Hawaiian myths meet Cirque acrobatics. At Auana by Cirque du Soleil, you get a Hawai‘i-inspired stage show with an intimate feel right in Honolulu’s Waikiki. The setting is at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, and the whole experience is built around storytelling, music, and jaw-dropping physical talent.

I love how the show blends acrobats and aerial stunts with real comedic timing, so the energy stays fun even when things turn intense. I also love the way hula and Hawaiian music anchor the spectacle, giving it an emotional center instead of being pure flash.

One consideration: in a small theatre, your seat choice can affect your view, especially if you end up close to strong stage lights. If front-row glare bothers you, spend a minute studying your section and row before you lock it in.

Key highlights before you go

• Hawaiian folklore meets Cirque craft: You’ll see stories, characters, and legends turned into stage action you can follow fast.
• Hula is front and center: It’s not background culture. It’s part of the main performance rhythm.
• A full mix of performers: Comedians, musicians and singers, acrobats, and dancers all share the spotlight.
• Fast pacing, lots of variety: It keeps moving, so you’re not stuck watching the same style of act for long.
• Intimate theatre feel: The closeness is a big part of the appeal, for better and for lighting considerations.

Auana by Cirque du Soleil: Hawaiian storytelling with real stage electricity

Auana by Cirque du Soleil is built like a show that wants you to feel the islands, not just watch routines. The theme is Hawai‘i, pulled through both myth and everyday moments, using characters from Hawaiian folklore and the way people have historically dreamed about the islands.

From the start, the performance leans hard into momentum. You get a blend of high-risk acrobatics, music, singing, and comedy, with hula dancers guiding the emotional beats. That combination matters because it keeps the show from turning into one long stunt session. You’re laughing, reacting, and still getting a sense of story.

The show’s Hawaiian characters and images give it shape. You’ll see the mischievous Maui concept, and you’ll also get Surfrider-style energy, with dancing that feels like it’s riding waves. There’s even a segment that nods to the golden age of tourism, which adds a playful, self-aware layer to the overall theme.

Where you’ll see it in Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

This performance is only at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. That’s useful because it keeps everything straightforward: you’re in Waikiki, you can pair it with an evening walk, and you’re not juggling multiple transfers just to get to a venue.

The theatre is small, and that tends to be a huge part of why people love the show. When the space is tight, you feel closer to the performers, and the stunts land with more impact because you’re not watching from miles away.

There’s also a practical bonus to an easy Waikiki location: you can keep the rest of your day flexible. If your schedule shifts, the hotel-based venue makes it easier to adjust without rebuilding a whole itinerary.

What happens during the 1 hour 20 minute show

Plan on about 1 hour 20 minutes of performance time. The show is structured as a single continuous experience, so you shouldn’t expect long breaks or intervals that reset your attention.

The story thread moves through recognizable Hawaiian themes:

• Myth and character: Maui is part of the show’s early imagination, giving you a whimsical, larger-than-life start.
• Nature and motion: Surfrider-style moments bring the ocean energy into the choreography, with movement that feels like it has momentum of its own.
• A look at tourism’s romance: The segment about the golden age of tourists adds humor and perspective, like the show is aware of how visitors often see Hawai‘i.

Between those anchors, you’ll see comedy interludes, plus music and singing numbers. That balance is what makes the show work for mixed groups, from couples to families. Adults get the artistry and athleticism, and kids can still enjoy the jokes without needing background knowledge.

Crowd engagement is another piece to expect. The cast is active with the audience at certain moments, and that adds a little unpredictability to the evening. If you like being part of a live, high-energy room, you’ll probably enjoy this.

Seats, sound, and why your row can change everything

In a small theatre, your seat affects your relationship to the stage. People often say there are no bad seats, and that’s believable for a show where performers are constantly moving around and changing sightlines. Still, there are real differences in what you notice from different sections.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you want the big picture of the whole stage story, you’ll likely prefer seats a bit farther back.
• If you want that close up effect where you feel the effort in the stunts, you may prefer a closer view.

