‘Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

This show feels like Waikiki in 80 minutes. Auana blends Cirque du Soleil-level acrobatics with Hawaiian storytelling, plus live music and hula. I like that it includes both big-action stunts and comedy that keeps the pace fun, not solemn. One thing to consider: the theater is intentionally close, so your seat choice can affect how bright the lights feel and how much of the staging you catch.

My other favorite part is how respectful the Hawaiian theme feels while still being playful. You’ll get myth and place-based storytelling (Maui pulling islands from the ocean floor, surfers dancing on the waves, and even the golden age of visitors). Still, this is a Cirque show first—so if you want a traditional performance with minimal “theatrics,” you might find the style a bit more theatrical than you expected.

Key points before you go

• A Hawaiian-theme Cirque production in one stop: plan your evening around a single, tightly timed show.
• Mobile ticket format: you’ll get confirmation at booking and use your phone for entry.
• Live mix of acrobatics, comedy, music, and hula: multiple art forms share the stage.
• Seat tips matter: picks in the 200s tend to give a fuller view than 100s, and very close seats can be bright.
• Family-friendly energy with crowd moments: expect an approachable show that still delivers serious skill.

What Auana Is: Cirque Craft With Hawaiian Story Beats

Auana by Cirque du Soleil is a Hawai‘i-inspired production built around Hawaiian culture, folklore, and the way people have long imagined and visited the islands. The key word is inspired. This isn’t a museum lesson. It’s a stage journey, with stories you can follow while you’re also watching the next stunt, the next laugh, and the next burst of music.

What you’ll feel, even if you don’t know the mythology ahead of time, is momentum. The show moves through characters and images drawn from island stories: Maui as the mischievous figure who pulls islands from the ocean floor, legendary surfers known for dancing on waves, and a nod to the golden era when Hawai‘i started pulling in worldwide attention. You get those “chapters” through performance style—movement, rhythm, and scene shifts—more than through narration.

And it’s not all high-wire intensity. One of the biggest strengths is the mix. You’ll see powerful acrobatics paired with hula dancers who bring a deep, grounded feel to the action. Add in live musicians and singers, plus comedians who keep the mood light, and the show stays entertaining even when the tempo pauses.

Your 1 Hour 20 Minute Show Plan at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber

This experience is essentially one concentrated event: you sit down, settle in, and watch Auana unfold at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu. The show time is about 1 hour 20 minutes. That matters because it’s an easy fit into a packed Waikiki day—no long transfer window, no multi-stop schedule, no “and then we wait.”

Here’s how the flow works in plain terms:

1. The show opens as a story-world of Hawai‘i—songs and stage imagery set the tone.
2. Action scenes build: fast transitions and athletic set pieces.
3. Comedy and crowd moments keep it human: you get breaks in intensity where the performers connect with the room.
4. Hula anchors key segments: it’s not just background. Dancers help carry meaning while the acrobatics keep escalating.
5. Music and singing drive the finale: you leave with a full-sensory feel—sound, motion, and that final “wow, it kept going” feeling.

There’s nothing complicated for you to manage besides picking your seats and being ready to enjoy a show that’s designed for close viewing.

Seats at Auana: Why the Theater Feels Small and How to Choose

A big part of why Auana gets such strong marks is that it’s built for intimacy. The venue is small in a good way: the action stays close, and the whole room feels connected to what’s happening on stage. That also means you should choose seats with your comfort and view in mind.

Here are the most useful seat lessons drawn from real-world experiences:

• 200s can be the better bet. More than one person recommended seats in the 200 section over 100s, with the warning that 100 seats can leave you missing parts of the show’s staging.
• Avoid very close seats if lights bother you. One account flagged that being too near the stage on the left side led to blinding lights. If you’re sensitive to bright stage lighting, you’ll want a seat that’s close enough to feel the action but not so close that you’re staring into lights.
• There are few truly “bad” seats, but view varies. Even with that confidence, practical advice is simple: if you can pick, aim for the section that gives you the full picture without glare.

