Ong King Art Center

It’s a pretty nice little hole in the wall, with a lot of cool décor on the walls. There’s a pretty sweet mural of Thor in the background of the stage, but there’s always a bunch of people running around doing artistic performances, so it’s more than a little difficult to get a good view of that glorious god of thunder.
The chairs are fairly comfortable. However, everytime I stand up to adjust the posture of my back, the chair slides away from me along the slippery floor.
Regarding the male rest room, the urinal is unnecessarily high above the ground. Watch out for that.

Having fun here. Still here. Will stay till 2am. Fix this review then. So far 4 stars. Its a little hot and small place with no chairs. Lots of people sitting on the ground.

Went here on a double date and I was so excited to come due to the improv and comedy. In my younger days I used to do open mic at comedy clubs and I frequented them weekly. Ong King had a couple of singers, poetry, burlesque, pole dancing, comedy and improv. I had a great time. They have a few wine/​beer choices cash only. It’s $ 10 cash to get in. I would recommend this place.

Oh my gosh! Sorry, I couldn’t hold back on working up the hype on my review. A date surprised me with plans to come to a comedy night. I wasn’t expecting it to be at Ong King Art Center in the heart of Chinatown. First, I loved how this gem is hidden in a building that’s yet so humbling and simple. You wouldn’t expect a nice comedy studio inside. This building is on the corner of River St. and N. King St. Only challenge which is looking for parking (if you’re the street parking searching kind of person) otherwise there are pay lots available as well.
Upon entrance to the building from N. King St. you will go up the stairwell and you will be greeted by a lady sitting on the chair to pick up your tickets. $ 10 at the door depending on the night (they accept credit cards as well). This is a very chill environment. There are bathrooms for easy access as well near the stairwell. You enter through the door and the bar is immediately to your left with a suggested donation. You will be greeted not only by a simple surprise of decors from top to bottom (depending on the show events) but you will also get a nice greeting from a sweet dog name Bailey. She definitely owns this arena.
We came here to watch the Think Fast Improv’s sketch comedy, «Regards». «It is a collection of original comedy sketches written by members of Honolulu’s Think Fast Improv: Rory Franzen, David K Jones, Larissa Nielsen, and the new addition Ben St John.» Rory Frazen and Johnny Sparkles were my favorite along with David K. Jones. Hilarious! Everyone had a fair share of eclectic parts in all the skits. Ladies and gents, yes we can all relate to the different scenarios and you will be laughing all night. They did great on collaborations in not only some stand ups but and also a quick response to random acts and requests from the crowd.
Perfect go to for a nice and eclectic experience of events. I will be back!

I have been here for all kinds of events and always have a great time.
You kinda have to know where it is and its def in a sketchy part of Chinatown. So don’t go alone.
Belly dancing performances are awesome here and they a rig for silk and ariel performances.
I went to Amy’s 24 karat gold party here and they had a dj and terrible dancing. Got drunk and had a blast.
It’s always decorated. One time they had a giant owl.
It’s BYOB which I love.

When you are in Chinatown on a Saturday night and want to see good comedy, where do you go?
Not Aala Park! Not Merchant Street! Those places have another kind of comedy that isn’t so funny.
I’ll give you a hint… it’s on King.
I’m sorry, ONG KING.
As said in other reviews, bring your own personal goomba and sage stick and garlic lei because Chinatown is full of unsavory creatures at night.
Ample street parking is nearby so your risk of being asked to purchase non-​prescription oxycodone is decreased.
Wife and I are comedy show habitués and we have found that improv is the best form.
Interactive comedy is always a blast.
The last Saturday night of the month, Brew Ha Ha has a live performance at said venue.
For ten bucks you can have a front row seat to the best local comedy talent on O’ahu.
Wife and I go to San Francisco yearly, and the Chinatown there has fun shows where you go into some funky Chinatown building.
This place has the same vibe. You go up these narrow stairs and it opens up into a huge room with a stage. This place must have been a storage closet for recently Shanghai’d sailors back in the day.
There is a quaint bar at the comedy show that serves five dollar wine or beer. They even serve kava if that is your thing.
The show was stellar. Highlights were when the audience was asked to give the performers something innocent for them to make into pervy jokes.
The key word was «umbrella.» I’ll let you fill in the blanks so I can keep my Unilocal account.
By the way, 21 and over is the appropriate age for this scene.

