Cirque magic meets Hawaiian hula. I love how close-up the action feels, and I also really like the way the show mixes serious acrobatics with comedy, music, and hula so the energy never drops. The main thing to consider is seating, since a few seats can get bright stage lights right in your face.

This is a 1 hour 20 minutes live show at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in Honolulu, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. It’s the kind of performance where you want to pay attention to the details, because the story uses Hawaiian folklore moments to guide you through what you’re seeing.

If you’re traveling with kids, it’s generally an easy yes since it’s described as family-friendly. One important rule to know: if someone is under 18, they must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or older.

Key things I’d prioritize

• Intimate theater feel: the venue is small, so you’re not far from the performers
• Big Cirque-style risk: aerials, acrobatics, and stunts run back-to-back
• Hawaiian cultural storytelling: myth and island traditions tie the acts together
• Laughs + live music: comedians and musicians keep the pace moving
• Seat strategy matters: people recommend the 200s over 100s for a fuller view

Where Auana Lives at the Waikiki Beachcomber (And Why Intimacy Matters)

Auana happens at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, which is a big plus when you’re staying in Waikiki. You’re not commuting across the island to catch Cirque du Soleil. You’re basically building the show into your evening routine.

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes, so it’s a great fit when you still want time for dinner, beach time, or a short walk afterward. And since it uses a mobile ticket, your pre-show stress is lower than it used to be.

The biggest practical upside is the small venue. When people say it feels close to the action, they’re not exaggerating. Close seating changes your viewing, because you can catch body language, quick reactions, and the way performers hit marks without that distant “watching a dot” feeling.

What You’re Really Buying: Hawaiian Myth, Comedy, Music, and High-Risk Craft

Auana isn’t just a collection of cool tricks. It’s a Hawai‘i-inspired production where acrobats, comedians, musicians, singers, and hula dancers work as one unit. The result is a show that feels like it’s telling you something, even when the performers are doing something completely impossible.

I like the balance here. You get moments of jaw-dropping athleticism, then you get humor and music to reset your brain. That mix matters because Cirque-style shows can feel overwhelming if they’re nonstop intensity without relief.

The hula component is part of the core experience, not a background detail. Since Auana is built around Hawaiian themes and storytelling, the dance helps you understand the shape of the evening. It gives the choreography meaning, not just movement.

And yes, it’s funny. Multiple audience notes highlight the comedians and the lively feel, which is exactly what you want for an evening show in Waikiki.

The Maui, Surfriders, and Visitor-Era Story Beats to Watch

The story framework follows Hawaiian folklore and cultural images, and it’s built around specific recognizable themes. Early on, the show leans into the figure of Maui, described as the mischievous hero who pulls the islands from the ocean floor. Even if you don’t know the myth, the staging and symbolism make the arc easy to follow.

Then the show shifts attention toward Surfriders dancing upon the waves. This is where you’ll likely feel the show’s imagination most. You’re watching performers translate the look and rhythm of ocean movement into movement you can see from up close.

Later, Auana also references the Golden Age of tourists drawn to Hawai‘i’s pristine beaches. That’s a clever choice because it connects the mythology and nature themes to modern island imagination. It adds a layer that can make the show feel both magical and familiar.

If you like shows that have “beats” you can track, you’ll probably enjoy Auana’s pacing. The acts feel ordered, not random. You’re led through islands, legends, and the way people have been captivated by Hawai‘i.

Comedy and Live Music: The Pace That Keeps You Watching

One of the most consistent takeaways from people is that the show keeps going, and you don’t get bored. That’s a real deal for a 1 hour 20 minutes performance because you can’t afford long lulls.

The comedy and crowd energy act like the show’s braking system. When high-risk acrobatics raise your heart rate, comedy and musicians bring you back down just enough to stay present. It’s a smart rhythm.

Live music and singing are also key. Instead of background soundtrack, the music feels like part of the performance fabric. You’ll notice how the soundtrack supports transitions between styles, like moving from dance to aerial work and then into a story moment again.

There’s also crowd interaction. One guest specifically mentioned a performer joining the audience area, which tells me the show is designed to feel alive, not locked into a stage box. If you’re someone who likes being part of the experience, that matters.

Seating Strategy in a Small Theater: When 200s Win

Because the venue is small, you effectively trade off two things: being very close to action versus having perfect visibility of the full stage picture. People share clear seat advice, and it’s worth listening to it.

