Jeff Oya  

The Neal S. Blaisdell Center has been a gathering place for community members of Honolulu since 1964. The multi-purpose arena has an excellent reputation for bringing in top entertainers, sports events and exhibits. Recently remodeled and expanded in 1994, the complex is essentially a circular facility that is perfect for concert and sporting events, and can seat up to 8,800. Setting a record for his time, Elvis Presley sold out concerts at the Blaisdell Center in the 1960s and 1970s. A bronze statue of The King has been erected outside. Recent performers have included Metallica, Days of the New, Rage Against the Machine, America, Pearl Jam, Elton John, George Michael, Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, Motley Crue, No Doubt, Fleetwood Mac, Celine Dion, Ricky Martin, 'N Sync, LeAnn Rimes, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Nine Inch Nails, Gwen Stefani, Akon and Journey, among others. The Blaisdell Center keeps thing interesting with other types of events, like the WWE, Disney on Ice, American Idol Live!, Sesame Street Live, college basketball and volleyball, and international gymnastics.

Sample the variety of tastes and the unique flavor of local hops at the annual Kona Brewers Festival on the shores of Kailua Bay. The growing microbrewery movement in Hawaii promotes local companies and their art form.