Cirque in Waikiki feels close and personal. Auana by Cirque du Soleil is a Hawai‘i-inspired show at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, mixing acrobatics, comedy, live music, and hula into one tight 1 hour 20 minute performance.

I especially like the Hawai‘i storytelling woven through everything—from legends to island themes. I also like that it’s family friendly and works well for couples who just want a great night out without overthinking it.

One thing to consider: the venue is small, so your seat location matters for sightlines and lighting.

Key things to know before you go

• Hawai‘i themes from folklore and island life drive the show’s story, not just random acts
• Hula and comedy sit right alongside aerial and acrobatics, so the pacing stays fun
• One show, about 1 hour 20 minutes means you can plan dinner and Waikiki time around it
• Mobile ticket keeps things simple at check-in
• Seat choice is real in a small theater, so aim for the best view range

Auana at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber: what you’re buying

Auana by Cirque du Soleil is a one-show ticket to a Hawai‘i-inspired production in Honolulu, made for audiences who want performance that feels both polished and playful. The setting is the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, which matters more than you’d think. In a hotel venue, the pre-show and post-show time tends to be smoother, and you can treat this like an easy anchor on a Waikiki evening.

Your ticket includes the show itself plus all fees and taxes. What it does not include is food and beverages, so plan on grabbing dinner either before or after you go in. The performance is about 1 hour 20 minutes, so it’s short enough for families and not so long that it becomes a “second job.”

One practical detail: your ticket is a mobile ticket, so keep your phone charged and ready. And if you’re bringing kids, there’s a clear rule—guests under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.

The show in one stop: how the 1 hour 20 minute performance flows

You’re going to one main stop: the Cirque du Soleil Auana performance. There aren’t museum rooms to move through, and you’re not waiting around for multiple segments of a tour day. The whole point is the pacing of the show, which is built like a fast-moving story.

The production takes you through Hawai‘i through a series of connected themes. It starts with island-myth energy and shifts into moments that feel like island legends made physical. Expect acts that change the rhythm often—music cues, comedy beats, then major physical feats—so you’re not stuck watching one style of performance for the whole night.

This is also a show with lots of variety. You get powerful acrobatics and aerial-style movement, but you also get live singing and musicianship. Hula dancers play a central role, not an optional side feature. The result is a performance where you can always re-focus quickly, even if you lose the thread for a few minutes.

Hawaiian themes you’ll spot right away: Maui, waves, and the tourist era

What makes Auana feel different from a generic “Cirque show” is the way it uses Hawaiian-inspired storytelling. The show draws on island folklore and recognizable island imagery—then turns those ideas into stage action.

You’ll see the spirit of Maui—the mischievous force tied to big island myth energy. You’ll also see the idea of Surfriders dancing upon the waves, translated into movement and stage effects that make the ocean feel like it’s in the room with you. And there’s a playful thread tied to the golden age of tourists—a fun way to connect the myths and the everyday reality of Hawai‘i as a place people come to experience.

The best part is how the show keeps the tone respectful while still being theatrical. It doesn’t feel like random “Hawaiian decor.” It feels like a performance trying to tell you something about Hawai‘i: the stories, the natural forces, and the people’s cultural expression.

Seating tips in a small theater: where to sit for the best view

Here’s the truth: in a small theater, there’s no such thing as a perfect seat for every moment. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a bad time. It means you should choose with a bit of strategy.

I’d think about three things: sightlines, stage coverage, and lighting. Since the venue is relatively intimate, the action can be close enough to feel intense. But closeness can be tricky if you sit in a spot where stage lights feel direct. One practical tip that comes up often: seats farther from the stage can give you a more complete picture of the full show, because you’re not constantly forced to tilt your head or miss parts of the set.

There’s also a specific seating suggestion worth taking seriously: seats in the 200s can be better than the 100s, because the farther angle helps you see more of the staging and different acts as they move around. If you want to watch the whole production like a single picture—music, comedy, hula, and acrobatics together—this tends to work better than focusing only on the nearest action.

My simple rule: if you hate missing parts of a stage picture, don’t pay for the closest view. If you love “right there” intensity and you’re fine adjusting your angle, closer can be thrilling.

What the reviews-led praise tells you: acrobatics, comedy, and hula together

Auana is the kind of show where the strongest moments tend to stack back-to-back. People rave about how fast the show keeps moving, with few dead spots. That matters. It means you’re not waiting for the show to get good—you’re usually already impressed early, then it keeps ratcheting up.

