This tiny theater packs a huge punch, and it proves you can do Cirque du Soleil right in Waikiki. I love the close-to-the-action staging and the way the show blends Hawaiian hula with high-risk acrobatics, comedy, and live music. One watch-out: your seat location can affect your view and even the glare of stage lights.

The performance runs about 1 hour 20 minutes, and it’s held at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Tickets are mobile, and most people can attend—just note that anyone under 18 must go with someone 18+.

Quick highlights

• Small Waikiki venue, big Cirque energy that feels personal rather than distant
• Hawaiʻi story themes you’ll recognize, including Maui and the Surfriders
• More than acrobatics: comedy, live singing and music, and hula in the same show
• Seat tip that matters: the 200s section is often recommended over the 100s for a fuller view
• Nonstop action pace with moments that keep pulling you from one act to the next

Auana by Cirque du Soleil at Waikiki Beachcomber: Why this show feels special in Hawaiʻi

If you’re staying in Waikiki, you already have the beach plan. Auana gives you an indoor plan that doesn’t feel like a generic “vacation show.” The whole concept is Hawaiian-inspired, with folklore-style storytelling and island performance traditions woven into Cirque-style spectacle.

The setting helps. This production is staged at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, and the theater is small enough that you’re not watching your entertainment through binoculars. You’re close. That changes the mood. When acrobats move near the stage and the music kicks in, it lands fast.

You also get a proper mix of talents: acrobats, comedians, musicians and singers, and hula dancers. That matters because it keeps the night from turning into one long stunt parade. It’s structured like a show with rhythm—laughs, music, movement, then another jaw-drop moment.

The 1 hour 20 minutes schedule: What happens once the lights go down

The whole experience is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes, and the show is built like a guided journey through Hawaiian songs, stories, and traditions. The pacing is packed, and the acts tend to flow back-to-back, so you rarely feel like you’re waiting for the next big thing.

Here’s the kind of story thread you should expect:

• You’ll see Maui-style legend energy, including the mischievous hero connected to pulling the islands from the ocean.
• You’ll also get scenes tied to Surfriders and that feeling of movement with the waves.
• There’s a section that nods to the golden age of tourists drawn to Hawaiʻi’s beaches—tourism as a cultural moment, not just a backdrop.

You don’t need to memorize mythology. The show’s job is to make the themes feel clear through performance—movement, music, humor, and choreography. If you like shows that tell you a story without talking to you the entire time, this format works.

Hula, comedy, music, and acrobatics: The mix that keeps the night fun

One of the most praised things about Auana is the variety. This is not “acrobats only,” and it’s not “hula only.” It’s a blend, and you can feel the intention behind it.

Hula dancers bring the heart and the storytelling tone. Even when the stunts get fast and technical, the hula keeps grounding the production in Hawaiʻi movement and expression.

Comedy adds a different kind of release. Several audience notes point to humor that works for families, not just for adults. It’s the kind of pacing that helps after a high-intensity act, when you want a quick reset.

Then you’ve got the musical side: singers and musicians onstage, with Hawaiian music driving the energy. People specifically call out the Hawaiian music and presentation as a major highlight. That’s a big deal because music is what makes the whole show feel like it belongs in Hawaiʻi, not just in a theme.

Finally, the acrobatics and aerial stunts are the “Cirque” ingredient. Expect high-risk, heart-thumping moments—this is where the show earns its reputation. The acts don’t feel sloppy or padded. They feel rehearsed and professional, with a steady flow of spectacle.

Seat strategy for the small theater: 100s vs 200s, plus glare and sightlines

In a smaller theater, your seat choice affects more than comfort. It affects what you catch.

Here’s the best practical tip from the strongest feedback: seats in the 200s are often recommended over the 100s. One reason is simple—people felt they could miss parts of what was happening if they sat too low or too close in the 100s area.

On the flip side, you’ll also see advice like this: try not to be so close that you spend the whole show craning your neck or focusing only on one side. The show moves across the stage and layers in music and dance. If you sit a bit farther back, you often get a cleaner view of the whole “picture.”

