The Aloha Theater, in the historic town of Hanepepe on the island of Kauai, is finally being renovated after closing in 1981. The theater was once the centerpiece of Hanapepe Town, showing classic movies and presenting live stage performances to the local community and servicemen and women beginning in 1936.
Realizing the potential the theater offered for the town and local community, Lynn Danaher bought the property in February 2019. Lynn specializes in restoring properties to their former glory, with several historic buildings already restored in Friday Harbor, Washington.
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Renovations started soon after the February 2019 purchase but work has stalled while Lynn waits for additional funding.
For the past several years, the theater has been adorned with artistic “film posters” depicting movies that have been filmed in the area, including Lilo & Stitch, Flight of the Intruder and The Thorn Birds.
Though the front of the building has held up relatively well, the inside and back of the building is requiring an extensive overhaul. Photos from Lynn’s Aloha Theater Kauai Instagram page show almost a complete rebuilding of the inside and back with additional work on the front.
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When completed, the renovated theater expects to house about 15 hotel rooms, shops, a cafe and restaurant (with a view of the Hanapepe River behind the theater). The project could be finished in about 18 months if all goes according to plan, reports Lynn.
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