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Consolidated Kahala 8
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
4211 Waialae AveSte 3080
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 733-6243
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Consolidated Kahala 8
32 reviews in English
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Review from M and M.
Honolulu, HI
12/29/2011
In my quest to find great movies on this rock, I have quickly found that Kahala is the place to be for my limited release, indy flick, cerebral type films. Im not a total movie nerd but I do watch a lot of movies. Seems that me and my favorite foodie friend happen to also enjoy movies when we arent filling our bellies.
yes, it's a bit of a drive from Central Oahu, but that's ok! Hoonestly, how many shoot em up, bang bang, explosive wanna be super blockbuster cheesy comedies can a person tolerate? Seems that the only place to watch films that require a slightly higher level of attention and intelligence are only available here.
It is a bit out dated, but I can deal. Just wish that some of the films were shown for slightly longer. I guess I will have to wait for them to come out on iTunes or Netflix then. -
Review from Michael C.
Honolulu, HI
Updated - 1/27/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Today was the first day in a long, long time that I ventured out to see a matinee. I chose the consolidated theatre versus Regal since I wanted to go to Whole Foods after the movie was finished.
Some aspects of my visit:
Positives:
1) No crowds. This was something I absolutely loved as there weren't the usual throngs of people that flock to the theatre on a Friday or Saturday night that I usually expect. Not having to deal with crowds was something of a bonus for having driven so far.
2) Bargain. According to the sign today in the unused ticket window, shows before 4pm are priced at $8.00 for adults. The reduced price is a "bargain" compared to the $10.25 price tag of a general admission ticket.
3) Clean. The theatre AND men's bathroom were very, very clean in my opinion. Apparently, the maintenance staff does a terrific job at keeping the facilities spotless and tidy.
Negatives:
1) OLD. Hopefully this theatre will be renovated in the near future. Although the lobby and and men's bathroom seem to have been updated, in my humble opinion the theatre I viewed my movie in could use a complete renovation. For those of you familiar with this location, the movie I saw was in one of the theatres located up the stairs to the right of the concession stand. This would be considered the "older" part as the 3 theatres across the lobby from the concession are much newer.
If a renovation should happen, I think the seats should absolutely be replaced! My seat was terribly uncomfortable and didn't have a high enough backrest in my opinion. I resorted to slouching in my seat for most of the movie to feel completely relaxed. And because of this discomfort, I was also reminded why I prefer the seating at Regal Theatres so much
Tips:
1) Tickets. I'm not sure if this is the standard currently at this theatre, but there was a sign today in the ticket window directing customers to purchase tickets inside at the concession stand.
2) Snacks. I didn't buy any, but just wanted to let others know that after your purchase you tickets, you will have to stand in another line to buy your snacks.
3) Sound. If you arrive well before your movie starts and notice ads or clips of movies showing the screen, but there's NO sound whatsoever, don't worry. Apparently, the sound doesn't come on until the movie starts! We found this out the hard way as someone in our theatre took the initiative to inform the theatre staff that there was no sound.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2011
The Kahala Theatres aren't my usual or first choice to see a movie at, but I was left with no… Read more »
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Review from Ed L.
12/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This Consolidated Theater site sits inside Kahala Mall, which is about the closest theater to me, without having to wait for the movie to be released & go to Blockbuster Video or subscribe to Netflix. Came here recently on Christmas Day night to watch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol by myself, since I was bored shitless.
This movie theater is small, compared to the Ward complex. There is 1 big screen, but they show the most popular ones here. The last time I saw a movie on the big screen was the last Harry Potter movie. Like all movie theaters, they make their profit by gouging you on the snacks they have at the concession stands. I rarely do go to the movies, due to the higher movie admission costs and the aformentioned food prices. I don't sneak food in, since I would rather eat a hearty meal outside the theater and then go to the movie. While alot of people would do this in this economic times, I rather just go to Blockbuster nowadays and enjoy it in the comforts of my own home.