My practical advice: when you book, treat seating like part of the experience. The difference between “I saw the show” and “I got the full show” often comes down to where your eyes can land during those quick transitions.

What You’ll See: Acrobats, Comedy, Live Music, and Hula

This is a multi-skill production. Cirque du Soleil’s signature moves are here—fast-paced physical storytelling, aerial and ground athleticism, and stunts with real risk. But the Hawaiian theme isn’t tacked on. It’s woven into the performance language through rhythm, dance, and the way scenes shift like folk tales.

Acrobats and aerial moments

You’ll see high-energy sequences where bodies move like choreography: controlled flips, dynamic throws, and gravity-defying work. The show is fast. If you blink, you’ll miss something. The good news is that the pace is part of the design, so you don’t feel like you’re waiting for one big moment.

Comedy that resets the mood

The comedians play an important role: they keep the show from turning into one long intensity run. The laughs also help the audience relax into the next physical set piece. If you like entertainment that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you’ll probably enjoy this tone balance.

Live musicians and singers

Music is doing heavy lifting here. It’s not only background. It cues scene changes and helps unify the show’s “chapters” around Hawaiian-inspired themes. Even if you can’t catch every lyrical detail, you’ll feel the structure.

Hula dancers with real presence

The hula segments are not just decorative. Hula dancers help anchor the storytelling and provide contrast to the athletic spectacle. That mix is one of the reasons the show earns the label as something special in Hawai‘i: you get performance styles that can feel very different—then you see how they work together.

Value Check: What’s Included in Your Ticket (and What Isn’t)

From a value standpoint, the ticket package is straightforward. Your admission includes a ticket to Auana in the category you choose at booking, plus all fees and taxes.

What’s not included:

• Food and beverages

That might sound minor, but it affects how you plan your evening. If you’re staying nearby, factor in a dinner stop before the show so you’re not hunting for snacks afterward. Once you’re seated, you’ll want to focus on what’s happening on stage.

Why this can still be good value

Cirque du Soleil shows aren’t casual. You’re paying for live performers, specialist skills, and a production that combines multiple disciplines. For many people, the value lands because the show doesn’t rely on one gimmick—it gives you athletics + dance + comedy + live music in one tight session. If you’re willing to spend one evening on a high-impact performance, Auana is a strong candidate.

Timing, Mobile Tickets, and Getting Comfortable

This one is easy to prepare for because it’s a single-event plan. You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket to enter. The practical takeaway: make sure your phone battery is healthy and your ticket is accessible.

About timing: the show is about 1 hour 20 minutes, so it won’t eat your entire night. That’s useful on O‘ahu, where you might also want to fit in beach time or dinner with your plan.

Comfort notes based on what people experienced:

• If you’re sensitive to stage lighting, seat location matters.
• The theater’s closeness is part of the charm, but it can feel intense if you’re right up against the action.

Age guidance

Most people can participate, and there’s a clear rule for minors: guests under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is Auana by Cirque du Soleil?

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where does the show take place?

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

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. The experience uses a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Is food or drinks included with the ticket?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Is the show appropriate for children?

Most people can participate, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+.

Can I cancel or change my ticket?

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

Should You Book Auana by Cirque du Soleil in Waikiki?

If you want one high-energy evening in Waikiki that feels distinctly Hawai‘i-inspired without being a slow, ceremonial format, I’d book it. The strongest reason is the blend: serious acrobatics, hula presence, live music, and comedy all in one show, timed to keep you watching.

You should think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to stage lighting (seat location can matter).
• You’re the type who wants only traditional dance with minimal theatrical performance style.

My final booking tip is seat-focused. When the theater is intimate, your view is part of the magic. If you can choose, aim for the section that tends to give the fullest view, and avoid the “too close with glare” scenario. Do that, and you’ll get a show that’s hard to forget—80 minutes of movement, rhythm, and Hawaiian stories told with Cirque-level craft.