EHCC features regular art exhibitions with free or suggested donation entry to the general public.

Founded by an umbrella group of local arts organizations, the Center is housed in a historic former police station facing Kalakaua Park.

The building was listed as site 79000752 on the National Register of Historic Places on September 4, 1979.

The area had been used for civic buildings since about 1817, with the park across the street created by King David Kalākaua in 1877.

The East Hawaii Cultural Council was founded in 1967, and leased the building which was planned for demolition.