Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium — Attraction in Hawaii

I've only seen the "stadium" on TV during the Merrie Monarch Festival, and have always thought it's the oddest-looking venue for events compared to what the rest of the world uses. It was or still might be used as a tennis facility which makes sense. I was a bit anxious to see it in person, and my chance finally came in 2017 as we attended a benefit concert for the Big Island Substance Abuse council where two local bands along with 80's music artists Shannon and Lisa Lisa performed to an unpretentious crowd.

PARKING: Parking was (free) and easy as it's on flat land with no garage to deal with, but, the lot is shared with a neighboring stadium of some sort so I can see it being a challenge if both facilities are in use.

THE FACILITIES: We entered through the north gates but it looks like you could enter on either side. To the right were the men's restrooms but I'm not sure where the women's ones were. I didn't notice any food vendor areas either. The structure itself was nicer than I had imagined. I envisioned a simple, metal-roofed quonset hut, which it was, but the inside part of the roof was nicely finished in what looked like wood. There were fixed metal bench stadium-seating on concrete risers on 3 sides of the facility, with portable chairs set up on the floor for the event. I'd guesstimate capacity is about 1,000? The acoustics were surprisingly good without any excessive echoing. All other parts of the building were in great shape and up kept.

As far as the name "Edith Kanakaole" goes, I couldn't find much detailed info online, but from what I gathered, she was a kumu hula (teacher of hula), hula dancer, singer, and advisor of the Hawaiian culture with copious amounts of accomplishments which is probably why the facility was named after her. She lived from 1913 - 1979, but her organization & mission still lives on.

OVERALL: Cool facility. Hilo is a funky...

My pictures are mixed from different events. This time around, we were at the stadium for the Waiakea High class of 2024 graduation. For Hilo, this is a good covered stadium to hold big events at.

My one complaint would be how uncomfortable the bleacher seats are. Many of the events held here are hours long. It would be nice if they provided seats with more comfort. Luckily, this time around, we were able to get the seats on the ground level. Those are so...

Huge older rounded roof open air facility for setting up for large events. We went for an art festival with entertainment. But have also been there for medical reserve Corp training. Plenty of room. Lots of paved parking around the area. Bleachers located around the periphery. Large circular flat area in the center. Good place for any...