You can also run into lighting effects. One common heads-up from real seat experiences is that front rows can feel bright when stage lights hit directly from certain angles. If you’re sensitive to glare or you already know you dislike bright lights at concerts, choose with care and avoid being too close on an angle.

Sound is generally strong, and that’s key for a music-driven show. When audio is clear, the comedy lands better, the singing feels bigger, and the hula segments hit with more emotional weight.

Who should book Auana in Waikiki

This is a good fit for a wide range of people. It’s family-friendly in tone, and the performance style works across ages because it alternates between laughs, music, and physical feats.

Families tend to like it because the show keeps moving. It’s not a slow procession of acts that asks kids to sit through long stretches. Instead, it’s action, music, and story beats that reset attention frequently.

Couples also often love it because the production feels like a “once you see it” kind of night. You get high-level athleticism and entertainment value in a compact time window, without having to commit to a long, complicated evening plan.

Solo visitors can enjoy it too. The show is designed so you always have something to watch, whether you’re focused on acrobatics, choreography, or the performers’ comedic rhythm. And if you like live theatre with energy, an intimate Cirque-style room can be a great way to spend an evening in Waikiki.

Age note: if someone is under 18, they must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or above. That rule is straightforward, and it affects family planning.

Tickets, what’s included, and the real value

Your ticket includes admission to Auana by Cirque du Soleil in the category you select at booking, plus all fees and taxes. That is a real value point because it reduces the annoying pay-then-pay-again feeling that can happen with attractions.

What’s not included:

• Food and beverages
• Hotel pickup and drop off

Because meals are not included, I’d treat dinner as a separate Waikiki decision. Either eat earlier, or plan a light snack before the show and keep your full meal for afterward. The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes, so it’s easy to plan around it.

Since there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll need to get to the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel on your own. The upside is you avoid waiting around for a shared ride, and you can time your evening at your pace.

One last value point to consider: it’s non-refundable and cannot be changed. So, before you buy, double-check your show time and your day plan. If your Waikiki schedule is rock solid, the decision is easy.

How this show fits into your Waikiki day

Auana is a strong “anchor” event for an evening because it’s short enough to keep your night open, but big enough to feel like a highlight. Since it’s in Waikiki and at a hotel venue, you can pair it with an ocean walk, a late dessert stop, or simply an easy wind-down back in your neighborhood.

It’s also a smart choice if you want something indoor that still feels connected to Hawai‘i. The stories and hula bring the island theme directly into the performance, while the Cirque-style technique turns it into spectacle that reads well even if you don’t know the myths.

If you’re choosing between a show and a more casual night out, think about what you want your Waikiki memories to feel like. Auana is engineered for big moments, lots of action, and a high standard of live performance.

Should you book Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a professional, high-energy stage show with Hawaiian themes and a real mix of acts. The combination of hula, music, comedy, and Cirque acrobatics is the reason this works so well for different groups, and the intimate theatre feel is a big part of the appeal.

I’d hesitate only if one of these applies:

• You need an option with food or beverages included, because they’re not part of this ticket.
• You want hotel pickup, because you’ll be responsible for getting there.
• Bright stage lights or glare would really bother you, because seating can affect your comfort and view.

If you can handle those tradeoffs, Auana is a satisfying way to spend an evening in Waikiki: it’s short, it’s energetic, and it aims to tell Hawaiian stories through movement, music, and genuine performer skill.

FAQ

How long is Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel?

The show runs for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where does the show take place?

It’s held at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu, USA.

Is the ticket a mobile ticket?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket.

What’s included with the admission?

Your ticket includes admission to Auana by Cirque du Soleil in the category you select at booking, plus all fees and taxes.

Are food and beverages included?

No, food and beverages are not included.

Do I get hotel pickup or drop off?

No, hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

When will I receive confirmation?

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. Guests aged under 18 must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or above.

Can most people participate?

Most travelers can participate.

Is the ticket refundable or changeable?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.