One caution from the less-perfect feedback: lights can be intense if you’re placed on the second row on the left side. If you’re light-sensitive, or you know you get bothered by stage glare, it’s worth avoiding those positions if you can.

Good news: people also say there are no truly bad seats in this theater. Just… a few seats are better for taking in the full performance design.

Sound quality and audience interaction: What to watch for during the show

Sound matters in a live performance, and Auana seems to get it right. Many comments highlight strong sound quality, which helps you catch the music, vocals, and comedic timing without fighting the room.

Audience interaction also shows up. There’s at least one noted moment where a performer called Poppy went on stage, and the crowd got pulled into the energy. That’s part of why this show can feel fun for families and groups—it’s not totally detached.

A practical note: filming can be limited. One audience member mentioned that you couldn’t get video recording and that photos were handled differently (they noted photos were sold). Don’t plan on recording the whole show. Bring your attention instead.

Timing in Waikiki: How to fit 1 hour 20 minutes into your day

With no hotel pickup or drop-off included, you’ll want to plan your own route and timing. In Waikiki, that’s usually straightforward: the challenge isn’t distance, it’s the “I’ll just stop for one more coffee” effect.

Plan to arrive early enough to get settled before the show starts. In a small theater, being late can feel extra noticeable. Also, since seating matters, you’ll want time to confirm you’re in the right spot and get comfortable before the first music cue.

One more planning point: food and beverages aren’t included. If you’re hungry, eat before you go, or at least budget for a snack after. Don’t count on finding an easy in-theatre meal unless your day plan already includes it.

Value and tickets: What’s included, what costs extra, and why categories can matter

Your ticket for Auana by Cirque du Soleil includes the show admission, plus all fees and taxes. That helps because you don’t get hit with surprise add-ons at checkout.

What you choose is the category (selected when you book). In this kind of show, category often equals seat location, and seat location is a real factor here. Since there are notes about the 200s being a better bet than the 100s, spending a bit more for a better view may pay off.

What’s not included:

• Food and beverages
• Hotel pickup and drop off

So the value equation is simple: the more you care about seeing the full performance clearly, the more seat category matters. If you’re happy with a close, action-forward view, you can still have a great time. If you want the “whole stage” experience, choose your category with care.

And one reality check: the ticket is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If your schedule can shift because of weather, health, or flight changes, you’ll want to lock it in only when you feel confident.

Who this show suits best (and who might want a different night)

Auana works especially well if:

• You want a high-quality night out in Waikiki that isn’t just dinner and a view.
• Your group includes mixed ages. People call it family friendly, and the pacing plus variety seems to land well across ages.
• You love physical performance. If acrobatics and aerial stunts are your thing, this show is built for you.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to bright stage lighting, especially if you know you dislike glare from certain angles.
• You’re expecting a long, talky cultural lecture. This is story-through-performance, not a classroom.

Also, if you’ve seen other Cirque shows before, Auana still has a strong local angle. It’s tailored to Hawaiʻi, with Hawaiian music and presentation woven through the acts rather than just used as background.

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

Yes—if you want a genuinely entertaining, performance-heavy night that’s easy to fit into a Waikiki stay. The near-universal praise for the show’s professionalism, variety, and energy makes it a strong pick for a “one big activity” night.

Before you click buy, do two things:

• Choose a seat category thoughtfully, especially if you’re trying to see the full stage picture (the 200s often get recommended).
• Plan your timing so you arrive with enough buffer, since there’s no pickup and there are no included meals to rescue you if you’re running late.

If you’re in Oʻahu and you want a show that feels made for Hawaiʻi while still delivering Cirque-level spectacle, Auana is the kind of ticket that earns its place on your itinerary.

FAQ

How long is Auana by Cirque du Soleil?

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.).

Where is the show located?

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

Is the ticket a mobile ticket?

Yes. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and beverages aren’t included with your admission.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

Can children attend?

Most people can attend, but guests under 18 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 years and above.

Are taxes and fees included in the ticket price?

Yes. The ticket includes all fees and taxes.

What if I need to cancel after booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, you won’t get a refund.