There are sometimes crowds when there's a big premiere of a popular movie (ie Harry Potter), but most times, its not even busy. I do like the late night movie times, so I can just have a nice night out by myself sometimes. Just like sitting on the beach with my thoughts, having a good movie takes my mind away from the hustle and bustle of every day living. -
Review from Quijana B.
Waipahu, HI
7/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My son and I have made a decision. Unless we are invited to see a movie with someone at a different theater, we would both prefer to drive the 16.6 miles from home (as calculated by Yelp's Bookmark feature on my phone) and see a film at Kahala.
We love this slightly outdated theater for all of the reasons so many people would pass it by. We prefer our staff calm and happy and our seats not packed in like the coach cabin on the last flight out. I want to be able to hear the movie, but don't want my eardrums to ache afterwards, and more than anything I do not want long lines.
This theater fits all of those needs. Easy parking, short lines, happy employees, and comfortable theaters.
Beyond the theater is the selection. This is the only place on the island showing foreign films on a regular basis, and now they are streaming the Broadway shows as well.
This is a place where I am happy to spend my entertainment dollars. -
Review from Brian B.
Honolulu, HI
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Anybody that knows me will tell you that I usually like going to either Regal-Dole Cannery to watch the big budget blockbuster movies or Ward 16 because of the quality of their auditoriums. The only problem with going to those theaters or others on the island is that they don't tend to bring in some of the quirkier films or documentary films on a regular basis.
The Kahala 8 theaters which are located at Kahala Mall fill the niche/void left by Varsity Theaters quite nicely. I'm glad that they dedicate at least one or two of their auditoriums to the low-budget indie films and/or documentaries which used to be shown regularly at Varsity when it was open. In fact, I recently went to see a documentary about the hip-hop group, A Tribe Called Quest which played at this theater and was definitely not disappointed!
The other good thing that I'm glad the management of this theater have done is that they have cleaned it up & renovated the facilities recently. The theater lobby looks like it's been re-carpeted, and the concession stand looks like it was given a makeover which is great since I remember this place being fairly rundown a few years ago. A few of the auditoriums seem to also have been re-done with newer seats which is great, since they needed to be replaced pretty badly(they were as old & rickety as the ones at Pearlridge West). Another great plus is that I can order movie tickets for shows that play at this theater online via Fandango and can come down and pick them up at the box office or by swiping the credit card I used to purchase the tickets at the kiosk.
I'm not gonna lie to you and say that I'd come here to watch a big budget blockbuster that's laden with special effects and in 3D(because I'm a movie/video snob as some of my friends would say...LOL). I would however come here for the indie films & documentaries that play as well as a few other movies when I don't want to fight the crowd at Regal-Dole Cannery or Ward 16. Definitely a nice theater that fills its niche very well. -
Review from Mike O.
4/22/2011
+4 star for their hotdogs! OMG The dog itself sticks out over 1inch past the bun (on both sides). Its also only $3 when you order the lg popcorn and 2 lg soda special. Although the butter is rather tasteless.....it's self serve and you can load it on.
-1 for no stadium seating.
But its only 1min from my house and I always find parking on the 2nd floor.Listed in: My Kahala "go to" places.
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Review from Yellow J.
Honolulu, HI
7/24/2011
A tiny old dated theater. The auditoriums were really small, the screen was small and way high up on the wall that I had to hold my chin up the whole time during the movie, which led me to a bad neck and back pain. The seating was old and uncomfortable.
Overall, despite the crowd and whatever bad things other people are saying about Ward 16, I still prefer it more than Kahala 8.
Me and my pals have decided never to go back there again. -
Review from Carmie A.
Honolulu, HI
10/9/2011 4 Check-ins Here
small theatre, but shows most of the movies that are out.
also shows more documentaries and foreign films, more so than you would find at the other theaters.
tickets and food, still pricey, but so are the others...
military, senior id discounts accepted. -
Review from Norm G.
1/3/2011
I really like seeing movies here. Why?
1. First and foremost (for me), in addition to the typical Hollywood fare, they show foreign, independent, and "art house" films here,.