A strong recommendation is to choose seats in the 200s rather than the 100s, because you’ll miss less of the show. In a production with multiple simultaneous visual elements, “what you miss” can include the exact moment the story beat lands.

Another good tip: if you want the big picture, you may prefer seats that are slightly farther back. Multiple notes say getting seats farther from the stage helps you take it all in, which makes sense. It’s easier to follow the choreography and story when your eyes aren’t constantly scrambling between tiny details.

One drawback to flag: lights can be intense from certain positions. A review described a situation where lights were blinding from the second row on the left side, and the guest couldn’t change seats. It doesn’t sound like the norm, but it’s the kind of thing you only learn from experience. If you’re sensitive to bright lights, consider asking staff about lighting in your section before you commit, and aim for seats where you’re not directly in a beam.

The good news: many notes also say there are no bad seats and that sound quality is strong. So even if you end up not getting your ideal row, you’re still likely to have a solid view and excellent audio.

Ticket Value: What’s Included, What Isn’t, and What to Budget For

Your ticket includes admission to Auana, with the selected category at booking, plus all fees and taxes. That’s a simple win in travel budgeting because you avoid the usual guessing game about add-on charges.

What’s not included is food and beverages. If you plan to eat before or after, factor that into your budget. The show can be a perfect “evening anchor,” but it’s not a dinner package.

Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off listed. If you’re staying at the Beachcomber, that’s fine. If you’re elsewhere in Waikiki, plan on walking or using your own transport.

Because the show is about 1 hour 20 minutes, it’s also smart to budget a little extra time around it. You’ll want to settle in, find your section, and get comfortable before the first act. The intimate setting makes it feel like part of the performance, not something you rush through.

Who Auana Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Think Twice)

I think Auana works especially well for:

• Couples looking for a memorable show with variety, not just one style of performance
• Families who want a Cirque-like spectacle that’s described as family-friendly
• Solo travelers who like live music, comedy, and a clear storyline

Also, if you’re the type who enjoys seeing how artists combine disciplines, you’ll probably appreciate the way acrobatics and hula aren’t treated as separate worlds. They’re blended into one production.

Who might hesitate? If you’re very picky about seating angles and lighting, take the seat advice seriously. In a small theater, your view depends more on where you sit than in a huge arena.

If you’re also traveling with someone who is very noise-sensitive, know that the show is an active theater experience with strong audio. People specifically mention great sound, but that implies it’s designed to fill the room.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Night in Waikiki

Here are the small things that help you enjoy the show more, without turning it into homework.

Bring your mobile ticket and make sure your phone battery is healthy. You don’t want a last-minute scramble in a theater lobby.

Dress like you would for an indoor show in Waikiki, with a light layer if you run cold. You’ll be sitting for most of the 1 hour 20 minutes, and air-conditioned venues can feel chilly.

Check your comfort with recording. One audience member said video recording was not allowed, but photos were available for purchase. I would treat that as a heads-up, then follow whatever the theater staff says on arrival.

Finally, be ready for fast pacing. People highlight the show’s “back-to-back” action, meaning you’ll be watching continuously. If you like action with short transitions and constant momentum, this is a strong match.

Should You Book Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber?

If you’re deciding between a casual Waikiki evening and a true “event show,” I’d pick Auana. The mix of acrobatic intensity, live music and singing, and Hawaiian hula storytelling makes it more than a generic Cirque experience. It’s also easy to fit into your trip since it’s at the Beachcomber and runs about 1 hour 20 minutes.

I’d book it if you want:

• A high-quality stage show in Waikiki without complicated logistics
• A performance that balances laughs with jaw-dropping stunts
• A strong cultural theme delivered through dance and storytelling

I’d pause only if you’re very concerned about lighting and angle. In that case, put extra attention into seat selection, since visibility and brightness can vary.

And if you’re traveling with kids under 18, double-check the adult accompaniment rule at booking time. It matters.

FAQ

How long is Auana by Cirque du Soleil at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel?

The show lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where is the show located?

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

Is food or drinks included with the ticket?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

Do I need hotel pickup or drop-off?

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

Can children attend?

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

Is the ticket refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, and the amount paid will not be refunded if you cancel or request an amendment.