You’ll slip into a seat at Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel as Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana unfolds: acrobats soaring overhead, comedians cracking up locals and visitors alike, hula dancers moving with impossible grace. Expect stories from Hawaiian legends brought to life by international and local talent—and leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.
The first thing I noticed was the smell—sweet plumeria drifting in from somewhere outside the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel lobby. We’d barely found our seats for Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana before a hush fell over the crowd, broken by a ukulele riff and someone behind me whispering about Maui (the demigod, not the island). Our guide for the night—a local guy named Kimo—grinned and told us to keep an eye out for “the real magic.” I didn’t know what he meant until the lights went down and suddenly there were dancers swirling like ocean currents right in front of us. The whole place felt electric but soft at the same time, if that makes sense.
I kept thinking I knew what was coming next, but then there’d be this wild flip or a burst of laughter from one of the comedians (I’m pretty sure I snorted once when Li tried to teach me how to say ‘aloha’ properly during intermission). The acrobats made it look easy—one minute they’re flying through the air, next they’re pausing so you can catch your breath. There was this hula section that just… slowed everything down. You could hear the faint hum of people holding their breath. It’s weird how a show can make you feel both like a tourist and like you belong for a second.
By the end, when everyone stood up clapping (some folks even wiping away tears), I realized I’d forgotten about my phone for almost two hours. That doesn’t happen often these days. Walking out into the warm Waikiki night, Kimo waved goodbye and said something about “carrying aloha with you.” Maybe it sounds cheesy, but honestly? I still think about that view from my seat—the stage glowing blue, dancers shimmering like sunlight on water—and yeah, maybe I did carry some of it home.
The show takes place at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu.
The exact duration isn’t listed, but most Cirque du Soleil shows run around 90-120 minutes.
Yes, guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.
Yes, the show is wheelchair accessible.
Your ticket covers entry to ʻAuana in your selected category plus all taxes and fees.
No, infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap during the performance.
Your evening includes entry to Cirque du Soleil ʻAuana at Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in your chosen seating category; all taxes and fees are covered so you just bring yourself (and maybe someone to laugh with).
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