2. There's no maddening crowd hanging out in the lobby that the one at Ward has.
3. There are nice dining options nearby in the mall to eat at before or after the film.
4. There doesn't seem to be the "gangster wannabe" feel that some venues seem to attract. -
Review from CHAD K.
Honolulu, HI
12/17/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The Kahala cinema is my favorite movie venue bar none.
The mall provides many options as far as movie snacks, healthy options from Whole Foods is my favorite. Why spend $20 on crap at the theater when I can just put better snacks in my pocket.
The cleanliness of the Kahala Mall transitions into the theater. The restrooms are always clean which is hugely important to me. The seats never seem filthy and the floors are never sticky.
Another asset of the Kahala Theaters is the fact that unlike Ward, the theaters is isnt so much of a social scene. Chances of bumping into people you know at Ward is pretty good, Kahala not so much. Im not antisocial by any means just appreciate that the theaters here can be a bit more clandestine and doesnt have that dorm room vibe that Ward has on the weekends.
I love that Kahala keeps it real and shows independent movies, thats the main reason I love this place. Movies that still have substance and a plot, a friend once told me that she can do without cinematography but not plot, my sentiments exactly.
So keep it real Kahala Theaters, I appreciate all the amenities that you offer but I love to the nth degreethat you provide an avenue for us to see foreign/independent films. -
Review from Julie Y.
Honolulu, HI
4/25/2011 11 Check-ins Here
I give them 4 stars for having the butter dispenser on the counter!!
Never a line, no crowds, nice relaxing atmosphere. When I feel the poporn isn't fresh, I ask for a fresh batch, and they always oblige. Take not, there are not alot of people in line at the concession stand either, but are still willing to make a fresh batch of popcorn at my request. I can also load as much butter on it as I want. Cool. -
Review from Nicole B.
Washington, DC
11/30/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I like Kahala because the parking is super easy (much easier than Ward and Dole), and it's in the mall, so I can usually squeeze in other errands before or after the movie - bonus! It's close to lots of great places to eat (YUM, The Counter!!) so it's great for a date night dinner/movie night or perfect for a girl's low-key night out.
The theater itself is clean and the seating is comfortable enough but it definitely doesn't have the modern feel of Ward or Dole...the screens seem smaller and the seating feels really low to the ground and much further from the screen, but it's not bad...we're just totally spoiled by the uber-new, modern theaters!
As far as pricing goes, Kahala is slightly cheaper than Ward and Dole...tickets for adults are $10.25 while at Ward, you'll pay $10.75 and at Dole you'll pay $10.50. I feel like tickets at Kahala should be cheaper since they're not upgrading the theater to keep up with its more modern counterparts! -
Review from Laurie C.
Honolulu, HI
9/13/2010 16 Check-ins Here
Outside of The Hawaii International Film Festival and maybe the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Arts Academy, it's tough finding good quality art film offerings. This is where Consolidated's Kahala 8 Theatre comes in because they tend to offer a few mainstream movies and then round out their listings with documentaries, foreign films and other independent flicks. Tickets are pricey, averaging $10 per person. Go for the less expensive matinees. Sadly there are no student discounts nor point systems (like they have at Dole Cannery Theatres to earn free films.)
While you can bypass the often long lines by using the solitary ticket kiosk to the right of the box office, the Kahala can be quirky in that they sometimes close their box office & make patrons purchase tickets at the snack bar. The dumb thing is, you have to do your tickets ina separate transaction from your popcorms & soda.
None of the combos are useful when you are alone at the movies, so I often just order a #4 Kid's Pack with Junior Mints, and supplement that with a larger drink & Kernel Season's White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning. I cover the popcorn in the seasoning, then dump the Junior Mints on top for a sweet/salty combo!!
One other consideration, if you have differently abled moviewatchers, half of the theatres are located up a set of stairs, where the rise is very high & the width narrow. It's a bitch on crutches. There's a weird elevator contraption, but it seems like more hassle than it's worth for.the five stairs.
Be sure to check out the awesome mural on the right side of the lobby. It features several elements of different movies & TV shows filmed in Hawaii!! -
Review from Moani K.
