Pursuits: The Revival of Kailua Cinemas
A Kailua family breathes new life into the only independently owned first-run movie theater in Hawai‘i.
Jaymie and Josh Tyau weren’t looking to purchase a movie theater. But Josh, a structural engineer, and Jaymie, who recently got her private pilot’s license, came on the radar of the lawyer helping to sell Kailua Cinemas, the only independently owned first-run movie theater in Hawai‘i.
At the time, the Tyaus were helping their 17-year-old son, Nolan, run a kettle corn business at the Lōkahi Kailua Market. “That’s how he thought of us,” Jaymie says of the lawyer, with a laugh. “‘You’d be great as theater owners because you know how to make bomb kettle corn.’”
From a business standpoint, it didn’t make sense. The theater had been losing money for years. “This is a dreamer’s project. I was like, I don’t know if we’re this insane,” Jaymie says. “But apparently, we are.” They got the keys in September 2025.
The building was transformed in 2016 from a second-run dollar movie house to a first-run luxury theater, with red faux leather recliners. The chairs are still in good shape, but the Tyaus have spent many late nights cleaning screens, replacing projector bulbs, rewiring the sound system and fixing the leaking roof themselves.
“I think that there is going to be a resurgence in movies,” Josh says. Nationally, gross domestic theater revenue has been increasing to almost pre-COVID numbers, and with big players like Amazon MGM Studios committing to more theatrical releases, the Tyaus are hoping they can be profitable.
But beyond that, “It’s a cultural thing,” he says. “Actually, our first date was to the movies.” They went to see Adam Sandler in Click. “We’re hoping that we can keep a space like this alive and running so that you have something, you have a theater in your community. Otherwise …” Jaymie finishes his thought: “There’s not much left.”
So far, the Tyaus have been able to keep their prices low and their creativity blooming. Jaymie grins as she talks about plans for the theater, from cosmetic upgrades and more food offerings to a book club and a little gift shop stocked with things like socks and blankets. “I want all of O‘ahu just to realize we have something unique to offer,” she says. And yes, you can get kettle corn there, along with regular movie popcorn and other snacks.
The Tyaus also want the theater to be community-centric. In February, Kailua Music School premiered its students’ music videos on all four screens, and spaces are available to rent for family gatherings and dance parties. “We just get to serve this community we love,” Jaymie says. “I feel like it completes me.”