Ong King is an authentic, true to life arts center. It’s not a multi-​million dollar facility catering to big pocketbooks, nor a bar with performances. It is an art center. With art. All sorts.
If you want to witness with your own two eyeballs the best First Friday performances in town, pay $ 10 and join the crowd at Ong King to watch a conglomeration of some of the best slam poetry, pole, dance, burlesque, aerial, drag, and music the island has to offer. A different theme every month with a new art installation, mural, and décor. And when I say décor? I’m not talking balloons and streamers. The space goes through a serious evolution so that when you walk into the doors you go «Whoa» and walk into the person in front of you because you’re staring at the ceiling. It’s going to to happen to you. Just wait.
Do you want to perform? Head out to their ongoing Sunday open mic nights for $ 1-​$ 5 (You choose). Doors and sign-​ups at 9, performances begin at 10. Performances are roughly around 10 minutes and range from «HOLY HELLS I’M SO GLAD I WAS HERE TO WITNESS THAT GLORY» to the occasional «I’m not going to make eye contact with anyone because if I do I might start laughing and be unable to stop». It’s a mixed bag and I love it. Interested in being featured on First Friday? Come down to an open mic and WOW the director with your out of this world abilities. You can literally do anything. They have drums, a piano, silks (aerial for only those with training please), etc. You can even prance around buck naked. I’m not saying you should, I’m saying you could. If you really really really wanted to. Like, if your life depended on it. Though everyone might suddenly have an urge to hit the lanai for a smoke though if you’re a beautiful female everyone might come back inside from the lanai and sit creepily close. It really depends.
Right.
Keep in mind they do not have a license for covers, so if you are singing you must perform original songs. However, if you would like to bring the, er, around $ 12,000 that will purchase such a license, you can Bruno Mars out till the cows come home.
They also have various classes and events such as improv and swing dancing, and if you want to rent the space out for your very own naked yoga class you can do so for a small fee.
What else. Ah yes, they have beverages for a donation. Water and juice and beer. And all you can drink kava for $ 5! If you don’t care for the earthy flavor you can add coconut milk and enjoy «dirt water with essence of coconut» instead of just «dirt water». Please donate as art centers don’t run themselves, folks. Hell, toss a $ 20 in the jar and bask in the afterglow of good karma. Mmm, karma…
«Wait, this seems like it’s in a sketchy part of town. Boohoohoo, I’ve grown up in privilege and am easily frightened of dark corners and equate the homeless with zombies.»
Get over yourself and go see some art. Seriously. I go there often. My family goes there often. My family includes my four children. Who range from medium to small. In fact, I have tromped over there from many a burlesque rehearsal across town, meaning I wandered alone through Chinatown looking a bit like a fancy yet but oddly enthusiastic whore, and I have, not once, been murdered. So you will be fine.
Go be artsy. Or support those who are being artsy. Or support those who like to support people who are artsy.
Do it.

It’s very living room in here with a big performance area that hosts everything from improv to burlesque to open mics. During the week you can take a variety of classes too! Don’t forget to say hi to Baley when you get your $ 5 all you can drink Kawa

Ong King Art Center is an awesome little place full of people with BIG talent. On a recent First Friday, my boyfriend and I decided to make a visit after getting dinner nearby. The place is a little hard to find, but if you look at the pictures and read the other reviews beforehand, it shouldn’t be too hard. It’s in a quieter section of Chinatown so it does seem a little sketchier at night, but once inside, you’ll completely forget where you are!
We paid $ 5 each to get inside and I expected a gallery walk because that is what the flyer I read said. However, don’t expect a gallery in the traditional sense. The Art Center is a one large room, with worn wooden floors and old chairs, it takes me back to a grandparent’s house or even my old dorm rooms lol. So at first, I felt a little out of place here because it wasn’t what I was expecting. It was only half an hour til the promised performances on the flyer so we ended up getting a cup of all you can drink kava ($ 5) and finding some chairs to hang out in til then.
Once it was time for the performances, the place got pretty packed. This is where things got good! The gallery really is a large, inviting space for the performing arts, rather than a gallery filled with paintings and photographs. Or at least, that is how it was when I went and it seems like that is how it usually is. All sorts of different performers showcased their talents: dancers, storytellers, singers, and everything in between. Each performance was unique too, not something everyone has seen or heard before, for example, Native American hoop dancing. Where else can you see that here?
The crowd that attends Ong King is diverse. There were a couple children, college students, post-​college looking folks, and older people as well. Of course, there was also a couple friendly dogs roaming around. It felt like a big, happy community that embraces and appreciates everyone’s talents.
The kava is $ 5 for all you can drink and the other beverages were by donation. They vary the entrance fee based on when you arrive. Before 8 is free, before 9 is $ 5 and so on. I would definitely go to another First Friday here, it was an awesome way to spend a First Friday that isn’t barhopping.

Great place to check out. Went on Sunday during my vacation the people were really down to earth, $ 5 unlimited kava was well worth it (coconut milk /​cocoa /​cinnamon combo was yum), the arts /​ambiance was really cool, and the talent was amazing. Actually loved a song about poop /​weed and I love neither lol.

