Lihu'e Theatre

Lihu'e, HI

3-3194 Kuhio Highway

, Lihu'e, HI 96766 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Spanish Colonial

Function:	Housing
Seats:	800
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Unknown
Firm:	Unknown

The Lihu'e opened in 1931, seating over 800, and was designed in Spanish Mission style at a cost of about $70,000. When it opened, it was one of the largest movie houses built in Hawai'i. It was operated for many years by Consolidated Amusements, but closed during the 80s.

The Lihu'e was heavily damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and there was talk of tearing it down. However, rather than entirely demolish the historic movie palace, which is listed on the Kauai Historical Building Inventory and is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Buildings, it was converted in the mid-90s to senior citizen housing.

The facade, lobby and foyer areas of the Lihu'e were retained and beautifully restored to their 30s appearance, but the auditorium portion of the theater was gutted and converted into 21 apartments. The lobby of the former Lihu'e (now known as the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Senior Apartments) features a gallery which relates the history of the popular movie house. In 2000, the Lihu'e Theatre conversion project won an award from the Historic Hawai'i Foundation.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

YOUR COMMENTS

No wonder I couldn't find this theater by name. Who knew there was an apostrophe in the middle?

Here is a nice color photo:
http://www.terragalleria.com/pictures-subjects/theaters/picture.theaters.hawa33286.html

posted by ken mc on Jan 26, 2006 at 3:59pm

Built by Kaua'i Construction Co. the theatre had a elaborate facade on a simple shell which was typical of the many theatres built during that era. Regular showings of movies was discontinued in 1976. During 1982 the interior was renovated which included restoration of the original hand painted accoustical tiles on the side walls and the intricate carved wood frieze above the stage. This was done in preperation of the opening of the Lihi'e Music Hall. One of two times in the life of the theatre it was hit by Hurricane "Iwa in 1982 which damaged the roof and ceiling. After the delay construction was again started and the Lihu"e Music Hall opened in late 1982.

posted by Chuck1231 on May 24, 2006 at 2:03pm

My photograph showing hurricane damgage to the LIHUE.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/298831152

posted by Don Lewis on Nov 16, 2006 at 6:41am

Here is another photo of the former Lihu'e Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 22, 2007 at 5:45am

This is a recent photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 15, 2008 at 5:36pm

1988 photo of the Lihu'e Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c11%2c3%2c-1&ProductID=25849

posted by Chuck1231 on Apr 11, 2009 at 9:48pm

A 2009 close-up view is here.

posted by Lost Memory on May 22, 2009 at 9:14am

Here is a photo from the 1970s.

posted by Lost Memory on Oct 24, 2009 at 11:53am

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