Lihu'e Theatre
3-3194 Kuhio Highway,
Lihu'e,
HI
96766
3-3194 Kuhio Highway,
Lihu'e,
HI
96766
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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
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Recent comments (view all 8 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:
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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.
My photograph showing hurricane damgage to the LIHUE.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/298831152
Here is another photo of the former Lihu'e Theater.
This is a recent photo.
1988 photo of the Lihu'e Theatre.
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A 2009 close-up view is here.
Here is a photo from the 1970s.