Honolulu, HI
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been seeing movies at these theaters since I was a kid. A part of my childhood that as an adult I still enjoy.
It's nice that because of it's location in the mall one can easily squeeze in a meal before or after your movie of choice...or head to Long's or Whole Foods to sneak in your own snacks. Not that I do that. *whistles innocently*
The facilities are well maintained and clean. While there is no stadium seating I've never had a problem with not being able to view the screen.
Kahala Theaters. An oldie, but a goodie. -
Review from Murray B.
8/26/2010
Here's the quick scoop re: this theater:
pros
-in addition to more mainstream movies, it's one of the few places in town that shows foreign films
-it's in Kahala Mall, therefore parking is almost always easy
-one of the cleanest movie theaters I've visited
-close to The Counter which means you can get a burger & beer either pre or post movie!
cons
-older theater which means smaller screens, especially compared to Ward or Dole
-on my most recent visit, I should have brought a fleece jacket; I don't get cold easy but I froze my a** off; maybe they were cranking the a/c extra high that day
3.5 stars overall -
Review from Jen K.
Honolulu, HI
7/18/2010
Back in the day the Kahala 8 used to smell like urine inside (no joke!) but after the flood the new theaters are much cleaner. I like that you can wander around the mall while waiting for your show. The downside (for me) is that most of the films there seem selected for families bringing kids or conservative adults who want to watch, or perhaps initiate, a goofy romance. However, sometimes they get a good foreign film, and that is usually when we go.
I have seen the staff who take tickets there for a loooong time and they are always friendly. -
Review from Ty M.
Honolulu, HI
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here last wk to watch 127 hours.
First time being here after the flood renovation.
It's pretty cool because they play all the movies the regular theatres don't anymore.
Clean, not crowded theatre. Lots of old people come here. Great if you don't like the noise of lots of young kids playing and screaming. Lol ;)
4 stars minus one for it being really small the screens. I pay a lot to see a movie I expect a large screen and loud audio :)
Either than that nicely renovated and a plus for playing the movies I wanted to see but missed -
Review from Dale Y.
St Paul, MN
6/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Kahala 8 is an aging theater but nowadays its charm and appeal comes from the fact that it is NOT Ward or Dole. Those two theaters have become so... overflowing with young teenagers that it almost detracts from the "date night" movie feel.
A couple nice things about Kahala:
1. Much easier to find parking than Ward or Dole
2. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Theater ACTUALLY answers their phone when I called to inquire about midnight showings
3. Bathroom is large and clean (lacking the ever present "mystery" puddles under the urinals I'm used to seeing at Ward and Dole)
4. LESS people
Now a few things to watch out for:
1. No stadium seating. The theaters feel a little older but I for one don't feel that it would detract from a good movie
2. Screens aren't the sharpest in the world, but again not a huge deal if the movie you're seeing is good
3. The salt shaker and butter dispenser for popcorn are both CRAZY. Butter dispenser is like the Niagara Falls of liquid fat and the salt shaker is loaded up with that ULTRA-FINE salt that makes you misjudge how much salt you've really added.
While Kahala does have its shortcomings, slowly the scale is beginning to tip in its favor (at least for me).
EXTRA BONUS: At the Twilight: Eclipse premier last night I only had to do deal with less than a few hundred screaming adolescent girls. My friend reports that at Ward and Dole the remaining 99% of Oahu's Screaming Adolescent Girl population was present. Kahala 1, Ward/Dole 0 -
Review from Kelly J.
10/19/2010
I have been here twice for movie screenings, so I'm not sure how the ticket value is to the movie experience.
The theaters themselves are a little unconventional. Seating is staggered so less worry about the tall guy sitting in front of you, but the overall feel of the seats seem a little low in perspective to the screen. A/C is on full blast which is nice for those hot afternoons, but not the evening shows.
Your movie experience should be fine though.
I noticed that other moviegoers have these crazy looking popcorn! Caramel coated? walnuts added? Whatever it is, the popcorn always smells really good. -
Review from Traci H.
