Paschoal Hall

The Kalaupapa Social Hall was built in 1916 as a traditional Hawaiian meeting place. It measures 110 feet by 40 feet and when built had a 12 foot by 20 foot stage for “amateur theatricals”, according to the Territory of Hawai`i Board of Health Annual Report in 1916.

The Kalaupapa Social Hall was turned into a movie house in 1931 when a screen and projection equipment were installed. A few years later, lighting and air-conditioning were also installed.

In about 1956, a CinemaScope screen replaced the original screen, but was removed in 1968 and a standard screen put in its place. Also, its stage was rebuilt to accommodate occasional live performances at the hall.

In 1979, the theatre was closed, and a year later, both the hall and surrounding town, mostly abandoned, became part of the Kalaupapa State Park and run by the National Park Service.

The old hall, known as the Paschoal Community Hall in its later years, was used for years for storage by the Park Service. The Paschoal Hall was extensively restored from 2008-2012 by the National Park Service. It was reopened on October 29, 2012 and now hosts movies, performances, community meetings and rallies. It also showcases exhibits that teach visitors about park history and the significance of the historic social hall.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.