It is off the path of the main strip in Chinatown Art district. Nice space with a variety of wonderful events supporting artist of all types in Hawaii. Love the cozy home feeling. Feel very welcomed and part of the family of regulars that go. A place worth checking out! SO many events held at Ong King. Events to please the many different people of the island! It is amazing the way the space is transformed artistically for various events!

Okay, so yes, I’m probably labeled as an «artsy» type, so Ong King is one of my favorite hang outs in Chinatown. Yes, it’s over by River and King, so it’s more of a skeezy area. No seriously. I was walking behind a couple who was coming from Hotel street and the girl was looking around every corner, clinging to her man. At one point she goes «Uh…are you sure that Ong King place is this way???» Poor thing looked like she was ready to run the opposite way, and I didn’t want her to miss out on an amazing experience, so I stepped in with a smile and walked with them the rest of the way.
The owner is Shain. Amazing emcee and performer, very friendly and witty on the mic. She keeps things rolling and peps up the energy in between acts. Just as iconic as she, is her trusty steed Bailey! She’s a big doggy, but super gentle and a tad skiddish, so you’ll see her always running around with everyone trying to pet her.
Noteworthy– every one of their themed First Friday events and their open mic on Sundays. Awesome array of talents come in and show their stuff!
First Fridays– AMAZING. Always an array of performers, from burlesque (I actually debuted my first solo burlesque number there as Marilyn Monroe! Thank you Shain!) to acrobats, to belly dancers, to musicians, to… well, you get the idea. You can see the performers from the Cherry Blossom Cabaret, Waikiki Acrobat Troupe, Taimane Gardner, and tons of other guests who always deliver. Bring your own booze or partake in what they have there, which the $ 5 all you can drink kava is a favorite. It’s fun stuff.
Open Mic Sundays– this is a little more laid back, and everyone who is anyone can sign up and perform whatever they want. We’ve had contemporary dance pieces to live tibetan horns, awesome poetry slams, and talented singers. It’s all original, no covers. A great way for people just starting out to have a stage and audience. Get there a little early to sign up– they usually start around 10.
Shain usually has fun things going on during the week as well (swing dancing on Tuesdays, movie night on Wednesdays, etc), so stop by regularly if you’re looking for something different. I fully appreciate her love and promotion of the arts, and the fact that she has professionals come in and perform, but she always saves Sundays for everyone to participate. Yay for Ong King!

I first visited this place to do a photoshoot gig for the Fringe Festival. My first impression of Ong King is that where its located in Chinatown is pretty shady so I recommend to bring your taser gun or pepper spray. Once I found this place though and entered the studio/​bar it was quiet comfy and cozy. With couches and armchair and nice lighting it reminded me of the atmosphere at Starbucks, but with a more eclectic note because of the many theater productions and art shows hosed here. Either way seating is limited so for those who don’t mind seating on the floor it is encouraged. The bar is a nice little set-​up with a few good drinks to get you toasted, prices aren’t bad. They range anywhere from $ 5 to 7. Also they served regular drinks like orange juice and soda’s for the kids and DD’s.

If you’re willing to brave Chinatown at night, this is one of the many gems you’ll find hidden there. This place pretty much encapsulates the whole Chinatown artsy nightlife scene. Ironically, it’s actually a ways off from the tract of bars and clubs that one would normally associate with Chinatown. That may be to Ong King’s advantage, as it truly is a shiny beacon in a wasteland of businesses shuttered up for the evening’s activities.
The venue is relatively spacious, with both indoor and outdoor areas to kick back, relax, and have a brew. For the artists out there, your eyes will be able to feast on the very unique interior design. I remember seeing a floating skeleton once. Up in the rafters. Hiding in the shadows. Very cool.
The first time I was here, it was for their weekly Open Mic, which occurs every Sunday. There’s no cover, although a donation of between $ 1 to $ 5 is appreciated. I lucked out, since I was treated to a performance worth much more than the $ 5 donation. It started off with an amazing ukulele player, then a drummer, then a violinist, then a dancer, then a poet. An amazing night. And no alcohol was drank that night!
Ong King is also available for private parties. A buddy held his birthday party here recently, and it was very cool. The ladies were beautiful and the men were stylish. Gangnam Style that is. Blazers and bow-​ties a plenty. And the dancing. Oh yes, did we Gangname Style the night away. Heeeeeeeeey, sexy lady!