10/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is located in Kahala Mall, which is great if you wanna get your shop or food on. It went under renovations a few years back. On a recent visit I did notice the bathrooms are nicer, and there are some new carpeting. What I like about this place is that they do show independent films all the time. So for you indy movie lovers check out their listings regularly. Also they have that butter dispenser for your popcorn so you can put as much or as little as you want. ;)
Things I don't like about this place is that it is an older theater, so they do not have stadium seating, so make sure you get there early to get a good seat. They don't have lots of showings, but it might fit your schedule.
I have to say that if you can watch the movie elsewhere, like Ward or Regal theaters (in Dole or Pearl City), then do it. You're gonna pay pretty much the same price for a movie, but you'll get a better movie experience there. However, if you came for the indy films that this maybe your only option. So give it a go! :D -
Review from Karen P.
Boston, MA
6/10/2010
Yes, Kahala is smaller than Ward, etc., etc.
But there are some major pros to going to Kahala:
1) Parking. Parking at Ward is ALWAYS a pain in the butt on weekends, but easy to find at Kahala Mall.
2) Not-so-massive crowds.
3) Carousel Candyland. I typically don't eat anything during movies nowadays, but when I was younger & went to see movies at Kahala, I'd drop by the beloved candy store in the mall to buy popcorn here & sneak it in. Their treats are a lot cheaper. -
Review from Christopher H.
Honolulu, HI
2/8/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is an aging theater, and it's obvious that not much money has been put into upkeep. There's no stadium seating, most of the screens/houses are very small, there are still bolt marks in the theaters where the old seats used to be... Doesn't sound very good right? There are many better options here for seeing mainstream movie titles.
HOWEVER, one of the reasons why I like this theater is that they do have a small selection of independent and foreign films showing at any one time. It's often the only place in Hawaii to see some of these films. There is the occasional small film festival held here as well.
Consolidated Theatres has partnered with Angelika Film Center to curate this selection of independent film, and you can find a list of upcoming films here: http://www.consolidate... -
Review from Wilson G.
Ewa Beach, HI
9/23/2009
I'm so spoiled when it comes to multi-movie plexs...I'm so used to to my big projected grainy film theater... but about Kahala 8 is an old school type of theater.... I didn't have the a trouble last time when watching Mrs. Pettigrew there... maybe because the screen was probably bigger and it was maybe actually film? Hell, When Varisty was open, I swear their screens are bigger....
Oh boy! I attempted to watch "Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone" today. I was scared sh--less when I walked into the theater 6 and it was pitched black. I was like... F that, you want me to wait in a pitched dark theater with only dimmed light track lights on the floor by myself? I think not.
So here I am waiting until someone else complains having no light there. I go in theater 6, and the screen is so tiny! Was it this tiny before? I don't remember.
I further had doubts when I saw a "Blu-Ray Disc" Logo appear... Are you serious? It's getting projected by projector with a Blu-Ray DVD Player? Sounds rough doesn't it? I mean I could of done that by the side of my house, and hooked up my blu-ray DVD player of my own... Weak.
I wasn't being very grumpy about it, unlike the lady before me who was bitching about "Why can't I have a regular cup size with ice when I bought a popcorn worth of $5?" (Maybe because it's inventoried and of course it's concession prices, so bitch all you want, you're not getting a regular cup size)
I was very polite, and said "It's not Japanese, it's in English... Can I get a refund? If you can't give me the refund, a Readmission ticket is fine." The staff was very nice about it, although they said it was suppose to play in Japanese with Subtitles... maybe the projectionist didn't hit the audio/subtitle button.... I gave it 10 minutes before going for a refund.
I'm just speculating that the smaller houses (Definitely Theater 6; maybe theaters 7, and 8 also) maybe ones with a Blu-Ray DVD Projector/Player with it.
Was very disappointed with this "viewing" and in the future if it's playing in the smaller houses (theater 6 - 8) it's probably just a Blu-Ray DVD Player.... =( -
Review from Gidget T.
Honolulu, HI
3/2/2009
I enjoy seeing movies at Kahala 8.
