Cozy, Independent Movie Theater Playing Classic and Contemporary Films

[3566 Harding Ave]

The Movie Museum is a cinema lovers paradise. Located in the Kaimuki neighorhood, on Harding Avenue between 11th and 12th Avenues, just across the street from the eclectic independent bookstore da Shop, and around the corner from the yummy Via Gelato, this intimate theatre is the place to watch a film.

With its astounding collection of over 3,000 films, including independent, foreign, and other rare gems that you simply can't find elsewhere, the Movie Museum has a movie for every taste. The theater was lovingly brought to life in 1989 by film aficionado Rick Kraemer, following the demolition of two movie theaters that once stood in the neighborhood. A few years later, Dwight Damon, a filmmaker who grew up in Hawaii and graduated from 'Iolani School, took over the helm to continue fostering the love of cinema among the Honolulu community. His stewardship has ensured that this Kaimuki gem remains accessible to all, with admission kept affordable.

One of the unique features of the Movie Museum is the opportunity to rent out the entire theater. Imagine hosting a movie-themed party (or even an intimate marriage proposal) in the cozy ambiance of this 18-seater venue, complete with all-leather reclining lounge chairs. It's an experience that will etch indelible memories.

The theatre updates its movie showings monthly. To secure your spot (the cozy theatre has only 18 all-leather reclining lounge chairs), call 808-735-8771. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance of the screening.

Below is a preview of their past line-up:

• LADIES IN BLACK (2018-Australia): A high school senior takes a summer job at a Sydney department store in this coming-of-age tale set in 1959. The ladies in black, her co-workers at the store, open Lisa’s eyes to a world of fashion and sophistication in this charming winner of 9 awards.

• THE BROKENWOOD MYSTERIES: AS IF NOTHING HAS HAPPENED (2017-New Zealand): When a high-flying financier is found dead in a swimming pool with a sword stuck in his back, the clues lead to nearby retirement home. A detective finds plenty of motive for the sweet old residents to kill the loathsome financier—he was responsible for losing the life savings of many. But would any of the frail residents be capable of such a crime (or even remember doing it)?

• DECISION TO LEAVE (2022-South Korea): A man dies under suspicious circumstances while hiking, plummeting from a mountain. A detective is instantly drawn to the deceased’s beautiful and mysterious widow. Watching her every move under surveillance, he suspects her but falls hopelessly in love with her in this creatively shot, romantic mystery. Winner of 50 awards.

If you've got a love for cinema that goes beyond the mainstream, the Movie Museum stands ready to transport you into a realm of movie magic.