The Friends of the Palace Theater

This historic 1925 movie theater in downtown Hilo reopened in 1999 after being closed for 17 years. Our Mission is to revitalize, restore, and sustain the Historic Palace Theater as a venue that will educate, entertain, and inspire our diverse community. The Palace opened in October 1925 with the Silent Film “The Son of Zorro” Starring Douglas Fairbanks. Since then the Palace Theater has shown many types of films including Festivals, Documentaries, Independent, Sleepers, Art House, Academy Award Winners, Silver Screen Classics & still even shows Silent Films accompanied by the Palace Organ. But the Palace is a lot more then just a movie theater. Many Famous Musicians & Music Festivals, for example, have preformed here, covering a large array of music. Classical, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Electronic, Hawaiian & many other Traditional World Music acts. Live Theater, Musicals, Ballets & Halaus have also graced the Palace stage. Not to mention private parties and Hilo’s Special Events May Day Lei Day, Black & White Night & Chinese New Year. This Historical Theater has been in the hearts of many for almost a century, and we hope it will become a treasured memory for you as well. It’s through volunteered time & charitable donations that restorations & operations are possible, so that the Palace can continue entertaining the people & visitors of the Big Island for many more years.