Ruger Theatre Demolition

On Nov. 9, 2022, a two-day demolition of the historic Ruger Theatre commenced. The event marks the end of era - as the historic venue has hosted thousands of Diamond Head Theatre productions since 1952 when the theatre group (then called Honolulu Community Theatre) took up residence. Seventy years of performances has entertained generations of Hawaii's people to share in the experience of "Hawaii's Broadway of the Pacific." Every night, staff would leave a single stage light glowing for decades and tonight, it was lights out for Fort Ruger forever.

Yet the show goes on for the nation's third oldest, continuously operating theatre group, which was founded in 1915. The nonprofit has relentlessly campaigned for funds to build a theatre for the 21st century. And that effort is still ongoing. That new theater has been under construction for two years, since 2020 and is just a few steps from the demolished auditorium, which originally was a movie house built in the 1930s as part of the Fort Ruger community.

The new auditorium will feature the centerโ€™s first-ever orchestra pit and fly loft, larger sets, higher-quality seats, an upgraded concession area, and opportunities for more community programs and classes. Learn more and support DHT's new era. View our photo and video gallery of construction in progress and watch the video of Fort Ruger Theatre's demolition.