On the Big Island with the family and want an interactive entertainment experience everyone will enjoy? Or are you just looking to kill a few hours? We've got you covered.

“The Great 4-D Movie Ride,” Hawaii’s first 4-D movie theater, recently opened in The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. The 24-seat theater is more intimate in size than your average multiplex. But with a 19-foot widescreen, high-definition picture quality and surround sound system, the movie-going experience is anything but small.

The 4-D part? That comes from some pretty impressive in-theater effects, including pressurized air jets, water sprayers and moving seats, which are synched with the action onscreen. Don’t worry; you won’t be deluged with water during your movie, just a light misting. Theater officials insist the effects aren’t intense, but should create a “multi-sensory experience” for the audience.

The theater is currently screening five films. Showtimes are tentative, but during the day expect more kid-friendly fare like SpongeBob Squarepants: The 4-D Ride and Time Riders. Other films include science-fiction romp Stargate SG-3000, Alien Safari and National Geographic: Sea Monsters 4D–A Prehistoric Adventure.

Now if the Great 4-D Movie Ride could get some Hawaii-filmed or -themed 4-D flicks for the new theater, too, all would be perfect in our world. As soon as it does, we'll let you know.

Tickets are $5 for shows between noon and 5 p.m. Shows after 5 p.m. are $7.

For more information or movie showtimes call (786) 320-8884. We realize 786 is not a Hawaii area code, but trust us, the number will connect you directly to the theater.

See you at the movies!




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