50 Years of MacNaughton: How MacNaughton Transformed Hawai‘i’s Movie Experience

From the Comfort of Your Home, to Hawai`i’s first Luxury Theater: How MacNaughton Transformed Hawai‘i’s Movie Experience

MacNaughton has always been at the forefront of bringing the best entertainment experiences to Hawai’i. Do you remember when Blockbuster Video debuted in the Islands in the 1980s? This changed how families and friends spent their Friday nights—wandering the aisles, picking out movies, and making memories. 

 MacNaughton didn’t stop there. Seeing another opportunity to elevate the moviegoing experience, the company introduced Hawai‘i’s first luxury movie theater at Kapolei Commons, forever transforming how locals watch films on the big screen. And we also elevated the F&B offering at concessions – not just popcorn, soda pop and candy; also kimchi hot dogs, lemongrass chicken pizza, and malasada bites.

At a time when traditional theaters offered basic concessions and standard seating, MacNaughton saw an opportunity to redefine moviegoing. Inspired by the success of high-end cinemas on the US Continent, the company introduced:

  • Plush, fully reclining leather seats for maximum comfort

  • Expanded menus with gourmet food and craft cocktails

  • State-of-the-art projection and sound for an immersive experience

Hawai‘i moviegoers weren’t just watching films—they were indulging in a next-level entertainment experience! Just as Blockbuster revolutionized home entertainment, MacNaughton’s luxury theater concept set a new standard for moviegoing. The industry took notice, and soon, nearly every major theater chain in Hawai‘i followed suit by upgrading their seating, menus, and amenities to meet the growing demand for a premium movie experience.

 More Than Movies: A Lasting Impact on Entertainment in Hawai‘i

From Blockbuster Video to luxury cinemas, MacNaughton has continually adopted, adapted, and led Hawai‘i’s entertainment industry into the future. As we celebrate 50 years of innovation, we reflect on how a simple idea—offering something better for Hawai‘i’s movie lovers—helped reshape an entire industry.

Katie Kaanapu