They don't have stadium seating, the theathers are small (much smaller than Ward), and there are not nearly as many screens - but they show nice independent and wide release movies, comfortable seating, and there's rarely any crowds to contend with.
Many times the ticket counter is closed (because they only have a one or two people working the Concession Stand) and you have to walk through the front of the theater to the Concession Stand to get your movie tickets. They have combo deals, but if you're just looking to split one large popcorn and one large drink. it's a couple dollars cheaper to buy it individually (because the cheapest combo they have sells you two drinks). My husband and I normally just split the popcorn and soda.
About a month ago, my husband went to see "Gran Torino" at Kahala 8 and there was only 6 people in the theater, in total. It was nice. We got to have a row to ourselves, put up the arm rests and relax. The only awkward thing about the set up is that the aisle is in the center of the theater - so you're always sitting slight to the left and right. Not in the center.
Overall, I prefer seeing movies at Kahala 8 than Ward because I can guarantee a better view and less wait. But, I took off one star because of lack of stadium seating and they don't have as wide a movie selection as Ward and other larger theaters. Still, if they have the movie you're interested in, it's worth it to come see it here as opposed to getting stuck in the far corner of a much larger theater. -
Review from Gregory F.
Honolulu, HI
10/27/2010
This is the best theatre in the state to see an independent film, you know, the films that are actually about something other than fart jokes, bombs, guns, and high-school banter. Kahala brings in Woody Allen films, foreign films, documentaries, and art films. The seating is good, the clientele is somewhat high-school hooky meets hipster intellectual plus senior citizens and a splash of kiddies. If you want IMAX don't expect it here. If you want smart, expect a viable option weekly.
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Review from Scott P.
Aiea, HI
1/29/2011
The theater shows movies that are either foreign or independent plus a few recently released movies. Its clean and not too crowded on a Friday night. Very enjoyable experience.
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Review from E Y.
Honolulu, HI
1/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
You can put your own butter on your popcorn. Need I say more? It's not a huge theater like Ward Center, but that's kinda why I love it too.
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Review from Love S.
Honolulu, HI
3/2/2009
So I finally went to see Slumdog Millionaire to see what all the hype was about. I absolutely loved the movie. Theater was empty. I like it that way. Kahala Theaters is very kick back. You can sneak in food, no problem. The same ticket taker girl has been working here since I was in high school, she's a sweetheart. If you're looking for a big crowded noisy theater, check out Ward. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, check out Kahala.
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Review from Hannah L.
Honolulu, HI
1/8/2011
Our 2nd time to the movies. We decided to come here because Black Swan was playing here earlier. Should've went to Ward 16. The theater was okay. I never understood the whole middle aisle only. The only complaint I had was near the end of the movie the picture blurred out and moved to the right for a good 10mins of the movie. Had to run out to the manager to get any assistance. Making the ending was even more confusing.
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Review from Jaynie K.
Aiea, HI
11/22/2008
I freak out when I go to Ward Theater because of the crowds and noise. I go into sensory overload and it's not pleasant. To me, Kahala Theater is super great because it's small, quiet and low-key. The best part is, they offer the independent and foreign movies I love, which is more than I can say about the bigger places. Matinee time at Kahala is the best time of my week!
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Review from Chels C.
Honolulu, HI
6/10/2010
Kahala theater is nice, especially since they re-did it about 2 years ago. Smaller theaters, but i'm not complaining, seats are clean, new and comfortable. One thing, beware of the butter dispenser. When you order popcorn they give you plain popcorn, and it's up to you to dispense the amount of artery clogging fat you want to put atop your popcorn. I always put too much, it soaks my popcorn box. If you like to clogg your arteries like me i suggest you grab a wax piece of paper by the artery clogging dispenser. Haha! Great theater though, and nice people!
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Review from Denise V.
Kailua, HI
2/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of the most uncomfortable theaters on Oahu. The soda machines have been down for months - they hand scoop ice for you from a bucket. At one showing, they had the print framed wrong and denied it - said it was supposed to be that way. Totally clueless.
