Iao Theater - Wailuku, HI
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 20° 53.331 W 156° 30.139
4Q E 759834 N 2311866
This historic theater dates from 1928, and continues to survive as the home for Maui OnStage which runs an impressive repetoire of theatrical productions. It is located in the old center of Wauiluku, Hawaii, county seat for Maui County.
Waymark Code: WM54KQ
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 11/10/2008
Views: 15
Opened in 1928, and built in Spanish Mission style, this theater was once the main entertainment venue of the city of Wailuku, on Maui. Besides screening movies, it featured live stage acts, and such stars as Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra made appearances at the 'Iao. In 1953, the theater hosted the Hawaiian premiere of "From Here to Eternity".
By the early 80s, the theater was in decline, and after it closed, was seriously threatened with demolition. However, a community effort to save the theater was led by Wailuku Mainstreet Association, and in 1995-1996, underwent a million dollar-plus renovation. In 1995 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Maui Community Theater, doing business as Maui OnStage, has occupied the Historic Iao Theater since 1984, and has since been instrumental in keeping the theater in operation even during times of desperate disrepair. Maui OnStage has the distinction of being one of the longest consistently running theater companies in the United States.
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The Iao Theater was place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.