One show can rewrite your idea of Hawaiian night out. Auana by Cirque du Soleil mixes hula dancers, comedy, and world-class acrobatics into a tight, story-driven performance set right in Waikiki. I love the small, close-up theatre feel, where the action lands near you, and I love the way the show threads Hawaiian stories with real performance craft. The main thing to consider is seating, because a front-row spot can mean blinding stage lights or missing bits of the choreography.

If you want a high-impact show that still feels local, this is a smart pick. It runs about 1 hour 20 minutes, uses a mobile ticket, and it’s designed for most visitors. The one practical drawback is that the venue is intimate, so you will want to think about where you sit before you lock in.

Quick hits before you go

• Hawaiʻi-inspired storyline: Maui, Surfriders, and the playful pull of islands and waves.
• A Cirque-style mix: acrobatics and aerial skills paired with musicians, singers, and comedy.
• Hula at the center: expect serious, skillful hula dancers as more than “background.”
• A small theatre advantage: closer views of stunts, movement, and expressions.
• Seat choice matters: some areas can reduce what you see or create glare.

Where you’ll see Auana in Waikiki

You’ll catch Auana at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu. That hotel address puts the show in the middle of Waikiki life, so it’s a convenient option when you want something special without hauling across the island.

The show is listed at about 1 hour 20 minutes, which is a helpful length for planning. It fits well between a dinner reservation and an evening walk. And since the ticket is a mobile ticket, you can keep your plans simple.

Your ticket, what’s included, and what to plan around

This experience includes a ticket to Auana in the category you select at booking, plus all fees and taxes. That’s the good kind of clarity, because you’re not guessing what’s still added at checkout.

What is not included is also clear:

• No hotel pickup or drop-off
• No food or beverages

So I treat this as an “art-first” event. Plan to eat either before you go or after. If you’re building your night around the show, I’d book dinner with enough buffer so you are not rushing through check-in and seating.

The show rhythm: what happens during 1 hour 20 minutes

Auana is built like a sequence of stories and performance styles. The show moves through Hawaiian themes using songs, “songs and stories and traditions of Hawaiʻi,” and it does it with a cast of acrobats, comedians, musicians and singers, and hula dancers.

Even if you don’t know the references, the show is easy to follow because the structure is performance-led:

1. You’ll start with a fantastical, otherworldly journey shaped by Hawaiian folklore.
2. The action layers in different styles, from high-risk physical feats to comedy beats.
3. Hula moments bring the story back to cultural expression and grounded movement.
4. Music and singing keep everything flowing, not chopped into separate “acts.”

The time moves fast. That’s not because the show rushes, it’s because the stage picture keeps changing. In a short evening window, that variety is exactly what you want.

Maui, Surfriders, and the way the stories get staged

The show’s Hawaiian references aren’t just decorative. They’re built into the narrative energy.

You’ll recognize key elements like:

• Maui, the mischievous figure tied to the islands and their creation.
• Surfriders, shown dancing on waves.
• A playful nod to the golden age of tourists drawn to Hawaiʻi’s beaches.

What I like about this approach for visitors is that it gives you multiple entry points. If you connect to folklore, you’ll enjoy the Maui thread. If you love ocean motion, the Surfriders imagery gives you a visual hook. And if you’re thinking like a tourist, the “golden age” theme mirrors the reality that people come to Hawaiʻi for the light, the water, and the feeling of escape.

The Cirque craft: acrobatics, aerials, and speed

Auana is absolutely a Cirque du Soleil-style production. The cast brings powerful acrobats and high-risk physical performance, with enough intensity that you’ll feel your eyes constantly tracking the stage.

From a practical perspective, this matters because it changes how you watch:

• You don’t just watch from one spot. Your gaze moves as the show changes scale.
• You’ll get more enjoyment if you accept that the best “moment” might happen when you least expect it.