I adore Ong King. It’s charm, the space, the awesome Shain (who runs the place, HNIC), the events they have during the month. Alladat.
It’s located right at the far outstretch of Chinatown near river but it’s worth the trek through the creeper crawler kamikaze roaches, the half-​sane, meth heads, and general bunch of Chinatown night wanderers.
But a warning if you are an L-​7 (‘square’, a super nerd actually called ME that, wth) you might not vibe with the regular hodge podge of individuals who frequent Ong King. It’s not for everybody, but everybody is welcome. Just bring positive vibes.
A buddy through a private event here through my recommendation because my former Event Coordinator/​Wedding Planner in me loves the venue. He seemed to have a great time and the attendees definitely have never been to a venue here in Hawaii like Ong King, responses were positive. But the funny part is I couldn’t picture some of them coming by for the great events that take place here regularly, haha.
I like how there are few reviews, I’m kind of afraid the secret being let out. But it’s all G. Release the Kraken.

creative vibe, positive space welcomes everyone.
art, sound & visual enlightenment.
a voice to be shared. beautiful.
aloha,
shegrooVes photography

Nice people, great FF show. They say at most places that open mic is supposed to be open to free speech, but this is by far the most authentic and adherent to that principle in art venues that I’ve been to in my time.
The owner even mentioned having a second job in her spare time to support keeping the place open. You know they’ve gotta be there for the love of the arts. It’s on the up and up and totally deserve it.

Came here a couple times as a spectator as well as an artist.
The first time I came here, I was setting up my photo showcase. The staff was very helpful and the space worked out perfectly. I set my photos up in that little room they have and the lighting worked great.
Last night I came here for a farewell party for my friend and it got pretty packed. It was also good because he was releasing his music video so they provided a screen for him.
They have $ 5 all you can drink kava, which isn’t really my kind of drink but hey, apparently it gets you all buss.
They could do with more air cons in here because it gets super hot.
A lot of people can’t find this place, it’s right across the street from APB. Definitely will come back, it is a great venue.
Unilocal 365 Challenge #14/​365

Although this venue encompasses your occasional (and by occasional, I mean quite a bit) pretentious snooty hipster know-​it-​alls and your Greenpeace zombies, the crowd at Ong King (on First Friday’s) has a genuinely feel-​good vibe.
I’ve only been thrice, but all three times were quite rewarding. The venue itself is cozily decorated by artists that contributed time and talent into making the place seem like a cute clubhouse. The place obviously doesn’t have a very big budget. But once you enter, there are couches, gold ornaments hanging from the ceiling, and on the main floor, there are big cute painted clouds and art done by various people all over the walls. Looks rather like a San Franciscan 20-​something-​year-​old AAU student’s living room or something. It’s very cute nonetheless.
Speaking only from First Friday experiences, $ 10 gets you into «the BIG show» as they have called it in all their flyers. They usually have a theme as well, wherein if you dress according to theme you get $ 2 off your cover charge.
No food. The only food I’ve seen there so far was one out of the three nights I’ve been and it was a just a gypsy woman selling overpriced raw foods. Seriously. Drink prices are at the discretion of the buyer as all drinks are «by donation», money of which keeps the place up and running. Said drinks consist of Pabst Blue Ribbon (for all you cool kids out there), Budweiser, and other beers that taste like piss if not drunk ice ice cold. This «by donation» policy does not include their Kava bar, but even that is only $ 5 for all-​you-​can-​drink kava. They provide coconut milk if you don’t like the taste of straight dirt. Should you decide to have a kava night, I suggest bringing sugar, or (I’m sorry, I forgot to relate to the hippie denomination) stevia/​RAWhoney/​xylitol packets. Kava in general really does… taste… like dirt…
This is, in fact, an «art center» so it wasn’t all too surprising that the main events consisted of shadow puppet storytelling, aerial acrobat dancers, and various types of musicians this past First Friday (December 2010’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party). Something new everytime. Don’t expect hoochie-​mamas or belligerent drunkards polluting the dance floor and the down-​to-​earth atmosphere. Everyone is generally really nice and open to strike up conversation especially in the back if you’re taking a smoke break, and you may even be asked to join in on a bowl for all you 420 frlendlies.
Definitely a place to look into for the open-​minded and bored souls on a First Friday.
PS: They have open mic every Sundays. No cover charge or $ 1 charge. Regardless, another reason to check it out.

There’s a split decision in my head about this «art gallery».
The pro’s: it’s BYOB on First Friday with a corkage fee of $ 1/​person without the corkaging by any OngKing staff, but that’s OK since a case of 20 beers is about $ 18 – 25 in Chinatown that normally sells for $ 3 – 4 per beer.
The Cons: toooooo many hippies here. Next time I’m at Sam’s Club i’m going to buy the 100-​pack of Speed Stick and pass it out at the next Ong King event. Since when is it fashionable to dress like the hobo’s in chinatown?