continued as an important port town with cattle, taro, rice, sugar and other products transported by ship from the Waimea Landing. In 1930, deep harbors at Nawiliwili and Port Allen replaced Waimea as a port of call, diminishing the town's political and economic role over the years.

Waimea still remains a special place; well known for its active community and reflected by its high level of volunteerism, sense of family and aloha spirit.

The West Kaua'i Business & Professional Association is a 501 (c ) (6) non-profit organization fostering economic viability with the involvement of community, business and government. Our mission is to develop effective, innovative and affordable solutions to improve the economic situation and quality of life of our residents; to develop and enhance our environment; and to revitalize our business districts by retaining the visual character and heritage of the past as we move towards the future.