I also appreciate that the physical feats are not only there for spectacle. The comedy and cultural segments help reset your attention, so the stunts feel like part of the story, not a nonstop endurance test for your neck.

Comedy and crowd energy that keeps it family-friendly

Auana is positioned as fun for all ages. The cast includes hilarious comedians, and the energy is playful rather than edgy.

If you’re bringing kids or doing a multi-generational night out, this matters. The show’s pacing includes laughter breaks, and the physical action plus music makes it easier for younger viewers to stay engaged.

One key rule to know: guests under 18 must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or older. So for families, make sure the responsible adult is included from the start.

Hula dancers and Hawaiian music as more than decoration

The most meaningful part for me is how the show treats hula as central, not as a quick intermission.

Auana includes profound hula dancers and pairs them with Hawaiian music and singing. That combination helps the cultural expression feel connected to what’s happening in the story and the staging.

If hula is something you already care about, you’ll likely notice the difference between “dance as filler” and “dance as storytelling.” It’s the kind of performance where you can watch body language, timing, and group coordination, not only overall shapes in the air or the big stunt moments.

Picking your seats in a small theatre

The theatre is small, which is a big part of why the show feels special. Close seats make the acrobatics look real, and they help you read performers’ faces and reactions.

But small theatres come with seat tradeoffs. People who end up in the wrong angle can find:

• Front-row positions can come with stage-light glare
• Certain areas may make you miss parts of the choreography because sightlines are tighter

A helpful, simple approach:

• If you can, aim for seats that are centered and not too far to one side.
• If your tickets are already assigned, arrive early enough to settle in and scan the stage so you can adjust your viewing focus.

The good news is that the reviews overall point to strong theatre experience. The not-so-good news is that even in great venues, lighting and angles can affect comfort, especially up close.

Mobile ticket and how to keep check-in stress low

Your ticket is a mobile ticket. That means less paper and fewer last-minute “where is the confirmation?” moments.

Because the show has a set start time, plan to:

• have your phone ready with the ticket display
• arrive with enough time to get seated without feeling rushed

No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll be responsible for getting yourself to the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel on time. If you’re pairing it with Waikiki dinner, build in a buffer for foot traffic and finding your way.

Value: why Auana can be worth it in Waikiki

Cirque du Soleil productions can be pricey, so value comes down to what you get for the time you spend.

For Auana, the value logic looks good:

• All fees and taxes are included in the ticket price structure you select.
• You get a full package of performance styles in about 1 hour 20 minutes: acrobatics, comedy, music, singing, and hula.
• The venue’s intimacy increases your return. In a big arena, you might watch tiny figures far away. Here, you tend to see details that make the craft feel more personal.

If you’re deciding between a general Waikiki show and a high-production performance, this one leans toward “you will remember this night.” It’s not just background entertainment.

Who should book Auana, and who might skip

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a high-energy show that feels distinctly Hawaiian
• like performances where physical skill and comedy are mixed together
• are traveling with mixed ages and want something accessible
• want an easy Waikiki evening plan without complicated logistics

I’d think twice if:

• you are very sensitive to bright stage lighting and glare (front-row angles can be an issue)
• you dislike venues where sightlines can vary with seat location
• you are only interested in one specific type of performance. Auana is intentionally a multi-style show.

FAQ

How long is Auana by Cirque du Soleil?

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where does Auana take place?

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

Do I need hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included, so you’ll need to get there on your own.

Is food included with the ticket?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Is there an age rule for children?

Yes. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or older.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

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

Should you book Auana in Waikiki?

Book it if you want a single, high-impact night that combines Cirque-level physical performance with Hawaiʻi-inspired storytelling, music, and hula. The show’s length is perfect for a vacation schedule, and the small theatre format tends to make you feel close to the action.

If you do book, put time into seat selection. You’ll enjoy it more when the view matches what the show is doing on stage, especially if you’re aiming for the most comfortable lighting and the best sightlines.