The most consistently praised elements are:

• High-risk acrobatics and stunts that feel athletic, not just decorative
• Live music and singing that keep the production feeling alive
• Hula dancers who bring culture and storytelling with real presence
• Comedy that breaks tension, so it doesn’t feel like a nonstop circus adrenaline blast
• A tight, professional feel, with a lot of polish in staging and sound

The show also uses crowd energy. You might get moments where performers interact with the audience, which is part of why the theater can feel electric. It’s not about gimmicks for the sake of it—more like the production wants you involved in the “shared night” feeling.

Sound is another practical win. People mention the audio being strong, which matters in a theater where you’ll likely hear live vocals clearly.

Production value you can feel: sets, music, and nonstop energy

Cirque du Soleil productions are often about more than the performers. Auana leans into that. You’ll see a high-tech production style—lighting cues and stage effects designed to make the story themes visible. The sets aren’t just scenery; they help transition between myth moments, island imagery, and the playful tourist-era vibe.

A key thing I’d call out: the show’s variety isn’t random. You get shifts between acrobatics, aerial-style movement, dance, and comedy in a way that keeps your attention intact. If you’re the type who gets bored in long shows, this short runtime and constant movement are a big advantage.

And because the theater feels small, you’re more likely to feel the intensity of the physical feats. That can make the stunts land harder than they would in a bigger arena.

Price and value: what makes the ticket feel worth it

You don’t get a menu card experience here. You get a ticket to a full production—category selected at booking, with fees and taxes included. Food and drinks cost extra, but the big value question is this: does the show deliver enough variety for the time and money?

From what’s clearly emphasized by the strongest feedback, the answer is yes for most people. The show is built to hit multiple tastes: dance and hula for cultural fans, acrobatics for action fans, comedy for people who want a lighter tone, and live music for anyone who likes a full performance package.

Also, it’s about convenience. Being at Waikiki and sitting down for one performance for about 1 hour 20 minutes makes it easier to fit into a trip schedule. You’re not committing a full evening of logistics. That alone can make the ticket feel like good use of your vacation time.

A smart Waikiki night plan: dinner, drinks, and show timing

Because food and beverages aren’t included, I treat Auana like a “show first, meal second” evening. If you eat before, you’ll walk in calmer. If you eat after, you’ll feel the night move forward while everything is still fresh.

Waikiki is full of options, so you have flexibility. Just keep in mind that you’ll want enough time to get settled in the venue without rushing. If you’re doing a restaurant, pick one that won’t force you to sprint.

One other practical note: a few audience members mention restrictions around recording, and that the venue offers photo options instead. I’d assume you might not be able to record freely. Even if you can, keep expectations reasonable and focus on enjoying the live performance.

Who should book Auana in Waikiki (and who might not)

Auana is a strong fit if you want:

• a Cirque du Soleil show without a long day attached
• a Hawai‘i-inspired performance that mixes myth, dance, and music
• a family-friendly evening with enough variety to keep different ages engaged
• a Waikiki activity that feels like “real entertainment” rather than just sightseeing

It may feel less ideal if:

• you’re very sensitive to bright stage lights and you plan to pick seats without thinking about sightlines
• you strongly prefer shows with a single theme or a slower pace (this one moves)
• you expect food and drinks to be included in the ticket cost

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

If you’re choosing just one show-style activity in Waikiki, Auana is worth serious consideration. It’s short, it’s high-energy, and it mixes acrobats, comedy, live music, and hula in a way that feels purposeful rather than patchwork. The theme is specifically tied to Hawai‘i, from Maui-style myth energy to waves and a nod to tourism history, so it doesn’t feel generic.

My booking advice is simple: pick your seats thoughtfully. If you want the full stage picture, consider going a bit farther back rather than the closest angle. Then build your evening around a relaxed dinner plan since food and beverages are not included.

If that sounds like your kind of night, book it.

FAQ

Where is Auana by Cirque du Soleil performed?

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

How long is the show?

The performance is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Do I need to arrange hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are food and beverages included with the ticket?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Will I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, this experience uses a mobile ticket.

What does the ticket price include?

Your ticket includes the Auana show (category selected at booking) plus all fees and taxes.

Is the show suitable for children?

Most travelers can participate. Guests aged under 18 must be accompanied by a person aged eighteen (18) years and above.

Can I get a refund or make changes if my plans change?

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