There’s something that’s just not right about going to a theatre and not being able to eat popcorn. I mean, that’s just what you’re supposed to do, right? Not at Hawaii Theatre.

Four years and a $28-million renovation means the popcorn and Cokes and candy bars are gone forever. Here’s why.

It’s not because people wouldn’t like popcorn while they sit through a matinee movie. It’s just, well, there’s no movies any more. This is a theatre person’s theatre. Plays. Musicals. Hula.

No Terminator 3 or Matrix Reloaded will grace the Hawaii Theatre. Not even a Driving Miss Daisy. No movies. Period. Well, no popcorn for sure.

“Movie theatres move to the suburbs and open 14 theatres and shows at the same time.”That wasn’t always the case. The Hawaii Theatre has been home to many matinees and a lot of popcorn down through the decades. I’m not certain, but I’d bet you a box of tasteless popcorn from Consolidated Theatres that Hawaii Theatre is close to 100 years old.

It looked like it about 12 years ago.

You know how this works. Downtown areas deteriorate and decay. Movie theatres move to the suburbs and open 14 theatres and shows at the same time. The downtown movie houses and theatres close, become churches, burn down, get condemned, or just cave in.

There’s no question that the once beautiful Hawaii Theatre was headed that way.

A restoration project began in the 1980s and was finished up in the early 90s. the result. One of the most beautiful theatres in the Pacific. Well, there aren’t too many beautiful theatres in the Pacific anyway since Hawaii is pretty much it. Lack of competition notwithstanding, beautifully redone is still beautiful.

“You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and beauty once you take your seat.”Today, the Hawaii Theatre is home to local theatre productions, mainland plays, musicals, music performances, graduations, and all you’d expect of a grand theatre.

But no popcorn.

Believe it or not, Hawaii Theatre still isn’t completely restored. Only inside. Not outside. That’ll come once there’s more money available. Of course, state and city finances being what they are, it may be awhile.

If you don’t mind standing in line for a ticket in front of what appears to be a run down old-looking downtown brick building, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warmth and beauty once you take your seat.

But no popcorn.

Want to know the best places to eat in Hawaii? Click over to Ono Dining for totally biased reviews on Hawai's best (and not so best) restaurants.