Hilo’s Palace Theater turned 100 this weekend, drawing a red‑carpet gala, a packed concert and a silent‑film matinee that reminded the island why the downtown venue still matters. The nonprofit that runs the theater used the anniversary events to push a new phase of interior restoration, blending ticket revenue, donations and volunteer labor to tackle long‑deferred repairs.
The Palace first opened on Oct. 26, 1925, developed by Hawaiian showman Adam C. Baker to present silent pictures with live organ accompaniment. Over subsequent decades it ran first‑run Hollywood films and changed hands several times, including a period under Consolidated Amusement. Its decline accelerated after the pipe organ was removed and the building closed in the 1980s. The Friends of the Palace Theater nonprofit formed in 2001 and has overseen the venue's comeback, according to Hawaii News Now.
Centennial weekend lineup honors the Palace's roots
Friends of the Palace Theater programmed a four‑day slate of events that culminated on Oct. 26 with a silent‑film screening of Phantom of the Opera (1925) accompanied live on the "Mighty Palace Pipe Organ" by Walter Greenwood. The weekend also featured a red‑carpet theatrical revue, a free Masquerade Bash and a centennial concert headlined by Paula Fuga, with ticket proceeds supporting restoration work, according to the theater's calendar on Hilo Palace Theater.
Interior restoration moves to center stage
After years of exterior work, including a facade renovation, air‑conditioning upgrades and a larger solar array, the nonprofit has turned its focus to the auditorium: patching ceiling holes, restoring wood bannisters, redoing carpeting and color‑matching hand‑painted panels. The auditorium now seats about 485 — reduced from the original capacity of more than 800 — and the Friends are combining volunteer days with paid contractors to finish major repairs. Executive Director Phillips Payson said the group hopes to complete a majority of the interior work around the centennial, as noted by Big Island Now.
For many longtime islanders the centennial was a reminder of the Palace's role across generations. Former Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim recalled the theater's early glamour, saying, "I can still see the glitter from the curtains," and organizers noted that seeing kupuna bring their mo'opuna back through the doors underscores the cultural value of the project, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Those who want to help can buy tickets, donate or sign up for volunteer days; donation and volunteer information is available on the theater's website. The Friends of the Palace say every dollar raised now will go toward the auditorium so the building is ready for another century of movies, music and local productions.
