Canada's Cirque du Soleil Opens First-Ever Hawai‘i Resident Show in Waikiki

Blending Polynesian culture, history and fantasy intimate new show brings the spirit of Aloha to audiences from around the world.

Inspired by the islands' rich history, Cirque du Soleil has transported its groundbreaking style of storytelling and acrobatics to the new OUTRIGGER Theatre at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.

Blending Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistry with Hawai‘i’s deep-rooted storytelling traditions, ‘Auana transports audiences into a breathtaking world blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. The show celebrates Hawaiian heritage through a mix of world-class acrobatics, comedic flair, traditional hula, and captivating live music.

Presented in eight immersive chapters, ‘Auana’s narrative unfolds through a series of high energy performances. The journey begins with a dynamic aerial interpretation of the Polynesian migration to Hawai‘i, featuring acrobats soaring through the air on voyaging swings. From there, audiences are transported to the golden age of tourism, where a duo of foot jugglers perform gravity-defying feats using only their legs and feet. Other segments honour Hina, goddess of the moon, and a stunning roller-skating performance depicting the legend of Naupaka.

"It is my hope that our audiences will be transported into a world where stories can live unconstrained by reality, honouring the land and the people of Hawai'i," said Neil Dorward, 'Auana Show Director.

Further acts pay tribute to the birthplace of surfing with a thrilling Rola Bola (a balance board on a roller) performance and bring to life the story of O‘ahu chiefess Māmala through a heart thumping combination of acrobatics, dance, and water choreography. An artistic sand painter highlights the spiritual connection between Hawaiians and their land before the show concludes with the edge of your seat Wheel of Life act, representing the mythical origins of fire.

“Our collective—as a group of artists, designers, and cultural creatives—has brought a fantastical and otherworldly journey to life through the songs, stories, and traditions of our Hawai‘i,” said Aaron J. Salā, Creative Cultural Producer. “For so long, we have held ‘Auana close to the chest, and we are thrilled to share this project with Hawai‘i and beyond thanks to the grandeur of Cirque du Soleil.”

The intimate, custom-designed OUTRIGGER Theatre, seating 784 guests, provides an ideal setting for this one-of-a-kind production. The curved theatre consists of a lower and upper bowl design with a walkway separating the two halves. This feature allows performers to thrill audiences by bringing the action to almost with arms reach as they use the walkway and the space above it as a second stage.

Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil, a global leader in live entertainment, has shared its stories with more than 400 million people in 86 countries on 6 continents. The Canadian company now employs over 4000 people, including 1200 artists from 80 nations.

The new 'Auana production joins celebrated resident shows in Las Vegas, Orlando and beyond.

-Lisa Naccarato

All photos courtesy Cirque du Soleil